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In search of wholeness ; methodological considerations

Explore the concept of wholeness in Tanzanian societies and its influence on healing, identity, and spiritual needs. Learn about pastoral anthropology, pastoral care, and cultural influences on Christian life in Africa. Study Wijsen's model of practical theology and the stages of the pastoral spiral.

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In search of wholeness ; methodological considerations

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  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

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