Thimuay Mbeng, Lund and Lommason, and the Christianization of theLapuyan Subanens

Abstract

This work is about socio-cultural history that was shaped by religious conversion. It shows how three personalities became responsible for the Christianization, literacy, and modernization of the Subanens of Lapuyan in Zamboanga Peninsula. The chief welcomed the American Protestant missionaries in his territory; then the missionaries introduced to the natives Christianity through literacy and community works. Missionary works were later multiplied through native lay preachers. The initial reactions of the Subanens on the impending social change can be seen through their response (although passively) to the missionaries, how they interpret their dreams and how they view the foreigners according to their beliefs. The article is concluded by showing that the altruistic nature of missionary works is in fact in line with American colonial policy. This is evidenced in the words expressed by religious leaders and colonial authorities. Personal interviews, archival research, and review of related literatures were the methods used in gathering the data to form this study.