Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

168relative.” 460Therefore, the truths attributed to an absolute being can bereinterpreted, pointing to new understanding, whilst maintaining the essence ofthe truth in question.For the one who regards themselves from the perspective of a finitehistorical being it is this appeal to such an historic theologically-derived traditionthat allows dialogue with one’s presently-held beliefs and behaviours. Thehistoric perspective provides the lens through which we experience the integraland dynamic interplay of human relationships, as well as “the natural givennessof our existence and of our world.” 461Gadamer maintains that this interplay or dialogue is predicated upon thedevelopment of a language compatible to both the historic and contemporaryperspectives which can challenge and alter these perspectives. 462 He refers to thisas the merging of historic and present horizons to produce a new horizon thatpoints to new understanding, a higher universality, based on appropriate historicconsciousness that supersedes our own previously-held understandings oftruth. 463 Such new understandings can serve the purpose of positive change interms of how the present context is to be regarded.With truth being predicated upon constant changes to present-day sociopoliticaland personal realities, which of themselves prompt fresh theological andpastoral reflection and interpretations, there is a need to keep revising andreinterpreting the understanding of truth to keep it as relevant as possible. AsSegundo states in reference to the interplay between biblical and present-day‘horizons’,... the continuing change in our interpretation of the Bible ... isdictated by the continuing changes in our present-day reality, bothindividual and societal ... And the circular motion of thisinterpretation stems from the fact that each new reality obliges usto interpret the word of God afresh, to change reality accordingly,and then go back and reinterpret the word of God again, and soon. 464460 Weinsheimer, Joel. Gadamer's Hermeneutics: A Reading of Truth and Method. (NewHaven: Yale University Press, 1985), 155.461 Gadamer, Truth and Method, xiv.462 Weinsheimer, Gadamer's Hermeneutics, 211-212.463 Gadamer, Truth and Method, 272-274.464 Segundo, The Liberation of Theology, 8.