Native and Christian: Indigenous Voices on Religious Identity in the United States and Canada

By James Treat

Book Overview

Native and Christian is an anthology of essays by indigenous writers in the United States and Canada on the problem of native Christian identity. This anthology documents the emergence of a significant new collective voice on the North American religious landscape. It brings together in one volume articles originally published in a variety of sources (many of them obscure or out-of-print) including religious magazines, scholarly journals, and native periodicals, along with one previously unpublished manuscript.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415913748
• ISBN13: 9780415913744
• Release Date: February 1997
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Christianity and Native Spirituality Are Compatible!

Though Native American and Christian seems like a contradiction because of the tragic course American history has taken concerning indigenous people- it cannot be denied that there is a long and complex tradition and relationship among America's Indigenous people and Christianity. Many tribes and Native people have cultivated and enriched this relationship going right back to the beginning of "America". This relationship, in its pure and uncorrupted form, demonstrates that one does not have to stop being an Indian to be a Christian or that one cannot be a Christian if they cling to an Indian knowledge of spiritual reality. True Christianity, undefiled by ideology and political opportunism is compatible and reconcilable with Native worldview, thought and philosophy. James Treat's book, "Native and Christian", as well as his other offerings and endeavors demonstrate this dynamic clearly. "Native and Christian" is an important work to look at for anyone wishing to explore this topic from aan anthropologic, theological or religious perspective. As a native and a Christian I will state that the book rings true and has been very helpful in my own studies and spiritual walk.