Many thanks for this discussion, it touched on several ‘issues’ , questions I’ve had , still meditate on. I read Black Elk Speaks back in the 70s, it had a strong impact opened my eyes to an an appreciation of Native American culture and spirituality. It was a shock to learn later that he converted to Catholicism. The pearls, diamonds are buried so deep, hidden, but the fragrance is unmistakable, defying all attempts by the other to deny….peace
The horror indeed ... coffee hour is where the real challenge is and where alot of the healing and learning and growth happens.. becoming human.. restoring the Image... I absolutely have to force myself to stay.. I go out to the car and have a cigarette and say a prayer for strength and go back in... always glad that I did
As St. Augustine said "That which is known as the Christian religion existed among the ancients, and never did not exist." All the ancient religions were Christian but they were pre-incarnation versions of Christianity. A recently discovered text written by the Chinese Emperor who ruled during the time of Christ's life on earth discloses that he knew that the God they worshiped, who bore an amazing resemblance to Yahweh, had incarnated in the West and been crucified thus saving Humanity. Christianity did not "borrow" or "steal" pagan rites, rituals, and stories, Christianity fulfilled them. And that's also why the great cathedrals of Christianity are often built over sacred pagan sites. It's the same religion. The main difference is that Christianity is post-incarnation, crucification, and resurrection of the Being of this Universe. So, practicing pagan religions now is pointless, atavistic, and can even be considered "evil," as those practices are out of sync with the current time and needs of Humanity. When the indigenous Americans talked about "The Elders" and the "Holy People," they were talking about the very same angelic hierarchies of the Christian world.
