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Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi last night lavished accolades on a book which is set to be an invaluable reference for all who seek to better understand Globalisation and Christianity in the Pacific Region. ‘Globalisation and the Reshaping of Christianity in the Pacific Islands’ is a collection of works edited by Manfred Ernst Fofola-e-Fala Havea-Latukefu. The book examines the role and place of Christianity in the Pacific since the Second World War, and more particularly in the last three decades, in the context of that process and from that perspective. Launching the book yesterday (13/07), Ratu Joni said, “ It is an impressive piece of meticulous scholarship. In time to come, it will be an invaluable reference for all influences in the region.” Divided into three parts the book establishes the analytical framework of the study and reviews Christianity over the past three centuries. The book then deals with Globalisation in terms of the emergence of the capitalist world system about five hundred years ago. Ratu Joni adds the concept is discussed with specific reference to the Pacific from the time of first contact, colonisation, the effect of World War II and decolonisation. “ The scale and scope of the research is breathtaking in its scope and vision. It is a sweeping saga that recounts the conjunction of historical events and subsequent developments in a seamless manner, enabling the audience to make the connections between our far-flung islands, puissant Great Britain, Europe and fledging America.” The second part of the book deals with individual case studies of fourteen Pacific States and for completeness, the authors have also dealt with Hinduism, Islam and Baha’is in Fiji in deference to their numbers. Ratu Joni said as the world has seemingly grown more complex, there is a corresponding yearning in all of us for more certainty and simple truths. And in relatively small societies, these intrusions have caused a certain amount of resentment and tension because of complacency and territorial pretensions. Moreover Ratu Joni added, the successors of the early Church fathers have misplaced their vision and sense of mission, thereby creating space and fertile ground for the new wave of missionaries and churches. In the final part of the book, Ratu Joni said, Manfred Ernst draws together all the strands to make sense of where Pacific Christianity is at in the first decade of the twenty –first century. And to quote the opening lines of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, It was the best of times. It was the worst of times, with the difficult sometimes uncomfortable questions raised and solutions mooted. This, adds Ratu Joni, requires from us prayerful contemplation, fraternal engagement and an earnest seeking of the Lord’s will. He said the decline of the established churches is in large part because of their tardy and inadequate response to change and to the needs of Pacific People. Yet in this very dilemma lies hope in the prophetic character of Christian teachings that offers wonderful and exciting opportunities for renewal and rejuvenation. “ Christ’s timeless message of love and inclusiveness is there to be rediscovered,” he said. “It is a truth we each need to find and affirm for ourselves anew.” -End- |
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