Re: Native Spirituality
Dorothy Roberts (darmhk@ksuvm.ksu.edu)
Wed, 15 Jan 1992 15:44:00 CST
Daniel Medina made the comment that if Euro-Americans want to go back to the
goddess religion, let them - "they have a CLAIM to it". He proceeded to note
that they should leave Native American religion alone since it isn't thiers
"and never will be". I AM of that Celtic heritage and I AM learning about the
goddess religions (try When God Was A Woman sometime). I am also learning that
there are, as well as differences, similarities with some Native American
beliefs and customs. That all things are connected and intertwined, that war-
greed-selfishness-competition cannot foster growth-nurturance-love, that money
cannot buy spirituality - period. I have been interested in Native American
thought for years because it often places high value on that "good heart", on
forgivenss, on learning, on balance, and on a profound respect for all entities.
But I have no more claim on the goddess religion than I do on the Native Americ
an religion. No, I cannot understand your exact experience, I cannot -nor do I
wish to-"wannabe", nor can I ever change that which is past. Who has claim to
that Power that Is? You say "we" have no claim, but do you? And on what? Wher
e does the "claiming turf" stop, and when do we start learning from each other?
Pain is pain, and greed is greed, and a charlatan is a charlatan. The only way
to find out is to learn - and you have to start somewhere - and you are going
to make some wrong turns on the way. That doesn't mean you're inherently
stupid, or that because you took a wrong turn you're a quack or a wannabe.
Greed speaks for itself, and it does catch up. Ask ole Jimmy and Tammy. ****
But most of all, just what IS the message you're trying to get across? IS
Native American spirituality to be shared and learned - properly over time -
as with any other serious study - or is it only available if one's pedigree is
properly registered? I am neither enrolled in a tribe nor listed in any of the
registers of the peerage or the Blue Book. I belong nowhere and am no one.
"So ask not for whom the bell tolls...?" If I am myself, and if that includes
a mixture of others' wisdom, others cultures, others philosophies, am I a "wann
abe" Celt, a "wannabe" Indian, a "wannabe" whatever?
I cannot judge, either, whether this person is a fake or not. If she is, time
will show it and what goes around comes around. (I seem to have heard that some
where before......) But laying claim to YOUR way? Come on, folks, let's not
start that again......