has been substituted in their place. It is not true, however, as has been frequently asserted, that the natives have no idea of a supreme being, although they do not allow this idea to influence their actions." Then he adds that Baiamai was the maker of all things.[1]
So far then from supporting Mr. Lang's contention, Mr. Hale tells us:
1. That there was a lack of religious feeling in the natives. That some of their ceremonies which he thought "partook of a religious character had been discontinued, and that nothing had been substituted in their place."
2. There is no mention of any worship of Baiame.
3. So far from the belief in Baiame as Creator having existed before the advent of the missionaries, it was after "the missionaries have found it impossible after many years' labor to make the slightest impression upon them." No doubt the missionaries taught the natives that the world was created, and this abstract fact they did not question, but this did not lead to any ceremonies, or prayers, or offerings. I believe that Mohammed originated Mohammedanism, but this does not make me a Mohammedan.
Mr. Lang does not quote any reference to Baiame by Mr. Threlkeld himself, nor, I believe, does any exist. In his Australian Grammar, Mr. Threlkeld refers to Koin, but does not mention Baiame.
I still, therefore, agree with Mr. Tylor that the mere acceptance of Baiame as having made the world was an idea derived from the missionaries, and the very passage on which Mr. Lang relies seems to me in accordance with our view, and inconsistent with his.
I do not, however, attach the same importance as Mr. Lang to the question whether the belief that Baiame made the world is aboriginal or derived from missionaries. That the world was made is a very natural idea: that it has always existed, whether true or not, is very difficult to realise, and would hardly occur to a savage. But the mere belief that Baiame made the world is a matter of history or, say, of science. It does not by itself constitute a religion.
- ↑ H. Hale, United States Exploring Expedition, vol. vi., p. 110.
