A Santee Dakota View of So-Called "Christian Civilization"

"I once heard an old elder say: 'I have come to the conclusion that this Jesus was an Indian. He was opposed to material acquisition and to great possessions. He was inclined to peace. He was as unpractical as any Indian and set no price upon his labor of love. These are not the principles upon which the white man has founded his civilization' . . .

"Indeed, our contribution to our nation and the world is not to be measured in the material realm. Our greatest contribution has been spiritual and philosophical. Silently, by example only, in wordless patience, we have held stoutly to our native vision of personal faithfulness to duty and devotion to a trust. We have not advertised our faithfulness nor made capital our honor . . .

"I confess I have wondered much that Christianity is not practiced by the very people who vouch for that wonderful conception of exemplary living. It appears that they are anxious to pass on their religion to all other races, but keep very little of it for themselves. I have not yet seen the meek inherit the earth, or the peacemakers receive high honor.

"It is my personal belief, after thirty-five years' experience of it, that there is no such thing as 'Christian civilization.' I believe that Christianity and modern civilization are opposed and irreconcilable, and that the spirit of Christianity and of OUR ancient religion is essentially the same."

Ohiyesa (1858-1939)
Santee Dakota physician and author

Photo: View above The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, March 28, 2016
For Spiritual Direction or Workshops, please visit:  http://www.resourcesforspiritualgrowth.com/
​