Last night I had the opportunity to participate in an almost forgotten religious ceremony.
The Yurok tribe put on a little get together not far from here, everyone of every faith and background was invited to attend.
I had the honor of being a part of a 'Sweat Lodge.'
It was a very flattering invitation, because to my knowledge very few outsiders are brought in on things like that. The experience as a whole was a very moving and physical one, spending a considerable amount of time in a make-shift buffalo hide sauna, listening to the beautiful sounds of the Yurok's traditional song and prayer.
The most incredible part of the entire experience? They did not try to convert anyone, or preach their doctrine. They believe in a God, called 'Grandfather' or 'Creator' by them. As far as they seem to be concerned, 'Creator' is the very essence of every other god in existence, so to them a Christian worships and loves 'Grandfather' just as much as a Hindi does. I was absolutely blown away by how accepting they were of everyone, there was no fear or shunning of people based on their religion.
I highly suggest that anyone who has a deep-seated fear of other religion at the very least take the time to experience them, and see that Christianity is not the only religion that holds a doctrine centered on love and compassion.
The Yurok tribe put on a little get together not far from here, everyone of every faith and background was invited to attend.
I had the honor of being a part of a 'Sweat Lodge.'
It was a very flattering invitation, because to my knowledge very few outsiders are brought in on things like that. The experience as a whole was a very moving and physical one, spending a considerable amount of time in a make-shift buffalo hide sauna, listening to the beautiful sounds of the Yurok's traditional song and prayer.
The most incredible part of the entire experience? They did not try to convert anyone, or preach their doctrine. They believe in a God, called 'Grandfather' or 'Creator' by them. As far as they seem to be concerned, 'Creator' is the very essence of every other god in existence, so to them a Christian worships and loves 'Grandfather' just as much as a Hindi does. I was absolutely blown away by how accepting they were of everyone, there was no fear or shunning of people based on their religion.
I highly suggest that anyone who has a deep-seated fear of other religion at the very least take the time to experience them, and see that Christianity is not the only religion that holds a doctrine centered on love and compassion.