Understanding Christian Missionaries in the South Pacific from the Unusual Perspective of Ta'unga

by Derek Dwight Anderson

This volume in a series of world history case studies explores racism, imperialism, and indigenous resistance to nineteenth century Christian missionary activity in the South Pacific by shedding light on the experiences of a convert named Ta’unga. Born in the Cook Islands, Ta’unga dedicated his life to promoting Christianity in New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Samoa, but also struggled to have his work be fully appreciated by his supervisors in the London Missionary Society. As an intermediary between two worlds, Ta’unga’s struggles illustrate the complexities of the cultural interactions between Islanders and Europeans in an era of significant social and economic change in the Pacific.

61 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

Derek Dwight Anderson is an independent high school history teacher and librarian with almost 40 years of teaching experience. He is also a dedicated world traveler who loves museums, large and small. Improbable Voices is Anderson's first book and represents the cumulative integration of his professional and personal interests.

Anderson holds a B.A. from Bates College and a Master of Library and Information Science from San José State University. He also studied at the University of Edinburgh. A senior full time faculty member at Marin Academy in San Rafael, California, Anderson lives with his partner in Sausalito. He is currently teaching an interdisciplinary world history course that integrates history, art history, and studio art.

Reviews

[Rudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in the history of the South Pacific will enjoy this book. Anderson's bright narrative highlights cultural and political impacts of Christianity and colonialism through the experience of native pastors. Especially interesting are the encounters between Polynesian missionaries and Melanesians.