Religious language and communication : 'logos' and integrationism

Abstract

The orthodox view of language and communication has for a long time adopted theories of a ‘fixed code’ and ‘telementation’ respectively, serving as foundations for centuries of beliefs and policies in many aspects of society. The same theories have also served as foundations in the Christian religion, as can be seen in some of the first-century canonical Christian texts.

This dissertation looks at ‘religious language’ and ‘communication’ by relooking the ‘Logos’ concept from an integrational perspective. The dissertation first looks at the traditional exposition of the ‘Logos’ concept with a discussion of two important representative figures – Justin Martyr and John Calvin. The twin theories (fixed code and telementation) are observed to be operative behind these theologians. On the basis of integrational theory, a proposal of reading the ‘Logos’ concept is offered, which leads to the conclusion that there is no ‘fixed’ or ‘standard’ meaning of the ‘Logos’ concept. For each individual reader/hearer has a different experience from the other, and from every of his/her previous experiences with the ‘same’ event, in the here and now as he/she is influenced by the ‘past’, and with anticipation of the future, as he/she is governed by the biomechanical, macrosocial and circumstantial conditions. This has implications for biblical interpretation, the concept of the Canon of Scriptures, and the relations between the individual members and the community to which they belong.