Ministering to the oppressed women in the District of Kalahandi, Orissa State, India

2008·0.37 MB·English

by  Isaac, Glory

MINISTERING TO THE OPPRESSED WOMEN IN
THE DISTRICT OF KALAHANDI, ORISSA STATE, INDIA
A THESIS
SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF
GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
BY
GLORY ISAAC
MAY 2008
Copyright © 2008 by Glory Isaac. All rights reserved.
DEDICATION
To the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the oppressed women of India.
CONTENTS
TABLES vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS viii
ABSTRACT ix
Chapter
1. THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 1
Introduction and Problems 1
Analyzing the Historical Factors That Contributed to the Present Condition 4
Content 8
Assumption 9
Project Design 10
Parameters of the Project 12
2. THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK 13
God on the Oppression of Israelites in Egypt 13
The Restraints on Oppression in the Ten Commandments 16
God’s Concern for the Oppressed in the Old Testament 20
God Commands Justice for the Oppressed 22
The Woman at Creation 23
Christ’s Position Regarding the Oppressed 25
Jesus Christ and Women 30
The Marriage Mystery and Command of God 32
The New Testament Position on Oppression 34
iv
The Place of Oppression in the Messianic Kingdom 35
Women in Heaven Like Angels 36
3. LITERATURE REVIEW 38
Systematic Oppression as a Way of Life 38
The Historical Process of Brahmanicalization of the Indus 39
Women and Oppression 43
Programs for Deliverance and Empowerment of Women 79
4. PROJECT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION 83
Implementation 83
Selection of the Place and the Ministry Team for Prayer and Worship 84
Field Visitation and Invitation 84
Initial Assessment of Emotional and Spiritual Needs Through Questionnaires 85
First Four Weeks of Field Work Observing the Intervention Group’s Daily
Routines and Social Patterns 88
Report of Four Weeks Individual Counseling to the Intervention Group by
the Ministry Team 104
Beginning to Engage Women Spiritually and Educating Them on God’s
Love for Four Months 108
Follow up Assessment at the End of the Program 110
5. OUTCOMES 112
Expected Method of Achieving Annual Growth Rate 120
Conclusion 121
Recommendations 123
v
Appendix
1. Questionnaire to Evaluate Discontentment in the Intervention Group 126
2. Questionnaire to Evaluate Self-Esteem in the Intervention Group 130
3. Questionnaire to Evaluate Self-Worth in the Intervention Group 132
4. Questionnaire to Evaluate Spiritual Needs in the Intervention Group 133
5. Follow-up Questionnaire to Evaluate Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth,
Spiritual Awareness and Empowerment in the Intervention Group 135
BIBLIOGRAPHY 137
VITA 144
vi
TABLES
Table
1. Short Profiles of the Intervention Group 89
2. Church Membership through the Program 120
3. Fellowship Gatherings 121
4. Worship Halls 121
vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost of all, I acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who
enabled me to complete the requirements for the Doctor of Ministry program with this
thesis.
I am very grateful to Dr. Kenneth Swetland, the Professor of Ministry of the
Gorden-Conwell Theological Seminary, who directed and guided me towards the
completion of my thesis.
I am also grateful to D.Min. Program Director and my Reader, Dr. David Currie,
and D.Min. Program Assistant Director, Mrs. Bridget Erickson for their timely guidance. I
am indebted to every one of my professors, Dr. Haddon Robinson, Dr. Scott Gibson, and
Dr. Polischuk for imparting to me their knowledge of a holistic approach to ministry.
I am greatly indebted to Drs. Jay and Elizabeth Isaac who edited my thesis with
great care and love.
I am also indebted to all my children, especially Jay and Aldrin, who supported
me emotionally and financially. I am greatly thankful to my husband, Rev. Dr. Jacob
Isaac, who encouraged me and patiently supported my thesis work.
viii
ABSTRACT
In Chapter 1, “The Problem and its Background”, the author has introduced the
major problems of female oppression as found in Kalahandi of Orissa State. The
historical factors that contributed to the problems were examined and assumptions
towards a change through the ministry of the gospel were made and a methodology of
approach was drawn in this chapter. Chapter 2 discusses the theological framework
with justification for doing such a ministry and has argued that God is concerned for the
care of the oppressed, especially of the women, as they are each individual, unique and
special in the eyes of God. In Chapter 3 under Literature Review, the author discusses
such areas as the historical process of Brahmanicalization, women and oppression,
religious seclusion, dowry demand and related killings, female infanticide, sacrifice and
selling of female children, education deprivation, child marriage, consecrated temple
prostitution, hard labor and physical torture, and enforced husband worship and slavery.
In Chapter 4 under Project Design and Implementation, a study done with an
Intervention Group of ten women is detailed and the outcomes recorded. It draws a
conclusion that when each woman is led to an awareness that she is an individual,
unique and special in the eyes of God she gains self respect which is perceived by her
peers for a change, especially a spiritual and social change leading to freedom from
female oppression.
ix
CHAPTER 1 - THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND 1
Introduction and Problems 1
Analyzing the Historical Factors That Contributed to the Present Condition 4
Content 8
Assumption 9
Project Design 10
Parameters of the Project 12