Mana and Christianity

Words by Porita Fruean (she/her)

Spirituality plays a significant role in the Pasifika community. It encompasses the people and cultures of the Pacific Islands. Pasifika spirituality is deeply rooted in our traditional beliefs, practices, and cultural values, often blending indigenous customs with more recently introduced religious influences, such as Christianity.

Mana

Mana is a fundamental concept in Pasifika cultures, referring to spiritual power, authority, and prestige. It holds great significance in our belief systems and social structures.

The concept of Mana exists throughout the Pacific Islands and while its exact interpretation and usage may vary from culture to culture, common themes persist: mana in nature, warfare, spiritual power, leadership and authority, and expressions in language and rituals.

Spiritual Power

Mana represents a supernatural or divine power that is believed to reside within individuals, objects, or natural elements. It is a force that can influence events, actions, and outcomes in both positive and negative ways. In our community, there are important stories, myths, and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation—the stories of gods, demigods, and the spirit realm. The transmission of spiritual knowledge and wisdom is mainly done through oral traditions, storytelling, songs, and dances. These stories gave birth to thousands of traditions that are still being carried out to date around the different Pacific Islands, as each island has its own stories of Mana. There are many stories told throughout the islands that illustrate the spiritual power that thrives in our oceans. I will tell one that holds a special place in the hearts of my people.

The Story of Tagaloa And The Creation Of The World (Samoa):

In Samoan mythology, the god Tagaloa is a key feature in the creation of the world. Tagaloa possesses immense spiritual power and is responsible for creating the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. His actions and decisions shape the entire cosmos. Tagaloa created a world for the people to live and thrive on, and he gave them the wisdom to navigate their way across the world. As time passed, Tagaloa noticed that the people began to turn away from him and have their own way. He then descended back to the heavens, leaving the people to navigate their way across the world he created.

Christianity

With the arrival of European missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries came Christianity. From then to now, its influence has grown, and it’s had a magnificent role.

In the past, before our islands were discovered by our colonisers, we had our own way of living and our own moral standards. Our ancestors had their own indigenous belief systems. Each island had its own distinct belief system: often polytheistic, animistic, or ancestor-based. The introduction of Christianity brought a Moral and Ethical Framework, emphasising principles such as compassion, forgiveness, and humility. These values have influenced personal behaviour and societal norms. 

Christianity quickly became the centre of life in the Pasifika communities, mending and transforming our way of life, and has had a big influence on the cultures around the islands. Often, I hear elders back home say their goodbyes to family members, ending with “tatou feiloa’i pea i talosaga”, which translates to, ”we shall meet again in prayer”. ^Our faith, belief and being founded on God has become our way of gaining blessings.^ Christianity has transformed our way of life in the Pasifika, and it has birthed a sense of oneness and cohesion in our communities.