Narrative and Life Stories as a Challenge to Theological Praxis. An Approach to Stories of the Colombian Conflict

Narratives and life stories have become more relevant as research methods in the field of Social and Human Sciences while promoting the participation of the active voices coming from the research subjects themselves. Qualitative research carried out by narrative methods recognizes the subjects as researchers of their existence. This methodological approach interpellates the classic tasks of sciences, including Theology, enriching the processes of inquiry and construction of knowledge emerging from theological orthopraxis. This article analyzes narratives and life stories of victims in context conflict, extracted from the final report of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP). A hermeneutic basis is proposed to question theological reflection and establishes guidelines for theological and ecclesial praxis. The research developed from a qualitative paradigm follows a hermeneutic epistemological perspective, employing the narrative approach as a way of constituting meaning. The method for data analysis is the analysis of content and construction of semantic networks using the maxqda software. In research, it is evident that using inductive methods such as narrative and life stories permeates theological discourses and elaborations, granting a sense and perspective of reality. The relationship between Theology and narratives provides an articulation between the revelation of God, who saves by narrating Himself, and the subjects, who insert their narratives into the broad story of salvation.