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    Verbum et Ecclesia

    On-line version ISSN 2074-7705
    Print version ISSN 1609-9982

    Verbum Eccles. (Online) vol.31 n.1 Pretoria  2010

    http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v31i1.367 

    ORIGINAL RESEARCH

     

    Deconstructing the body: Body theology, embodied pastoral anthropology and body mapping

     

     

    Jacob MeiringI, II; Julian C. MüllerI

    IDepartment Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
    IIVrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Correspondence

     

     


    ABSTRACT

    This article is an effort to deconstruct narratives regarding the body. Body theology as developed by James B. Nelson forms the basis for a literature study as well as an exploration of an embodied pastoral anthropology, within the context of a postfoundationalist practical theology and an openness to interdisciplinary dialogue. Qualitative interviews and the body-mapping process were used within the context of narrative research to narrate people's stories regarding their bodies in relation to their spiritual journey as well as to increase an awareness of a holistic, embodied spirituality.

    Keywords: James B. Nelson; embodied pastoral anthropology; body mapping; narrative approach; holistic embodied spirituality


     

     

    Full text available only in PDF format.

     

     

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    Correspondence:
    Julian Müller
    Department Practical Theology, University of Pretoria
    Pretoria 0002
    South Africa
    Email: julian.muller@up.ac.za

    Received: 22 Dec. 2009
    Accepted: 03 Aug. 2010
    Published: 12 Oct. 2010