I was reading my Powell's newsletter and found this fascinating essay by a former missionary in the Amazon. In it he speaks about his experiences as a linguist and Christian, and how he lost his belief in Christianity.
When I used to teach international students in an intensive program we would do a lot of cultural awareness activities. I was interested in how some students could be immersed in a new culture but not influenced by it, and how other students would be completely knocked off their foundation. It sounds like the latter happened to this guy.
2 comments:
Interesting article. I wonder why/how the Pirahas got the idea that accepting Jesus meant they had "to live like Americans"? 'Cause--no.
Some religions do cause a cultural conversion as well, but Christianity isn't set up that way (though some people- missionaries sometimes included- think it is.)
I'm intrigued by why he felt the Piraha have no need for God and were complete as they are.
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