MENDING THE BROKEN LAND

After five centuries of oppressions committed in the name of Jesus, many hearts have hardened toward the name of Christ on the part of many of those native or original to the lands we now call America and Canada. The imposition of residential schools, removal policies, and forced adoptions left many angry about white mans religion, confused about a savior who would promote such violent ripping apart of families, deceitful taking away of lands, and forced assimilation away from natural heritages. Acknowledgment has been made and apologies given. In Canada large amounts of compensation are being paid out to survivors and their communities. But what does Scripture say about culture and what can original treaties teach us about healing from our shared history? In an era when America and Canada are being called to return to God, Mending the Broken Land provides a meeting ground in an ecotone of cultures as diverse as natures meadows. Drawing on the example of the governance of a first people of the northeast, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, it witnesses a new generation in a process of healing aligning with the teachings of Christ. In her masterful and God-inspired book, Chris Graef has made the case for Native-contextualized Christianity. Chris brings the reader to the conclusion that nominal Christianity is not true Christianity, that not all who came in the name of Jesus were the true messengers of Jesus. She has been respectful of traditional wisdom and teaching without suggesting syncretism. Chris demonstrates that the teaching of Jesus can be understood with traditional understanding. Her thesis is supported by Scripture. --Thom McDonald, President, Great Peace Native Fellowship of Canada and USA The epic story of the formation of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy/Haudenosaunee is a story that has to be told to the advantage of all. I endorse Chris Graefs book that is the result of her in-depth research, lengthy study, and her interpretive views of this N