Fihavanana and Raiamandreny as the basis to construct a hybrid practical theology in the Malagasy context

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article aims to put into perspective the contours of the Malagasy practical theology through the analysis of conflicts within the hybrid nature of the Church and society. From the application of the bureaucracy through Christianity and colonisation, the hybridity of the Malagasy society revolves around the three aspects of power and authority: political, traditional and ecclesial. The difference that constitutes this hybridity is the source of the current conflict within society. Using conflict theory and hybridity as the theoretical framework, critical correlation as theological reflection, and auto-ethnography as a research method, I will discuss the following hypothesis: apart from being a hermeneutical reflection on the ecclesial praxis, practical theology is a strategy to handle conflicts to maintain the essence of the Church. The Malagasy Church needs to create a hybrid practical theology to transform destructive conflict into the ferment of change.