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Anthropology and Religion

Polytheism

Polytheism

The Polynesians, however, were not content with one god, for the system of religion was influenced by page 14the native culture of the people. In the struggle for existence, they recognized that it was impossible for one person to be expert in all avenues of life. Hence experts arose in different vocations, such as fishing, horticulture, war, and the various arts and crafts. They studied the sun, moon, stars, winds, and natural phenomena that had a bearing on planting, fishing, and sea voyages. It is natural then that they should have created a god to preside over the various departments of life as they saw them. Hence Polynesian religion was polytheistic. A Polynesian once informed an early missionary that he could not understand how one god could possibly attend to all the varied demands made upon him. In his religion, a person consulted the god of his particular need and had more chance of receiving attention. Hence he considered that the Polynesian religion was superior to Christianity.