Hum 10~2pm Sa-go-ye-wat-ha

This passage inspired feelings of anger and frustration, but ultimately hope within me. First, anger welled up in me as I read about the vile hypocrisy of the young Christian missionary. I tried examine this feeling, but became frustrated quickly. I find it incredibly difficult to understand or relate to an individual that identifies as a Christian, but does not practice the fundamental beliefs found within that religion. Perhaps, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you”, Matthew 7:1-2 and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, Mark 12:31, weren’t verses the missionary was familiar with. If he was, how could he have the audacity to insist the Indians lived their lives in error and refuse to part in a friendly manor after being shown hospitality and treated with respect?

I had an experience not unlike that between the Senecas and the young Christian missionary. I was visited at my home, well, my front porch, by two religious young men that explained to me that my “lifestyle” would lead to an eternity in hell if I didn’t become saved. Fortunately, the young men I met weren’t rude like the missionary the Senecas came in contact with, but their views were very judgmental. Although I could appreciate their dedication to saving others, I had to let it be known that I didn’t require their services. I told them that I’m confident I live my life in a manner pleasing to my god because my good intentions and the content of my heart is what matters. I also told them that I believe that all people come into ours lives for a reason, no matter how brief the encounter. I thanked them for coming into mine and offered them a cool drink before sending them on their way. They politely declined, but didn’t turn to leave. Instead, they surprised me and offered to stay and help with my chores around the house. It was my turn to decline politely, but I was moved by this gesture.

Sa-go-ye-wat-ha’s speech to the young Christian missionary and my experience with the young religious men on my porch both gave me hope. Hope that we can agreed to disagree about god but still be kind to one another. Hope that we don’t have to live segregated by our religious or ideological beliefs forever. And hope that there will be a time that the human bond between us will trump the religious bonds that separate us.