European University Institute Library

Christian moderns, freedom and fetish in the mission encounter, Webb Keane

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-314) and index

government publication of a state province territory dependency etc

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Christian moderns

bibliography

70114550

Webb Keane

The anthropology of Christianity, 1

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 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, materiality, and morality, this book illuminates a wide range of debates in social and cultural theory. It demonstrates the crucial place of Christianity in semiotic ideologies of modernity and sheds new light on the importance of religion in colonial and postcolonial histories."--, Provided by publisher

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