Longing for Home: Forced Displacement and Postures of Hospitality

by M. Jan Holton

Overview

What is it about the concept of “home” that makes its loss so profound and devastating, and how should the trauma of exile and alienation be approached theologically? M. Jan Holton examines the psychological, social, and theological impact of forced displacement on communities in the Congo and South Sudan and on indigenous Batwa tribespersons in Uganda, as well as on homeless U.S. citizens and on U.S. soldiers returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. She draws on ethnographic work in Africa, extensive research in practical theology, sociology, and psychology, as well as on professional work and personal experiences in America and abroad.  In doing so she explores how forced displacement disrupts one’s connection with the home place and the profound characteristics it fosters that can help people lean toward flourishing spiritually and psychologically throughout their lifetime. Displacement invites a social alienation that can become deeply institutionalized, threatening the moral well being of us all. Longing For Home offers a frame for understanding how communities can respond to refugees and various homeless populations by cultivating hospitality outside of their own comfort zones. This essential study addresses an urgent interreligious global concern and Holton’s thoughtful and compelling work offers a constructive model for a sustained practical response.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300220797
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	06/28/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

M. Jan Holton served on the faculty at Yale Divinity School in the area of pastoral theology, care, and counseling. She is the author of Building the Resilient Community: Lessons from the Lost Boys of Sudan, a study that focuses on field research in South Sudan.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

1 Notions of Home 12

2 Leaning into God 32

3 Crisis and Forced Displacement 50

4 Breathing Home 59

5 Fleeing Conflict and Disaster 81

6 War and Home-No Safe Place 107

7 Chronic Displacement and Persons without Home 135

8 Postures of Hospitality 166

Notes 189

Index 223

Editorial Reviews

"This provocative examination of such romantic notions as 'home' and 'hospitality' complicates our moral and ethical responses to forced displacements of various types.  Holton offers a critical, pastoral, and theological engagement with lived realities in the midst of chaos and crisis."—Joretta Marshall, Brite Divinity School

Joretta Marshall

[Holton] makes a significant contribution to the study and practice of pastoral theology, practical theology, and religion generally, especially in the light of social justice.”—Choice

Choice

Holton directs us toward more responsible discernment of social reality and more active engagement on behalf of the displaced.”—Christian Century

Christian Century

The issue of displaced persons and the tragedy of enforced homelessness is sharply at the forefront of many of our lives today. As countries seemingly incessantly engage in war after war, the human consequences of violence in terms of displaced people is immense and deeply painful. Jan Holton refuses to let the apparent hopelessness of the moment win the day.”—John Swinton, University of Aberdeen

John Swinton

In the face of the current global refugee crisis, this fascinating, grounded, and inspiring book creatively draws on the actual experiences of displaced people to offer practical theological responses to the loss of home.”— Emmanuel Y. Lartey, Emory University

Emmanuel Y. Lartey

Holton’s pastoral theology explores “homelessness” in groundbreaking ways, from forced displacements in Africa and the U.S. to American soldiers with PTSD.  The resulting call for hospitality is radicalized in deeply compelling ways.”— Mary McClintock Fulkerson, Duke Divinity School

Mary McClintock Fulkerson

This deeply committed and passionate work enables us to view ‘loss of home’ as one of the most important social and religious questions of our day.”— Heather Walton, University of Glasgow

Heather Walton

"Holton's integration of social theory, first-person narratives, and theological reflection guides us toward a deeply pastoral understanding of woundedness, moral injury, and chronic powerlessness. Her case for an ethical mandate of compassionate hospitality is compelling and timely."—Carolyn J. Sharp, Yale Divinity School

Carolyn J. Sharp