"In recent years religion has received a good deal of attention in the discourse on globalization. Christianity in its Pentecostal-charismatic, evangelical and fundamentalist forms, seems to have thrived in the globalizing climate". "This is the most systematic account available of contemporary developments of Christianity in the Pacific Islands".--Back cover.

Concentrates on Japanese economic involvement in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Samoa.

This Element considers patterns of violent behaviour among the inhabitants of the Pacific Islands while their vast region has been undergoing religious change, overwhelmingly toward Christianity. Major topics researched are religion-based violent reactions to early intruders (including missionaries); new religious movements resisting unwanted interference (including 'cargo cults'); anti-colonial rebellions inspired by spiritual impetuses both indigenous and introduced; and the persistence of traditional modes of violence (tribal fighting, sorcery and tough punishments) adapted to altered conditions.

"Out of deep and wider personal experience of the Pacific Island churches, as well as a mastery of the documentary sources, Charles Forman has produced a very valuable and interesting book. The Pacific Basin assumes an increasingly central place in world history. The scattered Christian communities of that ocean are entering vigorously into worldwide ecumenical relationships. It is increasingly important to understand these churches and their potential contribution. Much of the popular mythology, not to say demonology, of missionary Christianity is linked with these Pacific Islands. This book puts the whole story in perspective as it brings us up to date and suggests the issues of today and tomorrow."David M. Stowe, Executive Vice President, United Church Board of World Ministries"This book covers the whole are of the Pacific Churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, and the English and French. It states the historical facts and has a prophetic outlook to the changing Pacific Christianity of tomorrow."S. 'Amanaki Havea, Principal, The Pacific Theological College, Suva, Fiji Islands"The nineteenth century story of Christianity in the Pacific is well known especially through the biographies of its heroes. Charles Forman has written the twentieth century story, with careful attention to the sources, and with great clarity. We see the steps from mission to church, and from village congregation to ecumenical involvement. Particularly helpful are the thematic treatments of cargo cults, modern sects, the effects of World War II, independence, and nation building. Can these traditionally minded Christian communities respond effectively to modern secularism and the mixture of cultures? The author shows that they can, and so enables the small Pacific Island Churches to contribute further to the world church. The bibliography is an excellent tool, and the footnotes repeatedly reveal how well the author knows the churches and the people who have led them."Bernard Thorogood, General Secretary and Clerk of the Assembly, The United Reformed Church, London