Natives of the islands of the South West Pacific had very little, if any, contact with the modern world and its many technological advances. So during World War 2 they were mesmerized by Japanese and later Allied soldier's uniforms, their marching in perfect order, the construction of airstrips, and the hand gestures in directing the landing of incredible flying ships bringing all manner of exotic goods. The Japanese and later the Allied soldiers shared some of their "cargo" with the natives—Coca Cola, canned food, clothes, basic medicine, and other assorted desirable yet unfamiliar common items.

When the war ended, the mysterious visitors left for good. Disappointed, the natives believed if they would mimic the actions of their heavenly visitors, the planes would return, bringing more fascinating gifts and healing medicines. They built a control tower out of rope and bamboo, a runway out of straw, and made "clothes" resembling the military uniforms they observed. They carved and wore simple wooden headsets and exactly mimicked the landing hand-gestures on their airstrip. These patterns of beliefs and rituals have become known as "Cargo Cults." The faithful believe if they simply follow the pattern and motions of their technologically superior visitors, they will get the same results.

Possible Preaching Angles: (1) False teaching; (2) Spirituality without power; (3) Addictions; Idols; Idolatry—We might be tempted to make fun of these "superstitious" beliefs, but every time we turn to an idol or an addiction we're acting like these cargo cult believers—we're expecting to receive something that the idol just can't deliver.