Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

169Segundo’s perspective as a liberation theologian is based upon acommitment to the socially marginalized, and a desire for just and liberatingoutcomes for those who are socio-politically and systemically oppressed withinthe South American context. Theological and socio-political responsiveness tothose oppressed is ongoing and changing in response to changes in understandingof biblical interpretation, and changes in the nature and understanding of theoppression experienced by the marginalised.From both an historic and practical pastoral perspective, it is the claim ofthis pastoral practitioner that an authentic understanding of the life situation ofinstitutionalised people with disability should include an understanding of thesepeople as both human beings and those who are socio-politically oppressed bydint of institutionalisation. Based on new understandings pastoral models aresought that, when enacted in the context of pastoral relationship, reflect a form ofliberation from institutionalised oppression.5.4.3 A Contemporary Hermeneutical SpiralIn light of the above methodological commentary, it is the intention topropose a hermeneutical perspective compatible with Gadamer’s historicorientation and with liberation theology, whilst maintaining a pastoralperspective.Figure 5.2 A Contemporary Hermeneutical Spiral 465F. Reorientation& development ofpastoral practiceA. Pre-understandings based on historicallyderivedtheological & pastoral tradition- Contemporary insights of liberation theology- Contemporary pastoral, theologicalunderstandingsA1. New understandingE. New theologicalunder-standing ofpastoral practiceB. Suspicion arousedby A. that pastoral careis inclusive of sociopoliticalimplications &prejudicesC. Theological & socio-politicalanalysis of pastoral contextD. Analysis of theory & practice ofpastoral care in light of theological& socio-political analysis465 Adapted from a diagrammatic representation of a hermeneutical spiral, integrating someinsights and methods of liberation theology with pastoral care. See,Pattison, Pastoral Care, 61.