The book is a theological work on the Naga traditional worldview, through the
re-examining and re-reading of the Naga tribal myths, folklores, folktales, sayings, its
patriarchal culture, etc., from a Womanist theological perspective. It argues against the
popular claim that the traditional worldview is holistic and communitarian without any
discriminatory elements in concept and practice. In particular, it takes under its
critical study the concept of cosmic oneness - a central concept in the Naga traditional
worldview - and re-views the traditional sources to either prove or disprove such claim.
The author exposes misconception of the status of women in the Naga society with an
argument that there cannot be gender equality in `patriarchal society,' as Naga culture
does not give sufficient space to gender equality. She asserts that the patriarchal
culture of the Nagas in itself clearly belies such romantic and half-truth claims. This
eye-opening research is an attempt to identify the operative forces that create such
contrast between the ideal state and the actual state.
Contents
Foreword
Abstract
Acknowledgement
Glossary
Introduction
1. Womanist Theology : A Methodological Concern
1. Introduction
2. The Development of Womanist Theology
3. Emergence of Womanist Theology in the USA
4. Sources and Methodology of Afro-American Womanist Theology
5. Anthropology : Basis of Womanist Epistemological Framework
6. Womanist Theology and God-Talk
7. Womanist Theology and Feminist Theology : Divergences
8. Womanist Theology and the Context of Naga Women
9. Summary
2. Naga Traditional Culture and the
Subordination of Female
1. Introduction
2. The Nagas : A Brief Background Information
3. Defining the Meaning and Usage of the Term `Culture'
4. Naga Traditional Culture and Patriarchy
5. Sources of Authority in Naga Tradition : Traditional Medium of Knowledge
6. Summary
3. Naga Traditional Religion and the
Alienation of Women
1. Introduction
2. Naga Traditional Religion termed `Animism' : A Misinterpretation of the
Western-Christian Cultural Imperialism
3. A Critical Reflection on the Androcentric Nature of Naga Traditional Religion
4. Naga Women's Transition from Naga Traditional Religion to Christianity and its
Affects
5. Naga Women's Struggle in Contemporary Christian Context
Summary
4. A Theological Critique on the Naga Traditional
Worldview with Particular Reference to
the Concept of `Cosmic Oneness'
1. Introduction
2. Rationale for Employing the Methodological Tool of Re-regarding the Oral Traditions
3. Sources of Naga Traditional Worldview
4. The Significance of Myths in Naga Tradition
5. Re-Reading the Naga Traditional Myths on the Concept of `Cosmic Oneness'
6. Naga's Pre-Historic Connection with the South East Asia (SEA) : A Pre-Requisite
Aspect in Understanding the Historic Traditions of the Nagas
7. The Idea of No Distinction between the Sacred and the Profane in the Naga
Traditional Worldview : A Re-Look at the Issue
8. The Idea of Communicaton and Egalitarian Naga Community vs. Patriarchal Culture of
the Nagas : A Questionable Claim
9. The Idea of No Distinction between History, Time and Space in Naga Traditional
Worldview : Caution against the Idea of a `Messy' Worldview
10. The Necessity for Critical Reading and Interpretation of the Myths
11. Sequel to the Myth on the Primordial Cosmic Family
12. Summary
5. A Naga Womanist Re-Interpretation of the Naga
Traditional Worldview for Relevancy Today
1. Introduction
2. Necessity for Naga Women's Voice in the Naga Tribal Theological Discourse
3. Reinterpreting the Concept of `Cosmic Oneness' for Relevancy Today
4. Redeemable Insights in the Naga Traditional Worldview for Today
5. Resounding Message from the Silence of the Myths on the Ideal Egalitarian Community
6. Deconstruct Patriarchy for Re-Constructing the Human Community
7. Summary
6. Findings and Conclusion
1. Introduction
2. Findings of the Research
3. Implications and Challenges for a Holistic Worldview
4. Conclusion : The Naga Traditional Worldview in a New Light for Today
Bibliography
Dr. Lovely Awomi James is an Associate Professor in the Department of
Christian Theology. At present, she teaches at Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, Assam.
She is also the present Dean of Women's Studies and Superintendent of Campus Children
Ministry at the college. She received all of her theological degrees right from B.Th till
D.Th under the Senate of Serampore University. She has been in the teaching ministry for
many years now. She has also co-edited a few books including `In Search of Peace: Tribal
Resources for Peacebuilding in North East India' and `Towards Advancement: Voices from
Diverse Theological Disciplines.' She has also contributed her writings to several
theological journals as well as travelled around as a resource person for different
programs, seminars and consultations of the church, institutions and associations.
She is married to Rev. Dr. Woba James, who is also an Associate Professor, in the
Department of History of Christianity, and they are blessed with two children - Master
Khoesiivio James Woba and Miss Rathrune James Woba.
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