Pastoral ethics within a Kenyan context

[摘要] English: This research is concerned with the complex situation in which Kenyan pastoral ethicists find themselves, because there is very little difference between Kenyan ethics and the Kenyan ethos. This situation has arisen, because Kenya is an East African country, consisting of many ethnic tribes, which all vary in ethics and culture from one another.Thus, Kenyan pastoral ethicists will often find themselves unexpectedly involved in many issues, while trying to find solutions to problems, whether they are in the church, the community of in a family. One ethical lifestyle is seldom sufficient to deal with a particular issue, and Kenyan pastoral ethicists often find themselves in a sea of many related issues, all requiring attention.To serve all these ethnic groups, pastoral ethicists have to approach issues from a socio-cultural lifestyle, in order to understand the issues very well, so that they will be in a position to offer assistance. Some of these ethnic cultures have been influenced by Western cultures, brought into Kenya by Americans, Canadians and Europeans. Pastoral ethicists have to be consciously aware of all the cultural and ethical issues, so that they do not offend or harm people seeking their help.The topics and subtopics in this research work are obviously areas, that need independent and extensive research work. The researcher has incorporated them, to draw the 'true' picture of a Kenyan pastoral ethicist, involved in many issues at one time. In this way, the researcher believes that this research will contribute to pastoral ethical principles for Kenyan pastoral leaders in general, and pastoral ethicists in particular.

[发布机构] University of the Free State