Spirit and Resistance
Book Description
Theologian George E. Tinker presents a profound examination of Native American spirituality and its complex encounter with Christianity across five centuries of colonization. Writing from an indigenous perspective, Tinker explores how Native communities have navigated the tension between preserving their sacred traditions and engaging with the Christian faith that was imposed upon them through conquest and conversion.
This thoughtful work addresses the urgent question of whether Christian theology can contribute positively to Native American healing and restoration after generations of cultural disruption. Tinker offers a candid assessment of contemporary Native American life, acknowledging both the precarious state of indigenous communities and their enduring spiritual wisdom.
The author provides a critical lens on how liberal movements and New Age practitioners have appropriated Native spiritual practices, while also challenging conventional liberation theology. Through careful analysis, he demonstrates how indigenous understandings of the Sacred Other and sacred space can reshape traditional Christian concepts of God, Jesus's teachings about divine presence, and humanity's relationship with the earth.
Tinker's insights extend beyond theological discourse to address practical concerns about cultural survival, sustainable living, and the health challenges facing Native American communities today. His work bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary needs, offering readers a unique perspective on spirituality that honors both indigenous knowledge and the possibilities for authentic interfaith dialogue.
This compact yet substantial exploration invites readers to reconsider fundamental questions about faith, identity, and our connection to the sacred.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
📄 Length: 144 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Ethnic identity
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Indians of North America
- ✓ Explore Religion and politics
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Explore Indians of north america, ethnic identity
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Theologie der Befreiung
