On August 25, 2008, the new BOK Center in Tulsa has decided to do a "Traditional Indian Blessing" before the opening of their new convention hall. I would like to say that I strongly protest this event on the grounds that it is a direct offense to God.
I am not saying this on racial grounds, for I, myself, have Cherokee blood. However, I denounce the pagan practices by my ancestors and by the living tribe. I proclaim that instead of a blessing, the BOK Center will be bringing down a curse upon them, for they do not ask a blessing from God, but from their spirits.
We, as Oklahomans, are much too nonchalant when it comes to embracing pagan practices. It isn't politically correct to call Native American religious practices "Pagan" but that is exactly what they are. We tend to look at Native American culture as "tradition" or "natural", but if it doesn't worship God, then it is NOT OF GOD!
Perhaps this sounds a bit strange coming from me. Perhaps you have never heard me talk this way before. Well, it is because I am tired of compromise. I am tired of people being wishy-washy and claiming to be Christian, but then practicing paganism.
Fellow Oklahomans, get off the fence! It is either God or it is not God. You cannot be both Christian and practice traditional Indian religions. Look at Commandments 1 and 2!
I call upon the City of Tulsa, the directors of the BOK Center, the Bank of Oklahoma, and the Kaiser family to stop this affront to God.
5 comments:
Rick...you will definitely be in my prayers in the days ahead!
The power of God is real; these false spirits will not prevail.
Never have. Never will.
I need to think more about your post. A lot more. I think for a start, we should remember to pray for the generous man, Mr. Kaiser, who is not a Christian. And we need to pray for our city leaders who are guiding us toward a future unknown.
The power of God can prevail and I believe there will be some strong, Christian events held in that facility that WILL bring forth blessings to many.
As for the thinking part, DEEP thought is necessary for me to form greater opinions on this one. I agree with what you are saying and I, too, am tiring of people not taking a greater stand for Christ. BUT, I also see the event as symbolic, historical, and
welcoming to everyone. (There is a whole host of people who wouldn't attend a Christian event there, just like there are a ton of people that wouldn't attend a rock concert there.)
I see this as an expression of honor to the rich heritage of Native Americans in our area.
You might even struggle to know that my daughter sings songs in many languages that include stories (myths) that are part of different cultures. (But she also praises the Lord mightily and I don't see her voice as blaspheming God.)
By the way, I attended a LARGE Native American event hosted in our city not long ago. I was very impressed with the spirituality that was present. (Heartfelt, indwelt, and Bible based!) I was SURPRISED by it as well. The leaders were the ones expressing their faith so openly to a future generation, and I was in awe at how many were "of God" in their leadership. Hubby's "Granny" was the most Godly woman I've ever met yet believed in her Native American heritage.
INTERESTING post, FRIEND.
Steve,
Thanks.
Anon, (B)
I'm not saying anything bad about BEING native American; that would be just plain stupid AND racist.
I think that paying honor to the pagan traditions is one of the reasons that we such spiritual bondage here, especially in NE OK. Keeping the languages alive is one thing, but PRACTICING the beliefs is quite another.
I don't see how this event, or the "multi-faith" even scheduled for a later date can truly honor God. I don't know exactly what is in store for the multi-faith event, but if we have Mormons, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists all "doing their thing", that doesn't honor God, either. It may be "symbolic, historic, and welcoming to everyone", but that doesn't mean that they have to pray to Indian spirits for their "blessings". To me, that is a plain and simple breaking of commandment number one, "Have no other gods before Me." When you pray to the spirits, you ain't praying to God!
When we were in Africa as missionaries, we saw Africans come to a saving knowledge of God through Jesus. When a TRUE conversion took place, they cut the voodoo charm, the fetish charm, or the witch-doctor blessings off their arms, legs, or from around their waists. African believers told us that if an African was not willing to cut off the charm, then they had not TRULY given their heart to the Lord. For them, it was all or nothing. In Thailand, when people came to the Lord, they burned their idols and destroyed their ancestor altars. For them, it was all or nothing. However, here in America, when a Native American comes to the Lord, they want to continue to hang on to their religious practices and WE LET THEM as to not offend them. Why is it not "all or nothing" for them, too?
Yes, we (Native Americans) have a rich heritage. Unfortunately, we also have a horrific spiritual heritage. If one can separate the two, so that they don't pray to other spirits, then "go for it". If they cannot, then they have to make up your mind whether they will follow Jesus or follow their ancestors.
For me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Rick, you are dead-on target here. Now, I have no doubt that you will catch flack for this stance, but I have no doubt that you are in the center of God's will by doing it.
Anonymous (b) said he was impressed by the spirituality of an event he attended some time back. I'm sorry. That is wrong. God isn't impressed with spirituality! Never has been and never will be! God often talked about tearing down false idols and false religions. God doesn't want spirituality, He wants a personal relationship with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.
When we attend events that focus on Jesus Christ and His redeeming grace, THEN God is pleased and honored and His name is lifted! Nothing else will do. Nothing.
m. steve heartsill -
I PERSONALLY was impressed to see that the leaders - from several tribal connections - expressed their deep, abiding, personal faith in the one true God. It was obvious to me that those individuals had PERSONAL relationships with a living God - our God. : ) Therein, I was impressed with the spirituality I witnessed.
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Like I said, the post needs more thought from me and that is a good thing. I have attended several interfaith events in our city. I will tell you that I have heard and witnessed things that have troubled me greatly - like at the National Day of Prayer events, for example. (Our church had several tables reserved and leaders from our church were participants in the services.)
Do we just get mad that someone comes and expresses THEIR faith and it is different than our faith? It was my belief that we could make a difference by sharing OUR faith at those events.
Like I said, I'm not disagreeing with most of your post. I'm think MAYBE I am sruggling with the judgment of people of another faith. (I'm not a tolerant person myself, but . . .) Therefore I'm seeking out more Biblical response on that matter after reading your post.
1 Tim 1:3,4
2 Thes 3:6
Rom 16:17
There are occasions when it is necessary to speak out boldly and positively against men and movements, in the church, which threaten its peace and its purity.
It is the duty of the church to withdraw from those who have a walk that is disorderly. This requires passing judgment upon the conduct, and disposition, of the person, or persons, involved.
I didn't intend to post anonymously, by the way. : ) I will continue to - to keep order here, knowing others may show up and read/post - since I'm anything BUT anonymous to you. Hee hee!! Was happy to see you identified me "(B)".
I say again, I believe the power of God can prevail and I believe there will be some strong, Christian events held in that facility that WILL bring forth blessings to many. (I don't agree that just because these people pray the way they do at this facility that the facility will face doom or tough times.)
I'm not good at expressing my thoughts clearly and I'm certainly not into a debate over this issue. Just thinking about it all more deeply. That's all.
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