What is Chamorro? Pursuing Culture and Identity in the Christian U.S. Territory of Guam

Abstract

This research project contains contributions not only to the field of religious studies, but the fields of anthropology, sociology, identity politics, and syncretism as well. Imperialism, preservation and reconstruction of tradition, community development, belief and practice, as well as identity formation are all prevalent concerns in these fields as they are in that of religion. Using the Chamorro people of Guam as a case study in identifying the correlations between identity politics, colonialism, and religion will generate further awareness of an inadequately explored subject in synchronized and comparative religion, the religions of the United States, and anthropology. By means of focusing on the reconstruction of traditional practices in Guam, this study aids to further the understanding of religious progression and syncretism in an island community.