Published 7 Aug 2008
Voices: Naomi Haynes
Naomi Haynes draws faith and inspiration from the women she encounters as she conducts her anthropology field work in Zambia.
By Naomi HaynesA blog post Women Scholars and Professionals
While I am working stateside, I often struggle with loneliness, as much of my time is devoted to reading and writing, which translates into long hours alone at my desk with only a cup of tea for company. Here in the field, I’ve encountered challenges that are almost the polar opposite of those of academic work. Instead of feeling starved for interaction, I have found it difficult to carve out time to be by myself. I sometimes crave anonymity, which is hard to find, as being a white woman who speaks the vernacular and shops at local kiosks makes me a perennial object of attention.
Because my topic of study is the relationship between Christianity and local political economy, my research easily connects to my faith. At least in the field, much of my day is spent with other Christians. I have learned a great deal about prayer by crying out to God with these believers, most of whom are women, and am thankful for the insider’s perspective that our shared faith affords me in my efforts to understand daily life in urban Zambia.
I think Christians have much to gain by developing a richer understanding of culture and of the implications of multiculturalism for the twenty-first century church, the diversity of which is unprecedented in Christian history. The potential for the body of Christ to be enriched as its members come to understand one another across cultural boundaries is amazing. We also stand to gain in our knowledge of God, who made humans in his image. The more facets of that image we encounter, the deeper will be our appreciation for the greatness of our God!
I really enjoy baking and cooking and look forward to a good novel at the end of the day. I also enjoy being outside — hiking, biking, running, and, when at home in Minnesota, cross-country skiing. If I can pursue any of these with friends, so much the better.
On the plane to Zambia last winter I read Mischa Berlinski’s Fieldwork, and have since read it again. Set against the backdrop of Northern Thailand, the book explores tensions that emerge when missions and anthropology meet on the same “field.” It’s a fun read, with good characters and a rich enough plot to keep the reader in suspense. I highly recommend it, particularly if you can squeeze in a good Thai meal at some point in the reading!
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Naomi Haynes received her PhD in anthropology from the University of California, San Diego, and is currently a Chancellor’s Fellow in the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh. Her scholarship has examined the relationship between Pentecostal Christianity and social life in urban Zambia. She is a co-curator for anthrocybib, the Anthropology of Christianity Bibliographic Blog. In her spare time, she enjoys running, baking, and reading novels.