Contextualization and
Culturalization in Chaplaincy Practice
Chaplaincy practice can be rightly defined as a combination
of theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge, psychological knowledge and
spiritual knowledge and their employments in proffering solution-based approach
to problems of humanity and issues that affect the profitable development of
individuals, people groups and the society at large.
Contextualization can rightly and appropriately be defined
as;
1.
The
context of the information surrounding an event, occurrence or happening which
necessitate chaplaincy practice.
2.
Understanding
the underlying circumstances of an events, issues, occurrences or happenings
that makes chaplaincy practice and service delivery necessary.
The application may be therapeutical knowledge, practical
knowledge, emotional knowledge, psychological knowledge, psycho-somatic
knowledge, environmental knowledge or/and spiritual knowledge in proffering
solution-based approach to problems and issues of humanity.
Culturalization: Our world has a rich endowment of
cultural heritage. The diversity we enjoy also gives s diverse cultures,
beliefs, religious practices etc. as culture can be rightly defined as the way
of life of people that influence their behaviours, religions and dispositions
in life.
Profitable chaplaincy practice and service delivery must take
into cognizance the culturalization in chaplaincy practice. Any intervention or
approach made by trained professionals in chaplaincy practice and service
delivery is intended to bring about a positive change in people’s behavior and
their ways of life which bothers on what we call the “culture of the people.”
Culturalization is therefore unavoidable in chaplaincy
practice and service delivery.
With this understanding, importation of chaplaincy practice
from anywhere in the world to another society without due consideration for
contextualization and culturalization of such chaplaincy practice and service
delivery will be of no benefit to the receiving society and people.
Example:
In grieving and sorrowing situations, because of the cultural
diversities and differences, the way and method of handling grieving will not
be same in England, Poland, France and America. The way of handling grieving
situations in the continent of Africa will also not be same with Europe and
America.
Although, people all over the world can be exposed to a
standardized way of handling grieving situations by training; this must be
blended with contextualization and culturalization in actual practice to be
effective.
Acquiring the needed training and education from anywhere in
the world is normal; but chaplaincy practice and service delivery without due
consideration for contextualization and culturalization will amount to dumping
of ideas.
Our focus and desire is for profitable chaplaincy practice
with full consideration for contextualization and culturalization in the
practice and service delivery that is beneficial of all irrespective of their
cultures, beliefs, religion, age etc.
All practicing chaplains must therefore take this aspect of
chaplaincy practice very serious. Any nation or society that depends on others
for finished products, services and ideas will never be able to grow her own
people, society and economy.
Let us get cracking to develop our manpower, technology and
professional practice.
Chap. Prof. David Mike
Certified Chaplaincy
Educator, Clinical Psycho-spirito therapist, Professional Counselor in Private
Practice
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