Critical Christianity
Book Description
In the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, a fascinating spiritual drama unfolds as Guhu-Samane Christians navigate the complex terrain of faith, community, and identity. Courtney Handman takes readers deep into this world where Christianity becomes a powerful lens for examining how religious communities form, fracture, and reform themselves in their quest for authentic spiritual expression.
This compelling ethnographic study reveals how denominational divisions, often dismissed as mere politics, actually serve as profound moments of spiritual critique and self-discovery. Rather than fragmenting communities, these religious splits become sacred opportunities for believers to examine their faith and reshape their understanding of what it means to be "the body of Christ."
At the heart of this transformation lies the intricate work of Bible translation, carried out by missionaries and linguists who have profoundly influenced how local Christians understand and practice their faith. Handman traces this spiritual evolution from early encounters with German Lutheran missionaries through contemporary conflicts, showing how each generation of believers has grappled with fundamental questions about Christian community and belonging.
Through careful attention to language, worship practices, physical expressions of faith, and the sacred significance of everyday objects, this study illuminates the rich complexity of Christian life in a non-Western context. For readers interested in how faith communities navigate change while preserving their spiritual core, this work offers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of religious practice and belief.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 328 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Translating
- ✓ Explore Christian sects
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Social aspects
- ✓ Explore Lutheran church
- ✓ Explore Oceanic languages
- ✓ Explore Bible, translating
- ✓ Explore Papua new guinea, social life and customs
