Cultural Dynamics of Religious Change in Oceania: Insights and Edits
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: OTTO (Ton), BORSBOOM (Ad), eds., Cultural Dynamics of Religious Change in Oceania
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Leyde, K.I.T.L.V. Press (Koninklijk Instituut voor Taal, Land-en Volkenkunde – Royal Institute of Linguistics and Anthropology), 1997, 144 p. (bibliogr., index)
Original source:
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Éric Wittersheim
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: OTTO (Ton), BORSBOOM (Ad), eds., Cultural Dynamics of Religious Change in Oceania
Year: 2001 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.20805
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction:
The collection of essays edited by Ton Otto and Ad Borsboom, titled Cultural Dynamics of Religious Change in Oceania, explores the transformation of religious beliefs and practices in the Pacific, particularly highlighting the impact of Christianity alongside traditional beliefs. The work shifts the focus of anthropology towards the internal dynamics of Oceanic Christianity, emphasizing the complex interactions between imported religions and local contexts, rather than viewing these changes solely as a result of colonial imposition.
Conclusion:
The contributors to this volume encourage a nuanced understanding of religious change, advocating for the recognition of continuities between ancient and contemporary practices and challenging essentialist and diffusionist explanations for the emergence of new religions and movements, such as cargo cults. By integrating sociological theories on religion and power, the authors aim to deepen the theoretical implications of studying religious dynamics and cultural change in Oceania.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the book Cultural Dynamics of Religious Change in Oceania?
The book explores the impact of Christianity and internal dynamics of Oceanic religions. It emphasizes understanding transformations in beliefs and practices, considering social, political, and economic contexts rather than viewing these changes merely as impositions from colonial missions.
How do the authors approach the study of Oceanic religions?
The authors advocate for an endogenous perspective, highlighting the continuity between ancient and contemporary beliefs. They challenge essentialist views and utilize sociological theories on religion and power to understand cultural and religious dynamics more thoroughly.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Cultural Dynamics of Religious Change in Oceania: Insights and Edits”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion is a central theme in understanding the cultural dynamics in Oceania, particularly how Christianity has reshaped local beliefs and practices. This transformation involves imported religions and emphasizes the importance of studying these changes through an internal perspective that considers the actions and motivations of the Oceanian people themselves.
2) Linguistics:
[see source text or glossary: #Linguistics#]
3) Cult:
In the context of the volume, the concept of 'cult' refers to new religious movements, such as cargo cults, that emerged in response to colonial influences. The authors challenge essentialist views and aim to explore how these new religious expressions relate to pre-existing beliefs and the socio-economic contexts of Oceania.
4) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation is a significant focus in the study of cultural dynamics in Oceania, particularly how the arrival of Christianity has led to profound changes in beliefs, practices, and social structures. This transformation is examined through the lens of internal dynamics, highlighting adaptive strategies adopted by local communities.
5) Debate:
The debate surrounding the role of Christianity in Oceania often revolves around issues of missionization and the perceived imposition of religion on indigenous populations. Current scholarship pushes back against simplified narratives, advocating for a more nuanced view that considers local agency and the interplay between old and new religious practices.
6) Health:
Health narratives are an essential aspect of the transformation brought about by Christianity in Oceania. Missions have not only introduced religious beliefs but also new health discourses that influence local practices and contribute to broader social changes within communities.
7) Power:
Power dynamics play a crucial role in the cultural change experienced in Oceania. The establishment of new religious movements intersects with sociological theories of power, examining how church and community leaders negotiate influence in social and political contexts through religious frameworks.
8) Mana:
Mana, as a concept traditionally associated with Oceanian spirituality, represents a form of supernatural power. The intersection of mana with new religious identities highlights the continuity and change in belief systems as local peoples integrate traditional understandings with introduced Christianity.