Table of Contents

List of plates; List of maps and tables; Preface; Part I. The Old Time: 1. Melanesian traditional religions: an overview; 2. Death and the after-life in traditional belief and practice; 3. The logic of retribution; 4. Magic, sorcery and healing; 5. Dream, vision and trance in traditional and changing Melanesia; Part II. The New Time: 6. The coming and the consequences of the missionaries; 7. The Catholic missions: a case history; 8. The interpretation of cargo cults; 9. Independent churches; 10. Secularization for Melanesia?; 11. Melanesian and Pacific theology; Select bibliography; Index.

Promotional Information

Am invariable guide and analysis to pressing issues of religious and Soviet change in the Pacific.

Reviews

..".Trompf's book will be chiefly of interest to those seeking a general introduction to Melanesian religions." Karen Brison, E.W. Brill