Clash of the Prophets - Vanuatu

Jan 2007
The Vanuatan island of Tanna is in the grip of a power struggle. The local chief is being challenged by a new 'prophet' who wants to reintroduce Christian beliefs.
Chief Isaac's supporters believe the prophesies of a mythical figure called John Frum. He predicted the end of Colonial rule and the Japanese invasion but said Vanuatu's culture would be saved by the coming of the Americans. But a splinter group, led by Prophet Fred, wants to see this obsession with America end. They believe 'John Frum' is an allegorical representation of Jesus.

[@affirmingflame]

actually im studying the cult right now and the reason the Americans got associated with John Frum is that they were the only armed force they saw with black members. also they were the most generous of the forces as far as paying for labor and giving food, tools, etc.

[@Ailanpatan]

They are Pacific islanders, close to fiji, New Zealand and Australia..Maybe they came from africa but it was too long ago, they have no relation whatsoever about africa in their known history.

[@winterstellar]

"John Frum" was probably just some guy who presented himself: "Hello, I'm John from New York" or something. And since they didn't speak english there it's only natural that they didn't remember the whole sentence, hehe. The story of the cargo cults are amusing and show how incredibly easy myths, religions and superstitions can form:)

[@Wintermute01001]

At 0:45, I thought "Live long and prosper."

[@iliyaDZ]

It is amazing how the adopted so many English words. The americans should make the island a protectorate and make them pay taxes to fill up the budget :)

[@winterstellar]

By the way, I wonder if there are "Kilroy-religions" somewhere? That guy in New York Harbor who marked all the boxes he had inspected with "Kilroy Was Here" before they were sent around the world? Hehe, maybe something like "Kilroy was here once, and he will come back some day as the Kilroy Messiah",hehe! Religion is funny!

[@skarfaced]

jared diamond?