peru, more on the andeans
the religion of the andean is called animism by some. that is, they "worship" the sun, the celestial beings, and in general the created order. but i do not think "worship" should be taken in the same sense as we, inheritors of judeo-christian practices, worship God, the Son, and Spirit. there are definitely similiarities...
we sing songs to God, they sing songs. we offer prayers of petition and thanksgiving as do they. we offer tributes and payments (tithe) and they offer similar material gifts. but one thing i noticed that we could take a hint to pick up on, and that is the sincerity with which they respect and pay homage to that which sustains them.
often i have seen that in our churches and places of worship things seem forced. that is, it is no longer worship in the true sense of the word (adoration, respect, love) but mere ritual. however, the andean seems to worship the created order because he must. he is so thankful for the sustenance nature provides while he is in awe of her majesty. so his prayers, songs, and offerings are a direct outpouring of his inner state and relationship to nature. it is a very interesting and attractive character quality, and i hope to apply its sincerity and depth to my own life.... but that is a whole nother story.
now i am in peru and have been shocked at the poverty here! people live in nothing but looks like flimsy wooded boxes in the midst of barren deserts... i am dismayed at how a people can live in conditions like this and am outraged! the government here seems to be too mired in corruption and self-interest to help its people.
anyways......so tired now, will arrive in lima tomorrow after 36 straight hours of buses and bus stations, tired, hungry, dirty, stinky. i long for a hot shower and a cozy bed! check out leah´s blog (under the skies) for a better tale of our adventures.
love
we sing songs to God, they sing songs. we offer prayers of petition and thanksgiving as do they. we offer tributes and payments (tithe) and they offer similar material gifts. but one thing i noticed that we could take a hint to pick up on, and that is the sincerity with which they respect and pay homage to that which sustains them.
often i have seen that in our churches and places of worship things seem forced. that is, it is no longer worship in the true sense of the word (adoration, respect, love) but mere ritual. however, the andean seems to worship the created order because he must. he is so thankful for the sustenance nature provides while he is in awe of her majesty. so his prayers, songs, and offerings are a direct outpouring of his inner state and relationship to nature. it is a very interesting and attractive character quality, and i hope to apply its sincerity and depth to my own life.... but that is a whole nother story.
now i am in peru and have been shocked at the poverty here! people live in nothing but looks like flimsy wooded boxes in the midst of barren deserts... i am dismayed at how a people can live in conditions like this and am outraged! the government here seems to be too mired in corruption and self-interest to help its people.
anyways......so tired now, will arrive in lima tomorrow after 36 straight hours of buses and bus stations, tired, hungry, dirty, stinky. i long for a hot shower and a cozy bed! check out leah´s blog (under the skies) for a better tale of our adventures.
love
posted by dk at 8:39 PM
5 Comments:
hey phil! i read your blog!
love, janet
Very intersting thoughts...it should make us all stop and think...keep them coming.
mrs miller used to talk about the parity of the rich and the poor in peru. and, of course, the chiggers.
keep up the good blog...
i hope your thoughts not only make us stop and think, but that we act newly upon these thoughts.
i don´t know why you say to go to my blog for a better update. i´m behind. but i´m catching up. in fact i´m inspired to write another entry. aha!
check your link to my blog. it didn´t go through. or i´ll just tell you this in 2 minutes.
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