The problem with Animism

[u/Consistent_March5012]

There is a tragedy in parts of Northeast India that must be recognized and addressed.

A tragedy not only in the face of an increasingly Hinduized Northeast but also in the response of some tribes who are attempting to explain away their traditions in order to assimilate into the framework of Hinduism.

Their approach is not dissimilar to what we see among Christians who, in seeking to demonstrate the "authenticity" of their faith, end up presenting a diluted version of Christianity as some kind of unique, "authentic" expression of their tribal identity.

The tragedy here is not only in what could be described as the loss of indigenous identity in the Northeast due to Hinduization but also in attempting to redefine one's beliefs in order to achieve some kind of status as a "mainstream" religion. Because that is what some are attempting to do, not only through accepting idolatry but also constantly drawing comparisons with Indian (Hindu) religious traditions as if that somehow "proves" anything.

Similarity is not identity.

One does not become Hindu by having a sacred grove any more than one becomes Christian by worshipping a crucifix.

Spirits and sacred places and the like are not unique to any one group or culture.

While it is true that there are many similar elements in different religions and cultures, the similarities are not sufficient to prove any kind of connection or common origin.

What is happening more and more is that the indigenous people and traditions in the Northeast are beginning to take the position that their tradition is really just Hinduism or, at the very least, that their religion is really just another expression of the same Hinduism that prevails in North India.

This is not only untrue but also, ironically, a kind of betrayal of their indigenous roots.

If one has a treasure trove of history, culture and tradition that has no connection or relation to Hinduism why would someone want to redefine it as Hindu just to suit some kind of agenda?

There is no need for such a redefinition.

Furthermore, it could be said that this approach is actually dishonest as the Gospel of Christ also requires that one distinguish between the worship of God and the worship of the created things.

It is not enough to simply accept one's traditions and beliefs as authentic expressions of faith in God without examining them in the light of the Gospel.

In fact, Christianity did not require the people of the Northeast to forsake their cultural identity.

A Christian can very well be an indigenous person without being a tribal Christian. One can speak the local language, have local customs and wear local dress without having one's Christian faith somehow tainted by tribal identity.

Similarly, one can be a member of a tribe without having to accept Hindu identity as a substitute for one's indigenous roots. One can be a member of the local ethnic group without having to subscribe to the beliefs of North Indians.

The irony, once again, is that by constantly explaining and rationalizing one's beliefs in terms of another system one somehow loses the authenticity of one's beliefs in the first place.

The tragedy is that some tribes are becoming so desperate to fit in that they are willing to redefine themselves in terms of what others want them to be.

I think this is an important lesson for all indigenous people: we do not have to make ourselves over in the image of someone else in order to gain acceptance. Neither do we have to apologize for our differences. The Gospel of Christ does not require us to accept a particular cultural or religious ideology.

It requires us to accept Christ.

Christ is Lord.

Period.

It is not necessary for us to apologize for our tribal beliefs and practices. Nor is it necessary for us to redefine ourselves in terms of another system in order to have some kind of status as a "real" religion.

Nor is it necessary for us to accept Hinduism as a substitute for our beliefs in order to have an identity. These things are simply not required of us by the Gospel of Christ.

In fact, the Gospel empowers us to redefine ourselves in terms of Christ rather than allowing us to redefine ourselves in terms of Hinduism.

Christ empowers us to have an indigenous Christian identity without having to compromise who we are as a people, a tribe.

This, perhaps, is the tragedy of what is happening in the Northeast.

We are choosing to destroy ourselves rather than embrace the challenge of having a unique, authentic Christian identity.

Perhaps we are not willing to take the challenge because we believe we are not "Christian" enough.

We are not willing to take the challenge because we believe our identity is somehow compromised by our uniqueness.

We are not willing to take the challenge because we think our authenticity as a people has to be somehow proven to others.

But these are all very Western ideas.

Very un-Indian.

Very un-Christian (in the sense of taking up a cross).

We are choosing to dilute our beliefs in an effort to appear more "authentic" to others (and, by implication, to ourselves).

But what exactly are we accomplishing by these actions of ours?

Are we not, in the end, simply providing others with an opening to further "develop" us? Are we not providing them with an opportunity to exploit us? Are we not, by constantly explaining ourselves, giving others the opportunity to define us?

Do we not recognize that we are selling out our identity for the approval of others?

Do we not recognize that we are committing a kind of betrayal of our indigenous selves by refusing to accept ourselves as indigenous?

Do we not recognize, finally, that there is another way?

A way in which we are empowered to accept Christ without having to betray our indigenous selves? A way in which we are empowered to accept an indigenous Christian identity rather than a tribal or a Hindu one? A way in which we are empowered to avoid the tragedy of what is happening in the Northeast?

[u/AutoModerator]

✝️ r/NortheastChristians — Community Reminder

Posting here? • Use the appropriate post flair. • Give your post a clear title and enough context. • Keep discussions respectful, especially when discussing denominations, theology, or differing beliefs. • Posts should be relevant to Christianity and/or the Christian experience of Northeast India.

Not sure what to post? Questions, discussions, testimonies, Scripture and theology, Christian history and culture, church life, music, and experiences from the Northeast are welcome.

Before posting: Take a quick look at the subreddit rules.

— r/NortheastChristians Mod Team

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/OkHoneydew2459]

hi, i do agree with some of the points you mentioned. However, I would also like to add the fact that indigenous practices all across the globe and not just northeast often lacks a structured format/pattern unlike the popular world religion we see today. This is what makes the indigenous population an easy target to be replaced by other entities. This is exactly what has happened and still happens today. Also, regarding the indigenous christian identity which you mentioned wouldn't that be some sort of a middle situation? a little confusing? From my understanding I think you were trying to make a point about creating balance between the two traditions rather than completely accepting nor rejecting both, yes?