A letter from Dr. JR Norwood to his Congregation on 11/13/16 also shared with 1st Light Mission
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Pastoral Letter on the 2016 Presidential Election
A letter from Dr. JR Norwood to his Congregation on 11/13/16 also shared with 1st Light Mission
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Christianity and Smudging
Rev. J R Norwood, PhD.
When considering the American Indian practice of smudging, along with many other traditional tribal ceremonies and practices, American Indian Christians must evaluate the method and intent of the act and also whether it could be appropriated for uses which are consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dismissing such things merely because they are not common within a European/Western Christian tradition does not make them necessarily evil or unusable. In fact, dismissing such things merely because they do not conform to Western practices is due more to a cultural and racial bias than a fair evaluation based upon biblical doctrine.
When considering the American Indian practice of smudging, along with many other traditional tribal ceremonies and practices, American Indian Christians must evaluate the method and intent of the act and also whether it could be appropriated for uses which are consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dismissing such things merely because they are not common within a European/Western Christian tradition does not make them necessarily evil or unusable. In fact, dismissing such things merely because they do not conform to Western practices is due more to a cultural and racial bias than a fair evaluation based upon biblical doctrine.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
On Christians Receiving a Tribal Name
By Rev. J R Norwood, PhD
In modern American culture, people are known by many different names. Sometimes the names are their formal legal name, written on the birth certificate and other legal documents. And, sometimes the name is more of a well-known nickname, given by family, friends, and community members. There are some people who are better known by their nicknames than by their actual names. There are also various aliases that may be used for business. Sometimes entertainers or authors will use pseudonyms instead of their actual name. None of these various names are necessarily in conflict with the concept of receiving a “new name” when one is born again as a “Child of God” or the victorious eternal name granted by our Lord and Savior when we will be received in his heavenly kingdom.
In modern American culture, people are known by many different names. Sometimes the names are their formal legal name, written on the birth certificate and other legal documents. And, sometimes the name is more of a well-known nickname, given by family, friends, and community members. There are some people who are better known by their nicknames than by their actual names. There are also various aliases that may be used for business. Sometimes entertainers or authors will use pseudonyms instead of their actual name. None of these various names are necessarily in conflict with the concept of receiving a “new name” when one is born again as a “Child of God” or the victorious eternal name granted by our Lord and Savior when we will be received in his heavenly kingdom.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Life is Sacred - A Prayer in Response to Recent Domestic Shootings and International Terrorism
A prayer by Dr. J R Norwood
Lord Jesus, Creator and Redeemer, our nation and our world are torn by violence. The sinful refusal to see one another as your image bearers has left families in deep mourning over loved ones lost and inflamed irrational responses and extremism among many who have harbored hostility against those whom you have declared to be their neighbors. Far too often we have rejected your command to honor, value, and respect all life.
Lord Jesus, Creator and Redeemer, our nation and our world are torn by violence. The sinful refusal to see one another as your image bearers has left families in deep mourning over loved ones lost and inflamed irrational responses and extremism among many who have harbored hostility against those whom you have declared to be their neighbors. Far too often we have rejected your command to honor, value, and respect all life.
Monday, June 13, 2016
"The Unknown Jesus" Preached at the 2016 Pow Wow
A sermon by Rev. J R Norwood, PhD
Delivered outdoors at the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Powwow on June 12, 2016
"Not Good Enough" - Preached at the 2016 Spring Gathering
A sermon by Rev. J R Norwood, PhD
Delivered at the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Spring Tribal Gathering Worship on May 22, 2016
Chief Quiet Hawk's Thoughts on Religion & Spirituality
Religion and spirituality Is there a difference? Can we find a difference? It is the process, it has always been the process or the reason why.
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