Relocating "Waterbuffalo Theology" theological framework to the liturgical life of Desawo Christ Church, Brgy. Desawo, T'Boli, South Cotabato

Abstract

This study sought to relocate “Waterbuffalo Theology” to the worship life of the T’boli in Desawo Christ Church. Particularly, it sought to critically analyze on how Christianity have changed the T’boli people in their worship experience. The “Waterbuffalo Theology” is a theology developed by Kosuke Koyama while doing missionary work in Thailand. He used it in the situation of the Thai Buddhist to make Christianity palatable and meaningful to them. The goal of the study is to make the “liturgical life” of Desawo Christ Church palatable and meaningful to the T’boli people. To achieve this purpose, a thorough knowledge of the T’boli people like customs, traditions, beliefs were studied in relevance to their present situation. This is important in coming up with a theological reflection that resonates with their actual day-to-day experience. The effect of “colonial mentality” has changed the landscape of the T’bolis. It changed them on their appearances, socially, culturally and politically. Some of their traditions and practices were changed when they were evangelized and answered to become Christians. They have abandoned their music and dances and even their tribal stories in worship which tell them of their rich past in favor of the Westerner’s music and ways of worship. As time passes by, even the use of T’boli language in their worship is also diminishing in favor of Cebuano, Ilonggo and English which others could not relate with. With the problems faced by the T’bolis in their worship, practical recommendations and suggestions were given to reclaim what they have lost. These are practical ways on leading and transforming them back to their rich cultural past. These are ways to enjoy and improve their worship experience towards a holistic one. These are ways that are palatable and speaks of being a T’boli and how they can fully worship God in a way that is culturally, historically and contextually relevant.