ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

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

 

 

Jacob Meiring^{I, II}; Julian C. Müller^I

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

Correspondence

 

 

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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

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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