Christian moderns: freedom and fetish in the mission encounter
Across much of the postcolonial world, Christianity has often become inseparable from ideas and practices linking the concept of modernity to that of human emancipation. To explore these links, Webb Keane undertakes a rich ethnographic study of the century-long encounter, from the colonial Dutch Eas...
| Summary: | Across much of the postcolonial world, Christianity has often become inseparable from ideas and practices linking the concept of modernity to that of human emancipation. To explore these links, Webb Keane undertakes a rich ethnographic study of the century-long encounter, from the colonial Dutch East Indies to post-independence Indonesia, among Calvinist missionaries, their converts, and those who resist conversion. Keane's analysis of their struggles over such things as prayers, offerings, and the value of money challenges familiar notions about agency. Through its exploration of language, ma Religion's reach -- Beliefs, words, and selves -- Religion, culture, and the colonies -- Conversion's histories -- Umbu Neka's conversion -- Fetishism and the word -- Modern sincerity -- Materialism, missionaries, and modern subjects -- Text, act, objectifications -- Money is no object. |
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| Item Description: | Includes bibliographical references (p. 291-314) and index. - Description based on print version record |
| ISBN: | 0520246527 |