A hierarchy of symbols : Samoan religious symbolism in New Zealand

[摘要] This dissertation seeks to understand the religious experience of Samoans in New Zealand. The research uses the framework and themes of phenomenology of religion to observe, describe and interpret the expressions of Samoan religious experience in the thoughts of Samoans, their actions and their communities.The major analysis is conducted on the basis of selected theoretical structures of symbolism, for religious symbols are an important means of expressing and thereby interpreting religious experience. Religions work through clusters of symbols which are activated by universal symbols. Religious symbols enable humans to conceptualize and thus experience the ultimate reality of God and salvation.Samoan life is based on the inter-related areas and entwined symbols of fa;;a-Samoa (;;traditional Samoan way of doing things;;), the āiga (;;extended family;;) and the Christian Church. Central to all three is the experience of living within a hierarchy, for Christianity, fa;;a-Samoa and Samoan families are all hierarchically structured. In both their secular and religious lives, the hierarchy is a key symbol of life and salvation.Christianity plays a significant part in the lives of Samoans. The churches can be divided into two groups according to their acceptance or

[发布机构] University of Otago