REFLEKSI TEOLOGIS ATAS MITOS DALAM GERAKAN KARGO DI MELANESIA

Abstract

Salvation movements in the Melanesian region savvied as ‘cargo
cults’, are generally based on myths. These myths are an expressive form of religious experience. Salvation movements, grounding themselves on myths, maintain that the movement basically possesses a religious significance. Since it is fraught with this significance, this article will delve on Christian theology, particularly soteriology concerning the myths in Cargo Cults. The reflection is focused on myths. Is there any substance of the Christian faith in the myths that are asserted in the salvation movements? The epicenter of pondering on it is revelation. Revelation as God's self- communication to humans. God’s communication is universal while humans’ rejoinders are partial due to its spatial-temporal characteristic. The Melanesian community have articulated them through mythical expressions.