Ritual as Curriculum : A Model for Native Theological Training
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/article31498
- Author
- Gallagher, Carol (Carol Joy), 1955-
- Journal
- First Peoples Theology Journal
- Date
- 2001 September
- Journal
- First Peoples Theology Journal
- Date
- 2001 September
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 1
- Page
- 127-142
- Notes
- "The process of theological leadership training, whether lay or ordained, has been unconnected and often painful for Native students. What kind of training and curriculum might be more appropriate for Native theological students ? How could we as Native people raise and train our leaders without tearing them asunder [from their tribal affiliation and unique world view] ? This paper is a preliminary attempt to answer these concerns. This is an initial vision for one possible process of Theological Education for the Native community within the Episcopal Church. I am making the claim that effective education for the Native community must not only be aware of ritual, but must also have ritual as the basis for curriculum. Paula Gunn Allen, Hopi, points out that ritual is the foundation of tribal culture, that is, it is the defining way on [sic i.e. in] which Native people are understood and understand one another" (pp. 127-128).
- The author stresses the need for a reformed theological education process to "reflect the communal dialogical and ritualistic nature of our communities and be fashioned for both transforming and liberating education" (p. 130). "As I have stated at the outset of this paper, ritual is primarily identity and meaning-making for the individual and the community. The Native Christian experiences of Church have often been a painful struggle to reorient oneself to a cultural world view that is essentially foreign. When the worship or ritual does not make the connection to local ritual than its effect is questionable. In order to restore the negative impact of centuries of Western cultural imperialism, we must teach in a paradigm that encourages full inclusion of the tribe's values, cultures and traditions" (p. 134).
- "We, as Native Episcopalians must create a paradigm that is intentionally collaborative, community centred, and which encourages all voices in the dialogue. The dialogue cannot be limited to those targeted as learners but must also encourage critique, and critical reflection throughout the process of design and implementation. As Allen has said, ritual is always pointing outward, and the Native understanding of ritual, dynamically traditional and changing, is the best ground for the education experience, as it encourages intersection with past, self and group reflection and points always to visions for the future" (p. 136).
- Includes a sample curriculum course entitled "The Great Vigil of Easter" intended to take place over 15 weeks from Epiphany to Lent.
- Author is a member of the Cherokee nation and an Episcopal priest who was elected Suffragan Bishop of Southern Virginia on 13 October 2001 and consecrated 6 April 2002.
- Subjects
- Indigenous peoples - United States - Episcopal Church
- Indigenous clergy - Episcopal Church
- Indigenous peoples - United States - Rites and ceremonies
- Theological education - Episcopal Church
- Religious education
- Easter - Episcopal Church