While engaging with Native American Christian spirituality or other unfamiliar expressions of Christianity may be inviting and deepen our walk with Jesus, it can also provoke a sense of confusion or threat. What about syncretism, counterfeits, or false teachings? Maybe something just seems a little weird.
Entering wisely into this space requires discernment. The examples of the scriptures show acts of cultural discernment happening all around (see Acts 6:1, where Jewish practices came under scrutiny, and 19:19, where non-Jewish ways were found wanting). The Via Divina team has sought out trusted sources. Even so, engaging with new forms of Christian practice can sometimes be challenging. Our intent here is to invite, never to adjudicate or provoke. Perhaps the Spirit has brought up a specific concern for you. If so, it is important that you explore this concern through prayer, study, and conversation with trusted followers of Jesus.
In addition to the opportunities to debrief your concerns that Via Divina provides (such as story circles or webinars), here are a few links that might help.
- Your own church, denomination or tradition may have thoughtful resources. The Christian Reformed Church (through the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship), for example, has a resource page at https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/indigenous-christian-worship-resources-where-to-start
- We have found the Native, Indigenous, and First Nations leaders of NAIITS to be helpful. https://urbana.org/past-urbanas (also collected and summarized here https://www.nativeintervarsity.org/timeline_notes.html).
- First Nations Version (FNV) of the New Testament. Learn more about the new translation at https://firstnationsversion.com/ , and read an extended story of how the FNV came to be
Native and Christian
Listen to Indigenous followers of Jesus talk about what it means to be both Native and Christian.
Renee Begay
