THE DYNAMICS OF HISTORY RELATED TO THE WORK OF MISSION (ETHNOHISTORY)

This dissertation is a study of the theories and methods of doing history applied to the work of mission. It examines how people remember and how memory is adapted. Adapting memory (a process of recombination) is an important part of the conversion process when viewed from a human perspective. It argues that understanding the theories, methods and processes of history is very important to the work of the missionary.;Because Christianity is based in history, it is affected by processes of and the attitudes toward history. A study of theories of history reveals a number of basic facts about history. For example, the present is always the starting point for our view of history. Part one of this work examines theories of history, relates these to Christianity, particularly the missionary task.;History is more than theory. History is also very much affected by the methods of doing history. The purpose, context, recorder and performer all will affect a people's view of history. The missionary's work is also helped if he is aware of the methods a people use to do their history. Part two of this work looks at how people remember.;God uses the missionary in the process of conversion. Conversion involves a total life change, including how the convert views the past. Part three of this dissertation helps the missionary understand memory change as it is related to the conversion process.;The final part of the dissertation discusses God's use of memory. Understanding how God uses the concept of memory in the Biblical material is very helpful for the mission task of today.;Although application is a part of every chapter, each of the four parts close with a chapter specifically designed to apply the insights gained from that part. These applications demonstrate the vital connection between an understanding of how history is done and the work of the missionary.;Christians are blessed to be able to celebrate the action of God in history. It is a special blessing to be able to celebrate the action of God in my history.