As I read The Poisonwood Bible I think about our history's missionary work with the Native Americans--in particular, Sitting Bull. He rejected Christianity, because he felt he had always known God (whom he referred to interchangably as "God" and "the Great Spirit"). He had always prayed and listened to God (he was prophetic); in his mind the white man was trying to change him when he did not need changing. He was a truly inspiring and remarkable human being--very much in touch with the planet and "the Great Spirit". While he did not feel the need to convert to Christianity, he did send his children to Christian school because he wanted them to learn to read and write. I wonder how many missionaries he came in contact with were like Nathan? I come from generations of missionaries, and hope that they are/were not perceived as narrow-minded, forceful, judgemental and condescending as Nathan is perceived. Also if you are interested in reading some of Sitting Bull's quotes regarding this, go to
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Omega/1854/sb.html
Quote:
"I am here by the will of the Great Spirit, and by his will I am chief. I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say..." "The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love. He put in your heart certain wishes and plans; in my heart, he put other different desires.