The ritual expression of anger

Professor Cas Wepener in the Department of Practical Theology has done research on the theme of ritual and religion, and justice and reconciliation in the South African context for more than a decade and sees these expressions of anger and rage as part of the ongoing journey towards national reconciliation.

In his research, both theological and cultural anthropological notions are combined with extensive qualitative ethnographic research in order better to understand the actual performed ritual expressions in their multiple contexts. It is clear that South Africa is in a different phase now, as a country, from where it was in 1994, during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, or even just as recently as five years ago.

With this unique new context in mind, Professor Wepener published in 2015 an article on anger in the South African context, entitled ‘Bliksem!’ / Damn it!: ritual-liturgical appreciation of a deadly sin’ and a book in both English and Afrikaans, entitled Boiling point! A faithful reaction of a disillusioned nation. Wepener argues that however dangerous these expressions of anger potentially are, they are also signs that as a nation we care. As a practical theologian he explores creative ways in which faith communities can embrace anger as an emotion and thereby assist on the road towards reconciliation.

He is currently working on an edited volume with three international scholars on the theme of religious rituals and social capital in poor communities in South Africa, entitled Bread and Wine and Kentucky Fried Chicken. A ritual lens on social capital formation in South Africa. In November 2015 he delivered his inaugural lecture as Professor and Head of Department, entitled “The Department of Faith Practices at the University of Pretoria. A Spacious House Accommodating a Postcolonial African Pneumapraxis where an Academic Spirituality of Liminality is fostered”.

He has received a visiting scholarship to Princeton University where he will continue his research on the ritual expression of anger.