Google News 09/21: Bonfires, Christian missionaries, and Aboriginal culture

A story of conflict and catharsis

Christian missionaries have been a regular feature of Aboriginal life in Australia for centuries, and have radically transformed the religious landscape of the country. Whereas a variety of animistic rituals and beliefs once dominated their culture, today only 1% of Indigenous people subscribe to their traditional religions — by contrast, 73% of them are affiliated with a Christian denomination.

This transition from traditional belief systems to Christianity has been characterized by a certain degree of cultural erasure. European missionaries were notoriously dismissive of the spiritual significance of Aboriginal beliefs, and were guided by a cultural mindset that regarded them as inferior to European culture.

We might lament the loss of native beliefs and customs that has occurred throughout Australia’s history. But a recent report by ABC news’ Background Briefing program argues that a form of cultural erasure is happening even today in the province of Kimberly, where a Tongan missionary has convinced her followers to burn sacred artifacts and law grounds.

Australia is home to a thriving Pentecostalist movement, an evangelist-like denomination that emphasizes having direct experience…