In search of wholeness ; methodological considerations

1. In searchof wholeness; methodologicalconsiderations Auli Vähäkangas

2. Uzima • In many Tanzanian ethnic societies an adult is described as mtu mzima, a whole person. • This wholeness, uzima, refers not only to age; wider concept than ‘wholeness.’ • Can be translated as vitality, adulthood, completeness, energy, existence, maturity, and perfection.

3. Healing: restoration to wholeness • Healing is an important part of life in Africa. • Not limited only to physical health - a central element is restoration of whole life including spiritual needs and restoration of broken relationships.

4. Three cultural categories influence identity construction and search of wholeneness • Three cultural categories influence the life of Christians: • kienyeji=traditional • kikristo=missionary Christianity • kisasa=modern influences

5. Pastoral anthropology/ A. Shorter 1973 • Pastoral anthropology is the application of anthropology to pastoral needs and programmes. • Deals with practical problems of Christians in Africa • Deals with the present and the future.

6. Pastoral care and counselling in Africa - contextual pastoral anthropology (Louw 2000) • Within African context personality refers to dynamic power and vital energy which allow the person to come into contact with the ancestors, God and the society.

7. Frans Wijsen (2005): bridging theology in the West and the Rest of the World • Wijsen’s model: practical-theological spiral • Focus not on ideas (beliefs) but on the dialectical relation between cognitive structures (such as cultural symbolism) and social structures (e.g., power relations).

8. Four stages of pastoral spiral/Wijsen 1. Stage: Acquire knowledge about the practice under investigation 2. Stage: Gain insights into the observed practice (social analysis, symbolism) 3. Stage: Evaluation of the practice - theological reflection 4. Stage: Pastoral planning - action research