Abstract
An analysis of the relationship between changes in the value system characteristic of a rural environment and the adoption of a new religious system.
This article is based upon research aimed at analysing the processes by which groups adopt religious systems which are not characteristic of their local culture. The study was carried out in a village in South Africa where Christian missionaries had been present since 1820. Three problems were investigated — have traditional values been modified; have new values appeared ; have traditional values been re-interpreted through Christianity ?
The study took into account five indicators — economic values, authority, ethical norms, relationship with God and religious practice. Three age groups were studied : 15 years- 25 years ; 26 years - 49 years and 50 years and over.
The evidence seems to show that the people have only loosely integrated the new Christian values ; the author also notes the presence of role conflicts as a sign of opposition between two value systems. In conclusion, it would appear that the milieu studied is in a state of transition ; Christianity has not yet changed traditional morals and the preponderant role of the family, but a more individual form of ethics and a more « moral » religion is developing.