Native Religion and Christianity
Let's be clear - Native Religions are NOT a path to salvation. There is only salvation through Jesus Christ.
1. God was working in Native Cultures BEFORE Europeans came with the Gospel
Eternity in Their Hearts - Don Richardson
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)
My tribe's prophecy (Balaam)
The Soul of the Indian - Charles Eastman
Baptism and Communion
There are two main religious events in my tribe – the Feast of the Dead (Ghost Suppers), at which the resurrection of the departed souls was celebrated. And, the sweatlodge. Here Anishnabeg entered a wigwam full of heated stone and steam. If the Anishnabeg was ill this was used as part of the healing process. If healthy, for cleansing and visions.
Creation Story
In the beginning, there was only darkness. Kitche Manitou (the Creator) began to fulfill a vision of crimson sunsets and star-laden skies, a vision of various forms of beings living together and sharing the bounty of creation. Kitche Manitou made rock, water, fire, and wind. From these four basic elements, the sun, earth, moon and stars were formed. To complete the vision, Kitche Manitou created the plant beings, and then the animal beings. The last act of Kitche Manitou’s vision was the creation of man. And so, the world of the Anishnabeg began.
Flood Story (video)
2. Native worldviews can contribute to our understanding of our faith and knowing/understanding God AFTER the Gospel came.
Venn Diagram
Eagle Staff (redeemed artifacts - ex. Christmas trees, Easter eggs)
Reading Genesis (and geneologies, household conversions, dreams/visions etc.)
First Nations version of the New Testament (John 14:2)
KJV - In my Father's house are many mansions...
NIV - My Father's house has many rooms...
