Contested Exorcism. Navigating Lutheran ‘Heil’ and Healing Expectations in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the intersection of religion, medicine, and cultural practices in Papua New Guinea, focusing on a case study of an exorcism conducted by a Lutheran doctor from Madagascar. It underscores that the attribution of failure is contextually dependent and fluctuates based on spatial-temporal scales and observer perspectives. By considering the role of semiotic ideologies in shaping these interactions, I debate the complexities involved in navigating distinct cultural, religious, and medical norms in this therapeutic setting. The paper attends to the historical and socio-political contexts, including the impact of colonialism and missionary work on local religious and healing practices. It also examines the concept of possession and its implications for healing expectations. The paper wraps up by discussing aspirations for the indigenization of Lutheran Christianity. German Lutherans, missionaries, the Madagascan doctor, and New Guinean locals all strive to harmonize their respective worldviews. By comparing such different yet equal perspectives, one’s own can be reflected upon and better understood. The discourse of healing in this unique configuration serves as a microcosm of broader debates surrounding religion, healthcare, and cultural diversity in a globalized world.