cargoism

Etymology

From cargo + -ism.

cargoism means the beliefs associated with cargo cults (unorthodox religious movements among the people of Melanesia based upon Western manufactured goods). Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 92 out of 100.

Why “cargoism” is a great word

CARGOISM — [Noun] The system of beliefs or the associated academic discourse concerning cargo cults, unorthodox Melanesian religious movements centered on the expected arrival of Western manufactured goods. From cargo (referring to the manufactured goods central to the cults) + -ism (denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy). Unlike "cargo cult" (which refers to the specific socio-religious movements and practices) or "millenarianism" (a general belief in a coming, radical transformation of the world), cargoism is the abstracted philosophy of material salvation. It is the theology of runway-shaped altars, the liturgy of shouted aircraft part numbers, and the patient exegesis of a crate's stenciled markings—a quiet testament to the universal human act of building religion from the artifacts of a more powerful world.

noun

The beliefs associated with cargo cults (unorthodox religious movements among the people of Melanesia based upon Western manufactured goods).“What is becoming clear is that the ethos of cargoism is widespread, takes many forms, and represents a particular version of the desire for blessings that marks most religions.”