> Theologically, I would relate midwifery ultimately, I mean as far back as
you can go, to the image of God in humans. Why? Because it requires
imagination and memory, the ability of one woman to imagine or remember what
it is like for another to bear a child. Imagination and memory are among the
highest mental functions, the ability to transcend the here and now, one's
own
> existential situation, and to enter into that of another.
In a message dated 4/4/98 4:24:21 PM, AdrianTeo@mailhost.net wrote:
<<Imagination is perhaps not the best word for this - I suggest
perspective-taking ability, which is based on empathy. This ties in very
nicely with the image of God in people. And empathy suggest a fundamental
level of connectedness that is only possible because we share something in
common - our very essence of being. I would also go on to suggest that
communication is based on that same fundamental level of connectedness, for
otherwise, no communication would be possible.
Just a thought.
>>
Adrian,
I whole heartedly agree. Empathy is the best word. I love it. I received my
training in counseling at the University of Chicago from Carl Rogers, a giant
of a bygone generation, who never failed to emphasize that the cardinal
ability of counselors is to empathize with their counselees. That suggests
that the primary motivation of midwives is empathy with the mother, as well as
with the child about to be birthed. Again, the ultimate origin of midwifery
lies in the image of God.
Thank you for your extension and particularization of the concept of
imagination.
Bob