Matanzonga, Bienvenu (2017) Salvation as Renewed Creation: Psychological and Theological Reconciliation in (Eastern) Congo. Licentiate thesis, Santa Clara University Berkeley, California.
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Abstract
Since its inception in the 19th century, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered many historical forms of pathological violence and war-related trauma. This violence has its basis in slavery, colonization, brutal dictatorships, massive corruption, neo-colonization, and ongoing war. The violence has impacted the Congolese people on the sociopolitical, religio-cultural, and psychological levels. This study addresses the effects of this pathological violence on the vulnerable populations of the DRC, particularly seniors, women, and youth, and investigates a holistic and salvific approach to the healing and reconciliation of the Congolese nation. The Bantu people are intrinsically religious. Therefore, any modality of healing and reconciliation must have a strong theological basis.This dissertation proposes, therefore, that the depth of violence and trauma experienced by the Congolese people calls for a psycho-therapeutic approach that can bear the weight of the healing and reconciliation process for the Democratic Republic of Congo. It demonstrates that an approach which integrates theology and psychology, in concert with Bantu cultural customs, will function sacramentally to mediate a holistic and enduring reconciliation process for Eastern Congo.My approach is thus interdisciplinary in nature, as I believe that theology, psychology, and African (Bantu) culture share a deep concern for the healing of the whole human person. I therefore employ the insights of key psychotherapists and liberation theologians (both African and Latin American), and present case studies of some of the profound psychological challenges resulting from the violence in Congo. I propose that the modalities or means through which this healing/reconciliation process will occur most adequately include the African palaver, the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, the Congolese/Zairean Rite, and moral exemplars.The study demonstrates that a contextual (culturally relevant) and liberative theology brings healing to people holistically, including psychological healing. Theology becomes truly salvific, nurturing a form of psychotherapy that gives birth to a new life for those who have suffered so deeply under the cruel weight of sustained pathological violence. An inculturated theology for the Congolese context will foster a new creation for those who are touched by God’s healing power and sustain hope for a better life.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Licentiate) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology J Political Science > JA Political science (General) |
| Divisions: | Africana Afro-Christiana Jesuitica |
| Depositing User: | Tim Khabala |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Aug 2017 07:52 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Aug 2017 07:52 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/2128 |
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