Eco-spirituality in Papua New Guinea’s Traditional Beliefs and Christian Teachings: A Response to the Contemporary Ecological Crisis

RELIGION AND SOCIAL COMMUNICATION VOLUME 23, NO. 1 (2025)

ISSN 3057-0883 (ONLINE)

Author

Tuan Viet Cao, CM

Abstract

Like many other countries, Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change impacts. This research responds to these ecological issues by analyzing traditional beliefs and religious practices in PNG, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and their intrinsic relationship with the cosmos, and integrating them into Christianity. Using qualitative interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, and textual analysis, the research reveals that the holistic perspectives of indigenous and Christian beliefs and their eco-spirituality can inspire meaningful dialogue and action in addressing pressing environmental issues and nurturing spiritual well-being. Key findings indicate that these integrated spiritual perspectives can lead to more sustainable environmental practices and policies. By showcasing the wisdom embedded in PNG’s indigenous knowledge and its alignment with particular Christian spiritualities, the research underscores the relevance of these belief systems to current academic and practical discourses on environmental sustainability. This research not only enriches the understanding of eco-spirituality in a specific cultural context but also offers valuable insights for global efforts to harmonize human-environment relationships, emphasizing the role of spirituality in fostering sustainable futures.

Keywords

Indigenous religion, Christianity, eco-spirituality, traditional beliefs, Papua New Guinea, ecological crisis.

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Pages 54-79

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62461/TVC100124

Submitted: June 18, 2024; Accepted: October 1, 2024; Published: January 10, 2025 

 © 2025 The authors. This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).