ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

Khōra table: An attempt at a vulnerable Time-Play-Space for a local practical theological voice seeking global harmonies and offering prophetic discord

 

 

Johann-Albrecht Meylahn

Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

This paper sought to investigate a possible grammar for a practical theological voice. The paper begins by reflecting on the different grammars currently dominating the voice of theology in South Africa and seeking a way beyond such dominating grammars towards a more playful grammar that is acutely aware of the incompletion and thus vulnerability of the play as there are unheard voices still to join it. In an attempt to interpret such a space I have made use of Derrida's understanding and use of Khōra and brought to this interpretation a specifically Second Testament and kingdom image of the table. The 'table' is a place of invitation, celebration, sharing, hospitality and expectation. By bringing these two together, Khōra and table, I sought to describe the space of practical theology, as an open vulnerable grammar, that gives voice to a local theology, which seeks global harmonies and offers prophetic discord in the global dialogue.

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Correspondence:
Johann-Albrecht Meylahn
PO Box 14885
Lyttelton 0140
South Africa
Email: jmeylahn@lantic.net

Received: 12 Jan. 2011
Accepted: 04 May 2011
Published: 02 Aug. 2011