The Historical Development of Christianity in Oceania

Abstract

This chapter broadly investigates the origins, historical developments and challenges facing Pacific Island churches from the 1800s to the twenty-first century. There is a growing realization that the dynamics between missionization, culture, and the ongoing globalization process present complex dilemmas for Pacific societies. The relationship between colonialism and the church continue as a legacy in the Pacific, embodied in various forms of dependency because of the nature of the rapid Christianization process that has occurred in the last two hundred years. The Pacific churches continue to mold their identity in face of rapid social, political, economic, and environmental changes through the advancement of contextual theologies. In addition, the rapid growth of new religious groups since World War II adds a new dimension to the local scene. This forces the mainline Pacific Christian churches to reexamine their status, relevance, responsibility, and ecumenical relations in the region.

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