NOW more than ever in Papua New Guinea, people blame sorcery or witchcraft for deaths in the communities and society and this causes the multiple payback killings in our neighbourhoods.

Even though the Christian dialogue is different from the Melanesian way of thinking or the Papua New Guinean way of thinking, it might just be one of the ways in which we can encourage and remind people of the power vested in us individually as revealed in the Holy Bible.

When embracing the biblical world view by moving away from traditional magical thinking to trusting in God’s power shown to us in fullness through Christ, we as Melanesians might just find a way to have a gutpela sindaun.

For this to happen, we have to sit and talk with our people to learn about the roles of those important values, customs, traditions and beliefs in their lives.

When we ignore these important aspects of their lives, or dismiss them, it will only make it difficult to communicate the Christian message.

In the Gospel revealed to us by Christ Himself, he has proclaimed to us that the one that is in us is greater than the one that is in the world.

When we have that blessed assurance, we will be enlightened that we do not need to fear any evil spirits or believe in those who trust in them, but rather commit us wholly to the Lord.

We all know that we witness deaths every day and that only reminds us that we are mere mortals who do not know what tomorrow might bring for us let alone whether we will be alive for the next day but as Christians we believe that that is in God’s hands.

Gutpela sindaun in a Melanesian perspective seems unattainable but it is not however from a Christian perspective.

In a personal relationship with our saviour Jesus Christ, gutpela sinduan is attainable.  The fantasy of having fullness if life can be a reality when one encounters a relationship with the Lord.

This then –leading people to Jesus Christ- should become the most paramount task of people who teach the Christian faith to others.

It might be harder for non-local Christian pastors and lay church workers in understanding local customs related with death and especially when death leads to sorcery related accusations.

We are reminded throughout the New Testament that we are dead of our old ways and have died with Jesus and have been raised as a brand new person when we accept the saviour into our lives.

We should not be overcome with the overly used sorcery accusation deaths but consider good pastoral practices suggested by Nick Schwarz such as being present in time of sickness, death and mourning, get involved in health and education, uphold the law, help the accused, help damaged communities heal, promote good leadership, stand up for women, promote positive attitudes to the natural environment and promote good development.

Being proclaimed multiple times as a Christian nation, it is about time we live up to that name.  By doing so, we will not let bad practices hinder our plans of progress in terms of development but rather help us to build a stronger and a much more non-violent nation.

Amanda Kundil