Transcending the Self: Embracing Liminality and Service in Research through Biblical Wisdom and Anthropological Insight
Abstract: This article delves into the transformative journey of losing one’s identity as a researcher, particularly within the realms of anthropology, medical anthropology, and medical practice, through the integration of biblical teachings, anthropological insights, Eastern and Western philosophical thought. It posits that embracing a liminal space, akin to the anthropological ‘in-between,’ and aligning with the biblical exhortation to lose one’s life to find it, offers a profound pathway for researchers and practitioners to transcend personal biases and achieve a more holistic, compassionate, and truthful understanding of humanity. Introduction: The quest for knowledge and truth in research often leads to a crossroads where personal identity, professional obligations, and ethical considerations intersect. Drawing from Paul Stoller’s advocacy for dwelling in the ‘in-between’ (Stoller, 2008) and biblical injunctions on self-denial (Matthew 16:24-25), this exploration seeks to underst
