Doing Lu du Theology of Myanmar from the Kachin Perspective: Promoting the role of the Church in Educating and Solidarity with Masha Unawng Toward Self-Determination

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By Wa Gyit Brang Htan*

Purpose and Central Argument

The primary goal of the research is to propose a strategy for the Christian Church to restore Freedom, Justice, and Peace in the lives of the Lu du (or Masha Unawng in Jinghpaw, meaning the suffering or oppressed multitude of peoples) in the Kachin State of Myanmar.

The paper uses a contextual and praxis model of theology to argue that the mainstream education system of Myanmar is the "root cause" of the socio-cultural and political oppression against the people in the Kachin region.

The Problem of Oppressive Education (Burmanization)

The paper details the negative impacts of the national education system on the Lu du (the oppressed people):

• Oppressive Practices: Since 1962, successive Myanmar governments have used education as a tool for oppression, nationalizing mission schools and banning the teaching of ethnic languages.

• Flawed Pedagogy: The system fails to promote quality education, relying instead on "rote learning, drilling, chanting, reading aloud and memorization" which hinders critical thinking.

• Cultural and Political Discrimination: The education system is deeply rooted in the ideology of "Burmanization," which favors the Burma ethnic group and their history, while omitting or discriminating against the histories and cultures of non-Burma groups like the Kachin, Chin, and Shan. This oppression extends to job promotion in government offices, where non-Buddhists often face discrimination.

Critique and Theological Framework

The author critiques previous Myanmar theological writings for focusing on general socio-political suffering while largely overlooking the specific issue of the oppressive education system.

The paper proposes that the Church's mission must be "refreshed by new liberative education", drawing on two major contextual theologies:

• Latin American Liberation Theology: It emphasizes the Church's preferential option for the poor, transforming the Church into a "poor Church" that is participatory and dedicated to liberation.

• Korean Minjung Theology: It highlights the Church's need to incarnate itself in the suffering of the minjung (the uprooted people) and struggle with them for freedom, embodying the essence of koinonia (communion) and diakonia (servanthood).

The Church's Role and Proposed Solution

The Church is called to act as a "major role" in realizing the Kingdom of God by promoting new education systems.

• Missio-Dei (Mission of God): The Church must view its mission as "educating and transforming" the Lu du to lead them toward freedom, justice, and self-determination.

• Tools for Lu du Education: The paper suggests using traditional Kachin folktales and stories to "conscientize" the people about current injustice and to inspire unity to overcome oppression, likening the collective effort to free a bullock cart stuck in the mud to the people's struggle for liberation.