I loved the tone of the speech to Governor Stevens. Not only was it was fair and grateful and first, it turned a bit bitter and proud midway through. If it were played out in a movie I feel as though it would’ve been such an impact and inspired resentment towards the White Man perfectly.
When the Chief says how great it is that the White Chief has offered them land and protection it is hard to tell if he is truly grateful or downright sarcastic. At first you almost think he is overly thankful and has forgotten where his culture had been. Then he has a change of heart – or maybe the truth simply comes through – and he says “Your God loves your people and hates mine.” Touché. How can the awesome greatness of God tend to and protect them if he hates them? He goes on to say “Your God is prejudiced.” Amen to that.
Although I am in a definite learning process when it comes to religion in general, I feel like God comes off prejudiced quite a bit. Was it Adam or Eve that is in the wrong? Eve, therefore all women are wrong. I know not everyone believes that or teaches that, but it seems to be an underlying current among Christian religions. However, I can’t deny that a ton of other religions look down upon women as well. Also, when it comes to religions themselves there is always a hierarchy of who is holier than whom and there are opinions and consequences for whoever is on the lowest part of the totem pole. Are you baptized? If not, you’re not welcome here. Or, even something as general as: Are you our religion? Oh, no? Sucks for you – don’t come in. There is such a double standard based around the “Everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord” thing and I just don’t quite understand it. I could be completely off my rocker about this, but if we’re all equal no matter who or what we are, why aren’t we all welcome and embraced? And that being said, why aren’t we all just one happy religion? (Cheesy, but hey.)
Is there an answer to that? Maybe not. But guess what? We are human and too many people do the judging that supposedly only God can do far too often.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Amen! I love everything you said. Why do we all judge one another? What would Jesus do in our situation; would he give someone the cold shoulder just because they weren’t a believer, or would he accept them with open arms? The Bible tell us that Jesus had a pure heart and had unlimited tolerance, yet some Christians forgo this teaching and cherry pick what they believe is the Lords word and what is not.
ReplyDeleteChief Seattle's sarcasm struck me, too. I appreciate how he says it like it is. Wouldn't it be nice if more people would be straight up about things?
ReplyDeleteAbout the Adam and Eve thing...they both messed up, it wasn't just her. He was to love and protect her, but he stood right there by her side and silently watched as she ate the fruit. Then he blamed her when God asked him about it (Like God didn't see, already know, and would fall for that? Did Adam forget who he was talking to?). If someone I care about is going to do something that could bring them harm, I am going to tell them my concern...Adam didn't. He forsook his responsibility then tried to hide behind a girl. Come on, be a man and step up. I really appreciate it when men act respectably, not the opposite. And it seems fair that if religions are going to quote that or any story, they should do so with the WHOLE story, not just pick the part that defends themselves. Balance.
On the other stuff...girl I agree with you! There is too much prejudice, judgement, etc going on in Christian and non-Christian religions. What's sad is that Jesus' message of love is squelched when that happens. I wish people would understand we can love others, even if we don't agree with some aspects of their lives. Did you vote as I did? I don't know....but I can love you just the same. Do you go to the same church I do? I don't know...but I can love you just the same. I think it really is a decision to choose to love others. If Jesus dined with tax collectors and let a repentant prostitute anoint him with perfume...can't we simply give each other consideration and treat each other how we would want to be treated? It's not that hard is it?