A postcolonial analysis between theological methods: Osmer and the praxis cycle

Abstract

The article engages the theological methods that are commonly used within the disciplines of practical theology and missiology. These methods are the practical interpretive method of Osmer and the praxis cycle as used and discussed by J.N.J. (Klippies) Kritzinger. Through a postcolonial analysis, I discuss how such theological methods could be appropriate or how it might fall short of radically addressing issues of the poor amid oppressive structures in postcolonial contexts. The most striking finding of the article is how it showcases between the two theological methods: The praxis cycle’s first dimension of ‘self-identification’ and ‘self-knowledge’ (identification) as unique between the two. It is the questions of who am I, what are the power-relations, who are our interlocutors, what is mine and the ‘other’s’ ideological position? These are imperative questions especially for the liberation of those whom the researcher encounters.

Contribution: The purpose of this article is to assist researchers in theology to become critical in their use of theological methods, especially when the research is intended to address the powerful oppressive systems in society that allows access to power and privileges to some people, but at the same time cause others to be treated as non-subjects or persons.