Recontextualisation
What is Recontextualisation?
‘Re-context-ualisation’ is a description of any formal process whereby something is placed in a new context, thereby receiving renewed meaning and plausibility.
As such, Recontextualisation occurs frequently and is happening all around us.
Recontextualisation and Catholic Identity
The research presented by Pollefeyt and Bouwens (2012, Leuven University) assert that the preferred theological option for Catholic schools is that of recontextualisation.
Recontextualisation tries to re-interpret the Catholic faith in a contemporary cultural context.
By the faith engaging with culture, it transforms itself, giving it a new plausibility, new meaning for people of today.
Recontextualisation involves finding ways to reimagine a symbolic understanding of the wisdom of the Catholic tradition, and reimagine it in a way that invites dialogue with a broader pluralised, detraditionalised cultural context.
A creative expression of recontextualising Catholic Identity must be Catholic and where a Catholic perspective should be a prominent element. It also acknowledges and interacts with a contemporary context, providing multiple layers of meaning. Often, a particular hermeneutic or framework of understanding helps an audience to interpret some levels of meaning an individual or for a community.
Recontextualisation is purposefully looking for a renewed Catholic identity that is meaningful within the current pluralistic culture. It tries to understand the Catholic faith re-interpreted in a contemporary cultural context to ensure that the faith remains recognisable, credible and meaningful for contemporary people.
We can enhance our connection by ongoing reflection which facilitates contemporary cultural context and recontextualised viewpoints.
There is a shared language and common understanding around Catholic Identity and culture in our schools that nurtures authentic expressions of Catholic Identity through recontextualisation..
Examples of Recontextualisation
Context
Throughout our Archdiocese and Australia we have many examples of recontextualisation. In this section you can view some good examples of recontextualisation suitable for our Australian context.
Our BCE Religious Education Curriculum P-12 invites us to ensure that…
From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. The inspiration of Jesus must be translated from the ideal into the real. The Gospel spirit should be evident in a Christian way of thought and life which permeates all facets of the educational climate. (n.25)
Recontextualisation in the Arts
Artistic Expression through Visual Art, Dance, Drama, Media Arts or Music provides schools with a unique platform from which to express a recontextualised Catholic Identity.
Recontextualising artists find ways to reimagine a symbolic understanding of the wisdom of the Catholic tradition and reimagine it in a way that invites dialogue with a broader pluralised and detraditionlised cultural dynamic.
Examples in Visual Art
The following websites provide examples of recontextualising art:
The following links provide access to images and media to assist in stimulating discussion around Catholic Identity.
Examples in Music
The links provided here were created within a contemporary context and invite recontextualisation into a Catholic perspective.
Recontextualisation in Prayer
These prayer examples provide possible ways to frame prayer which invite participants into a recontextualisation of a Catholic perspective.
Liturgy as the official prayer of the Church and is always celebrated within the liturgical framework. However, elements of the liturgy can be appropriately recontextualised to enhance the full conscious and active participation of the assembly.
Examples in Prayer
Further Links
There are many resources online which support the development of recontextualising Catholic Identity. The links below are just a sample of resource portals which may support your understanding of recontextualisation.