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A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’
Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613987058745344 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Du Plessis, Petrus Johannes |
| author2 | Forster, Dion Angus |
| author_browse | Du Plessis, Petrus Johannes Forster, Dion Angus |
| author_facet | Forster, Dion Angus Du Plessis, Petrus Johannes |
| author_sort | Du Plessis, Petrus Johannes |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description |
Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132184 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:44:52.037Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132184 A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ Du Plessis, Petrus Johannes Forster, Dion Angus Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systemic Theology and Ecclesiology. Loneliness -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Theology, Practical Solitude UCTD Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. du Plessis, P. J. 2025. A Hermeneutical-Theological Study of Loneliness in Conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 And ‘Lost in Translation’. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/a4de4cb2-8b06-4102-ac67-6d6ddb5350c9 ENGLISH SUMMARY: This research explores loneliness and alienation through a theological lens, specifically examining Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) alongside Sofia Coppola's film Lost in Translation (2003). In a world increasingly marked by disconnection and isolation, the study examines loneliness not only as a sociological issue but as a deeply human experience. Drawing upon African relational theology, particularly the concept of ubuntu ("I am because we are"), this research positions loneliness as a key aspect of the human experience, with significant implications for understanding personhood, community, and pastoral care. The primary research question investigates what theological insights on loneliness can be revealed by engaging in a bidirectional hermeneutic between the biblical narrative and Lost in Translation. Jesus' isolation, using the Gethsemane account as a key instance, serves as a focal point for understanding loneliness. Secondary research questions delve into contemporary causes of loneliness, the effects on mental health, physical health and societal health. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from biblical exegesis, film theory, and sociological research on loneliness. Through examining Jesus’ humanity and vulnerability, it challenges the tendency to overlook or over spiritualise his experiences of suffering and rejection. This approach highlights how loneliness is more than an ailment to be fixed, instead functioning as a signal, akin to hunger or thirst, that prompts individuals toward vulnerability and so meaningful connection. Lost in Translation serves as a contemporary hermeneutical lens, mirroring the existential and relational dimensions of loneliness within secular contexts, thus expanding understanding of the ways in which loneliness is caused and its effects. This thesis suggests practical implications for pastoral care and proposes that loneliness can lead to spiritual growth and communal transformation when embraced thoughtfully. This research contributes to theological discourse by reframing loneliness as a transformative experience that invites vulnerability, and so deeper connection. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar. Masters 2025-05-29T07:56:57Z 2025-05-29T07:56:57Z 2025-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132184 Stellenbosch University 130 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Loneliness -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Theology, Practical Solitude UCTD Du Plessis, Petrus Johannes A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ |
| title | A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ |
| title_full | A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ |
| title_fullStr | A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ |
| title_short | A Hermeneutical-theological study of loneliness in conversation with Matthew 26:36 -46 and ‘lost in translation’ |
| title_sort | hermeneutical theological study of loneliness in conversation with matthew 26 36 46 and lost in translation |
| topic | Loneliness -- Religious aspects -- Christianity Theology, Practical Solitude UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132184 |
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