ABSTRACT
Perceived cultural similarities allow for the adoption of traditional textual motives in inculturative songs. The cultural context of Christianity in Flores differs much from that on Java, not only in the number of Christians relative to the general population. The Christian educational system is also very strong, and provides adequate knowledge of the role and importance of inculturation. According to interviewees, Christianity shares significant similarities with local sensibility and morality. The core Christian teachings of love, peace, and friendship are akin to the principles of customary laws that emphasize living in harmony with others. Florenese—similarly to Javanese Christian responders—provide multiple examples of resemblances between Christian philosophy and ethics and the values of the local culture. In the overall religious landscape, the attitudes of the missionaries toward local culture have been critical as they shaped to a great extent the indigenous people’s views and understandings of religiosity.
