Poderoso in the discourse of power in Southeast Asian studies: A study on the concepts of power, place, and performance of popular devotion to the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Date of Publication

7-2022

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies

Subject Categories

Asian Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

International Studies

Thesis Advisor

Mark Inigo M. Tallara

Defense Panel Chair

JPaul S. Manzanilla

Defense Panel Member

JPaul S. Manzanilla

Abstract/Summary

The concept of power in Southeast Asia has always been different from the traditional definition of power. With scholars such as Anderson (1972), Wolters (1999), and Geertz (1960) studying this concept in the mainland and island regions of Southeast Asia, they conclude that it comes from a single source that is not questioned of its true nature and origin, and it links to a divine origin. The devotion to the Black Nazarene of Quiapo is a case of a religious phenomenon that manifests a redefinition of the meaning of power and potency stemming from the other studies conducted by Mercado, Ileto, and Cannell. Through participant observation, interviews with devotees and a cleric, there are redefinitions in the way how the concepts of potency, power, and proximity are being perceived. From instances of inherited devotion since childhood, a change of heart on perception of the devotion, and a continuance from an abandoned devotion, a common theme is this power form the Nazareno manifests through miracles and graces received. However, the pandemic-related restriction on the performance of devotion restructures how a devotee's panata must be continued especially that it benefits the self and one's loob. Power that stems from the Nazareno is processed by one's loob. This kalooban has been central in their devotion that gives life to their spirit or diwa that then benefits the soul or kaluluwa which gives distinction to the concept of power in Quiapo that it transcends the importance of proximity and physical presence in performance of devotion in the church. This redefinition also gave importance to how this concept of power is perceived in one's life, and how it is seen in sacred objects but more importantly, how it has affected their lives in the present and how they conceive their religious self which constitutes the loob, diwa, and the kaluluwa.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Devotional exercises; Jesus Christ—Devotional literature; Power (Christian theology)

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Embargo Period

2-27-2023

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