In his visit to the shrine of the North American Martyrs in 1984, John Paul II declared that it is important that we all recognize that not only is Christianity viable for Native Americans but that "Jesus Christ in the members of his Body is himself Indian". This book is an extended meditation on the Pope's pronouncement and its consequences for Christian life and mission.
During his 1984 visit to Canada, Pope John Paul II declared, Christ, in the members of his body, is himself Indian. Who is this native Christ? What is his place in the spiritual universe of native people? Achiel Peelman examines these questions in this timely and groundbreaking book, which is the result of research he has carried out since 1982 in native communities across Canada. While Peelman's book is a work of theology and Christology, it is also a work of profound friendship that will help its readers know more deeply the Amerindian experience. 'Christ Is a Native American' takes the experience of native people and puts it into a context that missionaries and clergy -- priests and bishops -- can understand. Any missionary working with native people should be reading it. This is the best book to help them get a sense of what is happening to us. It may even open them to believe us! -- Sr. Eva Solomon, CSJ, Tekakwitha Centre, Thunder Bay, Ontario Under the guise of what looks like a traditional theological approach, Peelman lays bare Euro-Christianity's reluctance -- or refusal -- genuinely to listen to Native American wisdom. Building his case on careful historical and anthropological analysis, he proposes an intercultural, interreligious encounter in which Native American spirituality preserves its integrity and Christianity assumes a new cultural identity. This is a book that will both disturb and inspire. -- Paul Knitter, Professor of Theology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio