The role of London Missionary Society : Samoan Missionaries in the evangelisation of the South West Pacific 1839-1930
Date
1983
Authors
Nokise, Uili Feleterika
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Abstract
BETWEEN 1839 and 1930, 416 Samoans left their homeland as agents of
the London Missionary Society to convert into Christians the indigenous
people of the following places: Rotuma, New Hebrides, Loyalty Islands,
New Caledonia, Niue, Tokelau, Ellice Islands (Tuvalu), southern Gilberts
(Kiribati), Phoenix Island, Fiji (Suva and Levuka), Saipan and Papua
New Guinea.
This thesis draws on sources in Samoan and other Pacific
languages not previously translated. to describe the process of
conversion, analyse the type of Christianity propagated and discuss
wider issues of culture contact.
Samoans adapted their culture to comprehend and interpret
Christianity. Thus, despite local variations, there was a consistency
in the message of the missionaries; they sought both to 'Samoanise'
as well as Christianise. The reaction of the indigenous people to
this seeming spiritual imperialism and the subsequent tensions it
provoked are also examined.
The social environment of both the Samoan missionaries and
the people they sought to convert are documented; the cultural background
of the missionaries is described and factors identified which influenced
their outlook and expectations. Their motivation is examined, and their
selection, education and theological training is described. An attempt
is also made to determine factors which influenced where the missionaries
were placed. Also examined are the methods of conversion, namely preaching,
teaching and pastoral care. The type of theology transmitted, language
used and the content and style of sermons are discussed. Reference
is also made to the missionaries' understanding of concepts such as
conversion and salvation and how this was communicated.
The development of churches is described and analysed against
the background of local factors. The role of missionaries as agents of
social change is examined and changes they introduced are specified.
Problems encountered by the missionaries are enumerated;
and the tensions these precipitated are discussed. The relationship between Samoans and other Polynesian missionaries is described, as is
the inter-action with European missionaries, traders and government
officials. The influence of these groups on the Samoans' work is
considered in appropriate chapters.
To demonstrate the profound impact and enduring influence of
the Samoan missionaries, the efforts of the Ellice Islands Church
leaders to disassociate themselves from the Samoan Church are recounted.
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Keywords
Missionaries--Samoan Islands, Missions--Oceania
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