Mark Albion, in his book MAKING A LIFE, MAKING A LIVING tells a fascinating story about a practice on the South Pacific island of Pentecost that is very similar to our sport of bungee jumping--except with religious significance. On this island men practice land diving, an ancient ritual designed to please the gods and ensure a good yam harvest.

Each man builds his own diving platform. The diver chooses the site carefully. He and he alone is responsible for the construction. The diver also selects his own diving vines. He looks for exactly the right length to brake his headfirst plunge just as his hair brushes the ground. Too long a vine can mean a fatal crash landing; too short a vine and the gods will not be happy with his dive.

On the appointed day, the diver climbs the tower, which ma…