Reading ‘blackface’: A (narrative) introduction to Richard Kearney’s notion of carnal hermeneutics
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies. 2016;72(3):e1-e9 DOI 10.4102/hts.v72i3.3122
Journal Title: HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies
ISSN: 0259-9422 (Print); 2072-8050 (Online)
Publisher: AOSIS
Society/Institution: Reformed Theological College of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa, at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria, Pretoria (South Africa)
LCC Subject Category: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: The Bible | Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Practical Theology
Country of publisher: South Africa
Language of fulltext: Afrikaans, English, Dutch; Flemish
Full-text formats available: PDF, HTML, ePUB, XML
AUTHORS
Helgard Pretorius
(Faculty of Theology, Vrije Universiteit, the Netherlands; Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
EDITORIAL INFORMATION
Time From Submission to Publication: 15 weeks
Abstract | Full Text
Prominent Irish philosopher Richard Kearney’s notion of ‘carnal hermeneutics’ is introduced by applying it to a case study of a recent event that took place at one of South Africa’s university campuses. The narrative assists in illuminating some of the core principles of carnal hermeneutics and illustrates the applicability of carnal hermeneutics as a ‘diagnostic caring for lived existence’. In the process, an analysis is also given of the event in question, which is connected to what has widely been labelled as ‘blackface’. In conclusion, the contextual, philosophical, ethical, and theological implications of carnal hermeneutics are explored with an eye on theological praxes in South Africa today. Keywords: Carnal Hermeneutics; Hermeneutics; Flesh; Body; Richard Kearney; Merleau-Ponty; Ricoeur; Blackface