Are You Sweating or Just Glowing?

Dear Ray, I was looking for spiritual info in regard to the sweat lodge as a Christ centered event. It's my understanding that this is predicated on the specific tribe that is putting the event together. We hope for an understanding what a "sweat" actually is. How hot or humid does it get? We have no idea, and since there have been some recently published deaths involving a sweat, any info here would be appreciated, especially since we have insurance concerns at our Christian campground.
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Dear Brother Larry,

As with any "sauna", tempurature and moisture levels vary, but you might want to check with a health club in your area for the average they use. Sweats are similar in temperature but sometimes less, for there is often a lot of talking and discussion that goes on too.

Participation is always voluntary so people can leave if there is any personal discomfort. Water and fruit is always provided for participants, as well as place to cool off in water, usually a stream, river or shower.

It is the leader that determines how a sweat is led, so there are many Christ-centered sweats, and there are others that are more social that believers participate in, and yet others that don't usually invite Christians (because they don't "get along"). If it is at your camp, I can only assume that it would be Christ-centered, much as your pulpits are filled.

There are many different ways of leading sweats. I have never heard of a non-native leading a sweat, except for new-agers who charge money. It is best that you contact the natives in your area, and let them know of your desire to have sweats, and ask if they would help you and teach you. Be prepared to take a gift when you ask for such a favor. If you don't follow this protocol, they will take is as a sign of disrespect and ignorance, and you will probably not get the help you are looking for.

The volcanic rocks used are light and hold heat well. They are called "grandfathers" and are put into the sweat lodge in rounds. In the Cherokee sweat, the "osi", for example, there are 7 rounds of seven "grandfathers". For the Lakota, there are 4 rounds of seven, totalling 28, the number of ribs of the buffalo. So sweats do vary. Some are more prayer and song oriented, others are more social. They are rarely mixed between men and women. Usually there are 2 lodges, one for men and one for women, but sometimes they are shared, but at different times due to both modesty issues and the nature of discussions.