The purpose of this research is to assess and address issues of contextualization and
reconciliation as they pertain to Christianization and cultural preservation within the
three Nanticoke-Lenape American Indian tribal communities remaining in the states of
New Jersey and Delaware in the United States. The study seeks to provide insight into
the challenges for ministry within the socio-cultural and political context of the tribal
communities, particularly in regard to meaningful healing and reconciliation over the
lingering effects of colonization, in a manner that promotes integral, holistic,
contextualized Christian ministry. To achieve this, the study investigates the historical
backdrop of the tribal communities, including European contact, colonization, missions,
assimilation and cultural survival. Past and present tribal lifeways, beliefs, and practices
are evaluated through documented historical sources and contemporary accounts. The
research highlights the histories and current ministries of the principal historic tribal
congregations, and their role in the spiritual, cultural, and political survival of the tribes.
It also assesses possible approaches for effective, mission oriented, compassionate
engagement as a matter of faithful contextualization and social justice.
It should be noted that within this work the terms “American Indian,” “Native
American,” “Indigenous American,” “Aboriginal American,” and “First Nations
People” are all used to describe the indigenous people of America. These terms should
not be confused with the term “Indian American,” which describes an American citizen
whose ancestors can be traced to the nation of India on the continent of Asia. / PhD (Missiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/16318 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Norwood, John Rob |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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