A Time of Change

http://storybird.com/books/a-time-of-change/?token=q6q3yr

StoryBird Explanation:

This storybird represents the time in history when the Sachem Massasoit felt Christianity was threatening the culture of his people.   In The Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick this is represented on page 192, "For a Sachem in the seventeenth century, however, Christianity was a tremendously destabilizing influence that threatened  the very underpinnings of his tribe's traditions..."

This is important to consider because at the time many Indians were receptive to Christianity... it was a political move distancing them from a powerful sachem that had betrayed them.  Massasoit worried that it would be used to break the indian of his traditions., a foreboding of things to come.....

When I think about it now I realize that Massassoit's feelings of foreboding had merit.  The Native American culture was decimated.  Children were taken from their families and put in schools where they were not allowed to speak their language, were taught the Christian religion and a completely different culture and value system. 

Another way to read this turning point would be to consider the reasons why the 'Praying Indians' adopted this new religion.  Was it political as referenced in the Mayflower book, was it self-preservation,, a reaction to illness and disease, or just a willingness to try on something new?   

But I came to this conclusion because regardless of the motivation, the Christian faith and the culture and values that were forced on the native peoples did have a disastrous effect on their culture and traditions.  

I still wonder....

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