Abstract:
The following thesis addresses the topic of Christian identity. In particular it focuses on the identity or paradigm of the faifeau of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this thesis, you will discover a paradigm or identity which continues to exist and experience extreme privilege, power, and respect. It is an identity shaped by theological, political, economic, social, and cultural forces and continues to be informed by these same forces in differing degrees. The challenge of this Thesis is clear. Is the current faifeau paradigm of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa relevant for the contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand? I pursue this inquiry through the lens of a “hermeneutics of suspicion”. What I discover is the need for realization of an emerging faifeau identity. An emerging faifeau identity that is open and committed to authentic dialogue and critical conversation. An emerging faifeau paradigm that is determined to be self-reflective but also have the ability to seriously engage and dialogue with other faiths, beliefs, and viewpoints. An emerging faifeau that is bold and prophetic and willing to obey the life-empowering utterances of the Spirit.
