| I see most of the posts here concern Christianity or mentions of either of the other 2 Big Three faiths..Judaism or Islam...now myself..I'm a Pagan, proud of it...I'm a Cherokee Indian..amongst ourselves we are known as Tsalagi...we first encountered our lands in the American southeast some 12,000 yrs or so ago..we practiced an unbroken way of life until the coming of the European some 300 yrs ago...I pray and practice the same culture my family line has done for centuries..millenia..our theology isn't one of "I'm right..you're wrong"..you'd be hard pressed to find two Indian tribes that worshipped the Creator(s) the same way....there are no less then 25 Spirits..or manifestations of the Devine, whatever term may fit. in the Cherokee pantheon..we are a nature-based faith..we see equality in the rabbit..the squirrel...the wolf...and man...
We do not force our worship on another....we believe that Truth is like a river...one Source....many creeks...streams...lakes..etc..where all may have different perspectives..where the Devine is shown to them in their own way....We have our rituals..our ceremonies..but they are unique to my people....I would no more expect a Jew or Christian to understand and accept my sacrifice of a deer tongue then I do of the concept that a man can walk on water..
I also respect those who choose not to believe in anything but themselves..that too is the natural order of things..beliefs and faith is not real if not chosen....forced..it is shallow and empty...
I'm not sure if I have done my people's ways justice in this thread...I am not Aniwodi, the healers/sages of my tribe, I am not privy to the mysteries of our tribe..I am Aniwahya....Wolf Clan...where we have traditionally drawn our warriors/hunters from.
I just wanted others to know that there can be differing perspectives and yet no animosity. |