Episode 137 - Can Christianity and Te Ao Māori Coexist? Henare Whaanga, Part 2

In this second part of our chat with Henare Whaanga, we pick up where we left off - asking what’s contributed to the shift away from Christianity in Māoridom, and whether faith and culture can truly coexist. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to honour your culture while following Christ, I hope this conversation will bless you.

Henare shares his thoughts on navigating identity, subjectivism, and the growing resurgence of Māori spirituality. We also touch on whether a spiritual experience alone is enough to sustain our faith.

This is an honest conversation that you might find challenging - but my hope is that it will leave you encouraged and embracing the opportunity to grow in grace where we disagree. 

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.

For more information and resources from Thinking Matters head to www.thinkingmatters.org.nz

0:00 – Previously: Recap of Part 1 and Henare’s journey so far

1:10 – Why Many Māori Are Shifting Away from Christianity: Cultural, historical, and social factors shaping faith today

4:26 – Subjectivism in Māoridom

6:05 – Reconciling Christianity with Te Ao Māori

7:33 – A Confronting Kōrero: Nothing is true

8:41 – From Re-indigenisation to Māori Religion: When celebrating heritage turns spiritual 

11:19 – “Not the First Generation to Wrestle with This”

12:35 – Picking a Side: Choosing where to stand when faith and culture collide

14:23 – Leaving Old Religions for Christ: How every culture has faced this crossroads

17:01 – Why a Spiritual Experience Is Not Enough: The need for spirit and truth

21:32 – Does the New Zealand Church Need Change?

24:02 – Henare’s Words to the Doubting: Encouragement for those questioning their faith

25:42 – Henare’s Words to the Wrestling: Finding peace between culture and Christianity

27:47 – Henare answers how he lives his faith 'outside of Sunday'