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Towards a Biblical Theology of Gutpela Sindaun in the Kamea Context

<p> In this dissertation I matched <i>gutpela sindaun</i>, the &lsquo;highest value&rsquo; in Melanesia, represented by the cognitive schema of Kamea people through their brand, with the Biblical schema of <i> shalom</i>. The purpose of my dissertation was to show how a Kamea understanding of <i>gutpela sindaun</i> enables them to appreciate Biblical <i> shalom</i>. </p><p> I used cognitive studies as it pertains to valuing a perspective of human wellbeing which is all about <i>gutpela sindaun</i>. I did a literature search to understand the schema of <i>gutpela sindaun</i> from a Melanesian perspective. This relates to a scriptural presentation of <i> shalom</i> using the analogy of a tree, which I call Shalom Tree. Understanding &lsquo;human wellbeing&rsquo; from the Melanesian world and the Hebraic world helped me to enter the Kamea world to identify their brand of <i>gutpela sindaun</i> (which is yapmea awarmangardi) and helped them make adjustments only as the Biblical input challenges their understanding. </p><p> Using ethnographic methods, I had my participants discuss their experiences and then used that to derive their cognitive schema which, in turn, reveals their &ldquo;understanding&rdquo; about what they had to know in order to manifest/experience <i>gutpela sindaun</i> appropriate to their cultural expectations. Applying Grounded Theory in my data analysis, assisted me to present their brand of <i>gutpela sindaun</i> through the analogy of the Kamea creation tree, which I called the <i>Haogka</i> Code Tree. </p><p> Guided by the principles of Cognitive Theory, I then assisted I my participants to match <i>shalom</i> tree, what God&rsquo;s view is of <i> shalom</i> (intent) with the <i>haogka</i> code tree, how they understand <i>gutpela sindaun</i> in light their understanding of <i> shalom</i> (inferences). What emerges from this exercise is their development of a hybrid schema, a new hybrid tree which I called the Kamea <i>Kristen </i> Tree. </p><p> I have done this dissertation from a methodological perspective that helps me understand the cognition of the Kamea group of people in respect to this topic. I am developing a methodology of helping Kamea people develop their own theology. This methodology can be used for other people groups in Melanesia to research Christian truths dynamically informed by cultural insights. </p><p>

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10814660
Date31 May 2018
CreatorsKaise, Unia
PublisherFuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies
Source SetsProQuest.com
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typethesis

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