Week 3’s lecture changed my perception of Maori Christianity. There was the question of whether Maori could be Christian and remain loyal to their identity? I am interested in the relationship between religion and conflict and how it shapes political thought.
Christian philosophy had a significant influence on Maori political thinking during the New Zealand Land Wars. It formed the backbone of their nationhood, as imperialist ideals were reshaped into the first form of Maori nationalism. Previous generations of tribal politics dissolved as the image of a universal moral community became a component of their nationhood and identity as a single, unified race. The King movement saw the abandonment of tribal division as it was a call to unity, backed by New Testament teachings that Maori society could be advanced in terms of equality.
The Modernist view of the Maori conversion to Christianity ignores their genuine connection to the religion. It’s considered as a by-product of colonial rule rather than a source of political genius. Before the King movement, Christianity was an instrument to execute, “White Man’s burden”, the doctrine that supports the “civilization”, of indigenous people. While the Maori lost the Land Wars, we may argue that Pakeha were fighting against their ideals.
There are many parallels between the Old Testament and Maori attitudes during the New Zealand Wars. The Old Testament becomes an allegory for Maori suffering as the Jewish race struggles to find their promised land against the challenges of invasion, division, and persecution. The point of resonance was the struggle to maintain rangatiratanga (sovereignty) of their lands and people.
The King movement is evident that Christian philosophy was empowerment to some Maori, they measured civilization in terms of peace and these ideas were preached by Jesus in the New Testament. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”, Matthew 5:9. The New Testament represents their desired direction as a race; recognition of their rangatiratanga, the pursuit of virtue and achievement of equality. Arguably, the bible has greater relevance to Maori culture than European culture; a race struggling to maintain its identity and sovereignty versus the promotion of virtuous white supremacy. The King movement converted colonial Anglicanism into a message of national unity, thus Maori Christianity can be considered a separate ideology
In summary, Christianity had an extensive influence on Maori political thinking during the New Zealand Land Wars, as it birthed the concept of nationhood. It corrects the misconception that Christianity harmed the Maori as it is responsible for their political evolution. Christianity gifted them leadership and unity, affirming their identity as a sovereign people against advancing European aggression and if undefeated Maori Christianity could have paved the way to nationhood.
by Theo van de Klundert
References: Christianity, Modernity, and Culture by John Stenhouse; G. A. Wood; Australian Theological Forum. Publisher AFT Press, Wiremu Tamihana and the Mana of Christianity in Christianity, modernity and culture: new perspectives on New Zealand history.
