Native American Contributions to a Christian Theology of Space

Abstract

Native Christian theologians frequently contribute to a theology of space through their writings on other theological subjects. Native American traditionalism is structured spatially; mythology, rituals and ethics are entirely focused on the tribe's surroundings and the individual's responsibility in living within his or her own place. Thus, Native Christians continue this thought by expressing and exploring the Christian faith through spatial constructs. In discussing the Kingdom of God, they speak of the implications of where the Kingdom resides rather than focusing on when it will be consummated. Additionally, they write on the Christian's responsibility in preserving harmony throughout creation and debate about how this spatial harmony is achieved. In liberation theology, they claim societies can only be liberated by re-establishing their relationship to their surrounding environment; in this way, creation is the basis for liberation. They also discuss the locational implications of eschatology, analysing what it means for every place within the cosmos to be renewed and how Christians should then live within these same places presently. Finally, a brief survey of other issues within theologies of space is presented, and consideration is given to the potential contributions Native Christian theologians could make to these issues as well.