Whispers and Vanities: Samoan Indigenous Knowledge and Religion

Tamasailau M. Suaalii-Sauni · Maualaivao Albert Wendt · Naomi Fuamatu · Upolu Luma Va’ai · Reina Whaitiri · Stephen L. Filipo

Nov 2014 · Huia Publishers

About this ebook

 This collection of essays and selected poetry responds to an address on Samoan religious culture given by Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Tupuola Tufuga Efi, to the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions. The address challenges some fundamental aspects of and assumptions in modern Samoan indigenous religious culture. The essays and poetry form a carefully woven critique, from within and outside Samoa, of aspects of Samoa’s religious and cultural values.

About the author

 There are thirty-eight contributing authors to the collection, including Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Tupuola Tufuga Efi, and a diverse range of prominent Pacific and non-Pacific writers, poets, theologians and academics (from theology and religious studies, to sociology, psychology, history and education). These include Maualaivao Albert Wendt, Vitolia Mo’a, Jenny Plane Te Paa Daniel, Momoe Von Reiche, Paul Morris, Raymond Pelly, Serie Barford, Jione Havea, Upolu Luma Va’ai, Ruperake Petaia, Fonoti Lafitai I. Fuata’i, Bradd Shore, Dan Taulapapa McMullin, Toeolesulusulu Damon I. Salesa, Tui Rakuita, Cluny Macpherson and La’avasa Macpherson, Tafea Brandon Polamalu, Anne-Marie Tupuola, Naomi Fuamatu, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Afegaitinooti Jennifer Freeman, Karen I. Lupe, Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard, Vilsoni Hereniko, Teresia K. Teaiwa, Sia Figiel, Reina Whaitiri, Tracey McIntosh, Peseta Noumea Simi, Konai Helu Thaman, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Tusiata Avia, Stephen L. Filipo, Anthony J. Kelly, and Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl.