Fire on the Island: Fear, Hope and a Christian Revival in Vanuatu

In 2014, a Christian revival movement led by thirty children on the island of Ahamb in Vanuatu ended dramatically when two men believed to be sorcerers were hung. This book investigates how upheavals like the Ahamb revival can address and sometimes resolve social problems but also carry risks of exacerbating the same problems they arise to address.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

In 2014, a remarkable Christian revival movement unfolded on the island of Ahamb in Vanuatu, spearheaded by a group of thirty children possessing a "spiritual vision." This revival, however, reached a dramatic climax when two men, believed to be sorcerers and blamed for many of the island's societal issues, were executed by individuals concerned about the island's future security. Drawing from twenty months of ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2010 and 2017 on Ahamb, this book delves into the intricate dynamics that give rise to upheavals such as the Ahamb revival, exploring their potential to address and sometimes resolve social problems. At the same time, it also uncovers the risks associated with these movements, as they may inadvertently exacerbate the very issues they seek to address.

The revival on Ahamb was initiated by a group of young people who were dissatisfied with the prevailing social and economic conditions on the island. They believed that the only way to bring about change was through spiritual awakening and the return to traditional values. They organized prayer meetings, preached the gospel, and performed miracles, which attracted the attention of the wider community.

However, as the revival gained momentum, tensions began to rise between the revivalists and the local authorities. The authorities were concerned about the potential impact of the revival on the island's stability and security, and they began to crack down on the movement. The revivalists were accused of causing social unrest and promoting superstition, and they were subjected to harassment and persecution.

In response to the growing tensions, two men, who were believed to be sorcerers and responsible for much of the island's problems, were arrested and executed. The revivalists saw this as a victory, as they believed that the execution of the sorcerers would bring about a permanent change in the island's fortunes. However, the execution also sparked widespread outrage and violence, as many people believed that the sorcerers were innocent and that their execution was a violation of their human rights.

The book explores the complex interplay between social, cultural, and religious factors that contributed to the Ahamb revival and its subsequent collapse. It examines the role of traditional beliefs and practices in shaping the revivalists' worldview and their response to the challenges they faced. It also explores the impact of globalization and modernization on the island's society and the challenges that these processes have posed for traditional values and practices.

The book concludes by suggesting that the Ahamb revival was a powerful example of the potential for social change and the resilience of traditional values in the face of adversity. However, it also highlights the risks associated with such movements, and it emphasizes the importance of a nuanced and informed approach to addressing social problems.

In conclusion, the Ahamb revival was a remarkable example of the power of social movements to bring about change and address social problems. However, it also highlighted the risks associated with such movements, and it emphasized the importance of a nuanced and informed approach to addressing social problems. The book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that give rise to upheavals such as the Ahamb revival and their potential to address and sometimes resolve social problems.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800734647