Salvation is one of the concepts taught in catechetical and religious education. It is, however, an idea derived from the Latin word salus. The explanations given to it in catechesis and religious education in pre-Vatican and even after Vatican II revolved around the experience of the Graeco-Roman world. For several years, it has been translated in the Philippines to mean “kaligtasan sa kasalanan” or being saved from sin.
With the advent of inculturation and the growing realization that salvation is a universal experience and yearning found in different cultures with manifold expressions, Professor Jose de Mesa, in his intensive and careful researches, came up with the proposition that in the Filipino lowland experience, salvation would best be interpreted as “kaginhawaan”. This is a Tagalog word which means well-being.
How about among the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras like the Ifugaos? What would be the dynamic equivalence for the concept of salvation? Using their myths and folktales from written and oral tradition, this study draws out the conclusion that the pre-Christian Ifugao acknowledged their limitations before gods, before Maknongan and relied completely on his/their good will for blessings and wellbeing. This study therefore proposes that the dynamic equivalence for salvation in the Ifugao psyche is “homok di Maknongan” which does not only mean wellbeing but includes the idea that such wellbeing in this life and after life is totally dependent on Maknongan’s love and compassion.
