August 12, 2017

On Back to School Night, the teachers introduce themselves by telling where we are from and how we became Christians. Then we launch into class procedures, schedules, and homework expectations. On Tuesday evening, there were only two families in my room, so I welcomed the opportunity to learn where they were raised and what church they attended. One mom declared she went to the Native American Church. A typical response by Anglos is: “I never knew there was such a thing.”

The Native American Church is a religion that combines Christianity and Native Traditions. It includes the sacramental use of peyote, a hallucinogenic “medicine” originating from Mexico.

They believe in the Great Spirit and traditional spirits who carry prayers up to God.  In some tribes, Jesus is regarded as an Indian-culture hero returned, as an intercessor with God, or as a guardian who has turned to the Indians after being killed by the whites.

Ceremonies commonly last all night, beginning on Saturday evening and ending early Sunday morning. These ceremonies will include singing, dancing, drumming, and peyote consumption. Peyote, eaten in the ritual context, enables the individual to ‘commune’ with God and the spirits (including those of the departed) in contemplation and vision and so to receive from them spiritual power, guidance, reproof, and healing. Because peyote is a powerful stimulant, the participating members are wide-awake, so feasting is included.

The rite characteristically, but not always, takes place in a tepee around a crescent-shaped, earthen altar mound and a sacred fire. The all-night ceremony usually commences about 8 pm Saturday and is led by a peyote “chief”; it concludes with a communion breakfast on Sunday morning. The way of life is called the Peyote Road and enjoins brotherly love, family care, self-support through steady work, and avoidance of alcohol.

The services are not held regularly every Sunday. Common reasons for holding a service include the desire to cure illness, birthday celebrations, Christian holidays, school graduations, and other significant life events.

The NAC reflects a Navajo tendency towards syncretism. Traditional beliefs are so ingrained that even professing Christians often possess unorthodox doctrines.

Prayer and Praise:

School started on Wednesday, and though the first week was short, it seemed jam-packed. It was difficult for me to adjust to getting up early and being “on” all day long. This weekend was very welcomed.

I have eight students in first grade, and he

has four in his third grade. We both ask for prayers for wisdom and patience as each one of these children have “issues” and a variety of needs.