Polynesian Hymns in Papua:The Synthesis of a Christian Educational Tool and Local Creative Expression

Abstract

At the end of the last century, many missionaries from overseas arrived in Papua New Guinea seeking to convert the population to Christianity. Missionary opposition to local music and dance was often intense. Nevertheless, singing was seen as an essentail ingredient of successful Christianization. In the southern part of the country, Polynesian missionaries introduced a type of singing from their home islands which presented Bible teachings. Today, this symbol of the United Church of Papua New Guinea enjoys great popularity and provides both an educational message and a creative outlet. The Christianisation of Papua New Guinea, begun during the last half of the nineteenth century, has frequently required serious decisions to be made by both local inhabitants and foreign missionaries regarding the continued performance of traditional music. As much traditional music is intimately entwined with traditional religious beliefs, could this be compatible or, at least, co-exist with the new religious beliefs being introduced? At the beginning, this seemed impossible. Becoming a Christian required breaking with traditional religion, particularly something so overt as traditional music and dance. Additionally, many missionaries believed that dances encouraged sexual excess, further proof of the incompatibility of traditional music with Christianity.

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