God Is Red

1. Clash of Worldviews: Time vs. Space

American Indians hold their lands—places—as having the highest possible meaning, and all their statements are made with this reference point in mind. Immigrants review the movement of their ancestors across the continent as a steady progression of basically good events and experiences, thereby placing history—time—in the best possible light.

Divergent Perspectives. The core conflict lies in how different cultures perceive reality: Indigenous peoples prioritize space, viewing land as sacred and central to their identity, while Western cultures emphasize time, seeing history as a linear progression with a specific destiny. This fundamental difference shapes their values, beliefs, and actions.

• Indigenous: Land is a living entity, a source of spiritual and cultural identity.
• Western: History is a linear narrative, with a focus on progress and a specific destiny.

Consequences of Temporal Thinking. The Western emphasis on time has led to a relentless pursuit of progress, often at the expense of the environment and other cultures. This linear view of history has fueled colonialism, exploitation, and a disregard for the interconnectedness of all things.

• Colonialism: Justified by the belief in a superior civilization destined to dominate others.
• Environmental degradation: Resulting from a view of nature as a resource to be exploited.

Reconciling the Divide. Bridging this gap requires a shift in perspective, recognizing the validity of both temporal and spatial understandings. It means acknowledging the importance of place, respecting the wisdom of indigenous cultures, and moving beyond the limitations of a purely linear view of history.

2. The Flawed Christian Creation Narrative

For the Christian it would appear that the importance of the creation event is that it sets the scene for an understanding of the entrance of sin into the world.

Original Sin and a Fallen World. The Christian creation story, with its emphasis on original sin and the fall of humanity, casts a shadow over the natural world, viewing it as inherently flawed and in need of redemption. This perspective has justified the exploitation of nature and the subjugation of other cultures.

• Nature as corrupted: Seen as a consequence of human sin.
• Human dominance: Justified by the idea that humans are given dominion over the earth.

Indigenous Harmony with Nature. In contrast, indigenous creation stories emphasize the interconnectedness of all living things and the inherent goodness of the natural world. Humans are seen as part of a larger ecosystem, with a responsibility to maintain balance and harmony.

• Creation as a living ecosystem: All parts are interconnected and interdependent.
• Humans as caretakers: With a responsibility to protect and respect nature.

The Need for a New Narrative. The Christian creation story, with its emphasis on human dominance and a fallen world, is no longer adequate for addressing the ecological crisis we face today. We need a new narrative that recognizes the inherent value of nature and our responsibility to protect it.

3. History as a Tool of Domination

Western history is written as if the torch of enlightenment was fated to march from the Mediterranean to the San Francisco Bay.

The Western Narrative. Western history is often presented as a linear progression of progress, with Western civilization at its pinnacle. This narrative has been used to justify colonialism, imperialism, and the subjugation of other cultures.

• Eurocentrism: Placing European history and values at the center of the world narrative.
• Justification of conquest: Using history to legitimize the domination of other cultures.

The Erasure of Indigenous Histories. The Western narrative often erases or marginalizes the histories of indigenous peoples, portraying them as primitive or uncivilized. This erasure has contributed to the loss of cultural knowledge and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

• Marginalization of indigenous voices: Silencing alternative perspectives on history.
• Perpetuation of stereotypes: Reinforcing harmful images of indigenous peoples.

Reclaiming Indigenous Narratives. It is crucial to recognize the validity of indigenous histories and to challenge the dominant Western narrative. This involves listening to indigenous voices, acknowledging past injustices, and working towards a more inclusive and equitable understanding of the past.

4. Sacred Places: Anchors of Indigenous Identity

The places where revelations were experienced were remembered and set aside as locations where, through rituals and ceremonials, the people could once again communicate with the spirits.

The Significance of Place. For indigenous peoples, sacred places are not merely locations but living entities imbued with spiritual power. These places are often tied to specific events, stories, and ceremonies, serving as anchors for cultural identity and spiritual practice.

• Sacred sites as living entities: Possessing spiritual power and significance.
• Connection to ancestors: Serving as links to past generations and their wisdom.

Threats to Sacred Places. The relentless expansion of Western civilization has led to the destruction and desecration of many sacred sites, causing immense spiritual and cultural harm to indigenous communities.

• Development and exploitation: Threatening the integrity of sacred places.
• Disregard for indigenous beliefs: Reflecting a lack of understanding and respect.

Protecting Sacred Places. Protecting sacred places is not just about preserving physical locations but also about safeguarding the spiritual and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. This requires a shift in perspective, recognizing the inherent value of these places and the importance of respecting indigenous rights.

5. The Illusion of Universal Religion

The question that the so-called world religions have not satisfactorily resolved is whether or not religious experience can be distilled from its original cultural context and become an abstract principle that is applicable to all peoples in different places and at different times.

The Problem of Abstraction. The idea of a universal religion, applicable to all people in all places, is a Western construct that often fails to recognize the diversity of human experience. Attempts to impose a single religious framework on all cultures have led to conflict and oppression.

• Imposition of Western values: Disregarding the validity of other religious traditions.
• Loss of cultural diversity: Resulting from the homogenization of religious beliefs.

The Importance of Context. Religious experience is deeply rooted in cultural context, time, and place. Attempts to abstract religious principles from their original settings often lead to a loss of meaning and authenticity.

• Cultural context: Shaping the expression and understanding of religious beliefs.
• Time and place: Influencing the specific forms and practices of religion.

Embracing Diversity. A more inclusive approach to religion recognizes the validity of diverse spiritual paths and the importance of respecting cultural differences. This involves moving beyond the limitations of a single, universal framework and embracing the richness of human religious experience.

6. Two Kinds of People: Natural vs. Hybrid

I suggest in this revised edition that we have on this planet two kinds of people—natural peoples and the hybrid peoples. The natural peoples represent an ancient tradition that has always sought harmony with the environment. Hybrid peoples are the product of what I refer to in chapter 9 as ancient genetic engineering that irrevocably changed the way these people view our planet.

A Controversial Dichotomy. The author proposes a controversial distinction between "natural peoples," who live in harmony with nature, and "hybrid peoples," whose worldview has been shaped by ancient genetic engineering and a desire to exploit the planet. This distinction is not meant to be a biological classification but a way of understanding different cultural attitudes toward the environment.

• Natural peoples: Emphasizing harmony with nature and a sense of belonging.
• Hybrid peoples: Driven by a desire to control and exploit the natural world.

The Roots of Exploitation. The author suggests that the hybrid worldview, with its emphasis on human dominance and the exploitation of nature, originated in the Near East and has been perpetuated by the Abrahamic religions.

• Near Eastern origins: Tracing the roots of the hybrid worldview to specific cultural and religious traditions.
• Religious justification for exploitation: Using religious doctrines to legitimize the domination of nature.

A Call for Transformation. The author argues that a radical reversal of our attitudes toward nature is necessary for our survival. This involves embracing the wisdom of natural peoples, recognizing our interconnectedness with the environment, and moving beyond the destructive patterns of the hybrid worldview.

7. Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom

It remains for us to learn once again that we are a part of nature, not a transcendent species with no responsibilities to the natural world.

The Path Forward. The author concludes by emphasizing the need to learn from indigenous cultures and their deep understanding of the natural world. This involves recognizing our interconnectedness with all living things and embracing a sense of responsibility for the planet.

• Learning from indigenous wisdom: Recognizing the value of traditional knowledge.
• Interconnectedness with nature: Understanding our place within the larger ecosystem.

A Call for Action. The author urges a radical shift in our attitudes toward nature, moving beyond mere aesthetics to a deep religious realization of the role of sacred places in human life. This involves challenging the dominant Western worldview and embracing a more sustainable and harmonious way of living.

• Moving beyond aesthetics: Seeking a deeper spiritual connection with nature.
• Embracing responsibility: Recognizing our role as caretakers of the planet.

A Hope for the Future. The author expresses hope that a growing chorus of voices will lead to a reprogramming of American society, preventing the irreversible destruction of the land. This requires a collective effort to challenge the status quo and embrace a new vision of our relationship with the natural world.

Last updated: February 3, 2025