Sensemaking in an Honor/Shame Worldview: Investigating How Myanmar Christian Women Build and Break Trust

When Myanmar (formerly Burma) was in its infancy, Confucian teachings and Chinese Buddhism from the north and Hindu values and Indian Buddhism from the west had coalesced with various forms of Animism and a form of Mahayana Buddhism. Within this climate, a syncretized version of Theravada Buddhism emerged. Since that time, the land and peoples of Myanmar have experienced perpetual disconnectedness, and a culture of conflict prevalent even within the church.

This project utilizes sensemaking to explore the dominant worldview in which the Myanmar church now finds itself. It investigates how the honor/shame worldview has fueled mistrust, especially among Myanmar Christian women. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used with 152 participants from nine regions of Myanmar. Assumptions were tested to ascertain the influence and impact of participants’ honor/shame worldviews on their Christian practices. A sample curriculum was tested which intends to equip Myanmar Christian women with the skills to differentiate between biblical values and the dominant culture, encouraging them to experience the power and impact of the gospel. In doing so, these women can become a network of healing throughout the nation by rebuilding trust.