In Chapter 3 I argued that there is tension between relational ideals of conduct and the everyday practice of individuality in Lihirian personhood. When Lihirians complain about the mobility of others, they are making a comment on the morality of others' behaviour. Barker notes that Melanesians continue to grapple with ‘the tensions between, broadly speaking, communitarian values founded on reciprocal exchange and individualism’ (2007:10). This chapter is an exploration of the moral universe of Lihirians, particularly in terms of their commitment to Christianity, and its impact on personhood, emotion and relationships.

Of particular concern for this book is the impact of Christianity on the ideals of moral conduct. Perceptions of moral conduct are appreciations of the appropriateness of relations between persons, and so are commentaries on the exemplary forms of personhood and relationships. Moral conduct is quite often based on ideas of moral emotional conduct—the emphasis of certain emotions and sentiments, and the construction of others as immoral. Also crucial here is the impact of Christianity on ideals of moral conduct in relation to gender relations, sexuality and the family.

Lihirians have embraced the relatively recent introduction of Christianity enthusiastically, and do not view it as an alien institution imposed upon them. It is not a simple shift between two types of society (Barker 2007). Their commitment has not been at the expense of the practice of kastam, such as mortuary rituals and other feasts. Rather, Christianity is now an integral and integrated part of life in Lihir.