A rose by any other name

This morning as I sat in the back pews of New Hope Indian Baptist Church, I thought to myself "baptists are the same no matter where you are and what language is being spoken." In some ways this morning was incredibly typical. Other than the bilingual sermon and a few minor tweaks on the order of service I could have been back at my grandmas church, Hurlwood Baptist.

It was comforting for about 3 seconds and then it just irritated the snot out of me. This is why missionaries get a bad rap. The culture has changed. This is to how Indians worship. This is how white people worship. I don't want Indians to worship like white people. I want Indians to worship stylistically as Indians, the God of all people's and nations.

But what do I know, I am just the intern. This sparked a question in my brain. Is it unfair for me to begrudge 21st century Indians for not worshipping stylistically like 18th century Indians? Modern Choctaws don't live in tepees anymore, but i don't get angry if they live in a house. Somewhat does it mean to be a 21st century Choctaw?

As I pondered this, I couldn't help but wonder if the Gospel wouldn't be more effective and transformative amongst the Choctaw if it were "culturally relevant."

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White mans guilt

I struggle with feeling very guilty for the way white people behaved centuries ago towards both the Africans and the Native Americans. I wouldn't blame them for not forgiving white people and plotting revenge. Forgiveness, is a tough subject cross culturally. And yet Jesus words on the subject are very clear. Forgive! And receive forgiveness. This morning I asked Abigail, if she had experienced much reverse racism. She said no. Then she told me of a conversation with her pastor/friend/main translator Leonard,in which he told her "we must leave the past in the past and work with who we all are today." That's when she told me that she realized, she couldn't work with the Choctaw because she felt guilty for what her ancestors may or may not have done, she couldn't work with the Choctaw because she pitied them, the only reason she can do what she does is because of Jesus. He is worthy to receive the reward of his suffering. He is good, and the Choctaw deserve to know him in his goodness. Thus I named my blog "ano fihna chiya". He is my all in all, and he is why I will work with and among the Choctaw this summer. It's all about him! Not assuaging my ancestral guilt.