JESUS AND COSMIC ENTROPY IN THE NEW GUINEA HIGHLANDS.

Huli (Papua New Guinean people); Afterlife; Fate & fatalism; Reincarnation; Jesus Christ; Rites & ceremonies; Christianity & geography; Church & the social sciences; Theological anthropology

New Guinea (Island); Papua New Guinea

The article discusses the beliefs of the Huli in the New Guinea highlands. As noted, the Huli do not believe in judgment in the afterlife, and the destination of the soul in no way counts upon a person's character or behavior before he dies. Their perception about destination or habitation of the soul is uncertain. However, this confirmed disposition of the Huli seemed to have a willingness to adopt Christianity, on the condition that they can take responsibility for Jesus Christ's death. In fact, it has been suggested that the parallel between the story of Bayebaye, a red-skinned boy whom they identify as Jesus and who was killed in a ritual, and that Jesus Christ explains the enthusiasm of the Huli for Christianity.