Spirits at the Rez Elementary School

Spirits are a normal part of native life. On a local reservation, the kids all know about the spirits at the elementary school. The spirits are considered harmless and don't cause any trouble. But it might happen that when some church people here about this, THEY will have the fear and try to get rid of the "demons chasing those indian kids".

This area is a collision of 2 worldviews - how natives see the spirit world and how most non-natives don't. As natives, we tend not to be fearful of spirits unless they are harmful. But for church people, there are only demons and angels. Angels are supposed to be harking around stables and demons are supposed to be cast out. But as I say, it is not so simple or cut and dried for natives.

An area of caution - "stupid boldness". Some Christians believe that because they don't have to "Fear" dark spirits, that they also can go looking for demons under every dreamcatcher and especially around powwows. I don't think that Jesus sent us on a great commission looking for dark spirits, but he did give us authority to cast them out when we encounter them harming people.

I hope this thread of conversation isn't too boring. I do other things too. I was just at the beach with my wife, having a tuna salad, watching kids swim and some others net-fishing for smelt. We stopped by the Aboriginal Friendship Center and the Tshimshians were having a big feast and dancing, but we didn't stay for the feast, even though we have friends there. We have been with so many people lately that we are trying to have some "away from the crowds" time. I am glad that Jesus set this as an example for us, or I am sure that someone would tell us how we are squandering God's time. It sure feels good to rest. I don't think God is nearly as stressed out as most of us are...