Indigenous Theology and Economics

Elias Baer is a senior Exercise Science major from Tucson, Arizona.  Here are his reflections on a guest presentation from an internationally-recognized expert on Native American spirituality and worldviews:

Following a brief yet refreshing camping trip, our group was back in the classroom.  However, virtually we were in Vermont with Dr. Damian Costello, PhD, an educator with the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies. After hearing stories from indigenous groups this week, it was fitting to speak with someone who has studied cultural themes and the differences between western and indigenous societies.

Dr. Costello started off explaining some differences between nomadic hunter-gatherer societies and agriculturally-based societies. Key differences range from economic strategies to spiritual views, and I found myself questioning our current agriculture system based on changing the environment for the betterment of our lives. Damian also briefly spoke about theological structures such as ‘The Great Chain of Being,’ a model of how our western culture differentiates God, humanity and environment. Comparing the rigid, categorical ‘Chain of Being’ to indigenous cultures’ more holistic approach was quite interesting.

Dr. Costello is also an author, and one of his areas of expertise is the life of Lakota tribe member Black Elk. Damian took us through a brief overview of Black Elk’s life and how his views played into religious and theological structures. At age 9, Black Elk had a vision and, without getting into too much detail, this vision led him to become a healer of both the people and the environment. Many Lakota people, including Black Elk, became followers of the Christian faith but had an understanding of God that combined indigenous views as well.

Damian shared a fascinating quote about the goal of spirituality in the Lakota culture:

“To help in bringing peace upon the earth, not only among men, but between men and the whole of creation.”

I found this quote to be encapsulating of the differences between indigenous groups we have heard from and western thought brought by European settlers.