Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #NativeBook
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This morning I woke up just pissed at white American Christianity, at all the trauma and hate and death it's caused & the toxic individualism that continues to wreak havoc on our most vulnerable and our society's well-being.
That's it.
Today, I'm just angry, and I get to be.
That's it.
Today, I'm just angry, and I get to be.
All the shit we do in the name of God, in the name of Jesus, that is simply a tool to steal one another's humanity and sacredness. So much suffering, throughout history, at the hands of people who are sure they're doing God's bidding.
It's a damn shame.
It's a damn shame.
I dreamt last night I went to a worship service-- singing the songs, kids dancing on stage with adults, a baptism following. I left the church, said, "This isn't for me anymore."
When I woke up, all these memories of trauma/horrific indoctrination just rushed in.
When I woke up, all these memories of trauma/horrific indoctrination just rushed in.
Sept 4, 1838, the beginning of the Trail of Death, the forced removal of Potawatomi peoples from Indiana on a 2-month long trek to Kansas. Day one is chronicled here, as well as the days that followed:
potawatomi.org/chronicling-th…
potawatomi.org/chronicling-th…
In light of everything happening in the world, in America, do I really want to focus on this? No.
But, it is a part of me. It is a part of our history. It is why I won't give up telling the truth about the legacy of white supremacy in the United States.
But, it is a part of me. It is a part of our history. It is why I won't give up telling the truth about the legacy of white supremacy in the United States.
“Everything seems to justify the belief that these unhappy ppl will yet learn to appreciate the interest which govt. has ever manifested in this affair...a willing compliance will but secure the comfort and enjoyment which for years they have failed to experience in Indiana.”
I’ve decided to pull my monthly column from @Sojourners. I’m grateful for my time there, but this decision is necessary because I want them to be better.
I have worked for progressive organizations and it is clear that there is so much work to be done in so many spaces.
I have worked for progressive organizations and it is clear that there is so much work to be done in so many spaces.
My hope is that by stepping away we hold them accountable to the work of dismantling harmful systems/ actions.
That begins with public apologies and actions put in place to protect writers/staff, especially those who have been marginalized or silenced by the church.
That begins with public apologies and actions put in place to protect writers/staff, especially those who have been marginalized or silenced by the church.
So friends, let’s pay attention. Let’s be aware and step into difficult conversations.
As I write in #NativeBook, decolonization is a gift for everyone.
I believe that. This is us getting there.
As I write in #NativeBook, decolonization is a gift for everyone.
I believe that. This is us getting there.
Here's what I'll say about Nick Sandmann and the RNC: I'm not at all surprised.
I wrote in #NativeBook about the situation last year. I write:
"The taunting faces of white oppression continue generation to generation, in small and large ways."
I wrote in #NativeBook about the situation last year. I write:
"The taunting faces of white oppression continue generation to generation, in small and large ways."
He played the victim and news outlet after news outlet gave him a microphone. Now he will be a prominent face of the Catholic church & republicans.
(I wrote a thread about this last year)
(I wrote a thread about this last year)
This, too, from #NativeBook:
Our ancestors, in all that they had to endure, prepared us for this moment-- an America in which Donald Trump could be president & discrimination could run freely across our computer screens, without anyone noticing how it affects Indigenous peoples.
Our ancestors, in all that they had to endure, prepared us for this moment-- an America in which Donald Trump could be president & discrimination could run freely across our computer screens, without anyone noticing how it affects Indigenous peoples.
I wrote about Stone Mountain in #NativeBook:
"Prayers in this place have become prayers of white supremacy to a white supremacist god, the same god who drove out the Indigenous people and enslaved African people in this place."
I end with this word about the land itself:
"Prayers in this place have become prayers of white supremacy to a white supremacist god, the same god who drove out the Indigenous people and enslaved African people in this place."
I end with this word about the land itself:
And also, I'll share what I wrote about racist mascots and our legacy of violence in America and in the church:
My book has been out for a little over two months, and I feel like it's been out for so much longer. I hope you'll read it and join me on this journey. Thanks to everyone who has shared their journey with me so far.
We've got work to do, and we can't do it without one another.
We've got work to do, and we can't do it without one another.
I don’t like the word “devotional” because it takes me back to a dark childhood faith where I blamed myself for never reading the Bible enough.
Devotionals never helped me think on a level that I felt would guide me toward the God I wanted to know.
Devotionals never helped me think on a level that I felt would guide me toward the God I wanted to know.
I’ve also NEVER read a devotional with a land acknowledgment guide. So, I’m SO GLAD that Field Guides For The Way is different.
These beautiful guides bring creativity and curiosity to our spaces. #NativeBook is featured in the new summer kit!
👇🏼
fieldguidesfortheway.com/subscribe
These beautiful guides bring creativity and curiosity to our spaces. #NativeBook is featured in the new summer kit!
👇🏼
fieldguidesfortheway.com/subscribe
These kits are mailed to your door in a lovely box full of everything you need. I’ll be spending the end of my summer with this guide, grateful that it imagines a new way of resting and asking questions.
This morning I woke up to a book review where they called me Kristin. I was frustrated, but decided not to give them power, and to practice gratitude instead (it’s hard).
So, THANK YOU to everyone who read #NativeBook and posted about it. Thank you for reminding me why I write.
So, THANK YOU to everyone who read #NativeBook and posted about it. Thank you for reminding me why I write.
Thanks to everyone who has posted reviews and started book clubs.
Thanks to the people who have championed me from the beginning, like @mikemchargue @GlennonDoyle @austinchanning @amenabee @Sarcasticluther @RichardRohrOFM and so many others.
Thanks to the people who have championed me from the beginning, like @mikemchargue @GlennonDoyle @austinchanning @amenabee @Sarcasticluther @RichardRohrOFM and so many others.
Thanks to those of you who have emailed me to let me know how my words have helped or changed you.
I believe we can continue this work of decolonization and anti-racism.
It begins with us.
I’m so grateful to be in this with you.
#NativeBook
I believe we can continue this work of decolonization and anti-racism.
It begins with us.
I’m so grateful to be in this with you.
#NativeBook
In #NativeBook I write about how I have to prepare for November every year, for my inboxes to be full of white people asking to be educated about all things Indigenous.
I'm seeing this happening right now with my Black (and some other IPOC) friends.
DO NOT DO THIS.
I'm seeing this happening right now with my Black (and some other IPOC) friends.
DO NOT DO THIS.
It is SELFISH and WHITE-CENTRIC to find a Black educator/author/leader and decide to enter their DMs to ask them to clarify or explain or give a list of resources to you.
DO NOT DO THIS.
DO NOT DO THIS.
It is NEVER the responsibility/job of BIPOC to educate you on things you can learn about yourself by getting the books and art and resources we've already provided.
Even more so when there is literal oppression happening in front of us, it is TRAUMATIZING.
DO NOT DO THIS.
Even more so when there is literal oppression happening in front of us, it is TRAUMATIZING.
DO NOT DO THIS.
Thanks to everyone who is including #NativeBook in your anti-racism book lists.
I didn't know what would be happening in the world when it came out, and now I'm trusting it to be the book in needs to be in the world we have right now.
I didn't know what would be happening in the world when it came out, and now I'm trusting it to be the book in needs to be in the world we have right now.
For those who are interested (and white folks, I am especially speaking to you in hopes you'll do this) you can create a virtual book discussion group and follow the guide & intro video I've created:
kaitlincurtice.com/book/
kaitlincurtice.com/book/
And please don't stop there.
My book is full of quotes that will lead you to incredible authors who are doing this work and so much more.
Learn from them, too.
My book is full of quotes that will lead you to incredible authors who are doing this work and so much more.
Learn from them, too.
Some thoughts from #NativeBook for the white, progressive “allies” who get angry when their racism is called out.
It is the full right of BIPOC and other oppressed peoples to not trust systems of whiteness, because it has literally stolen the lives of people we love.
It is the full right of BIPOC and other oppressed peoples to not trust systems of whiteness, because it has literally stolen the lives of people we love.
There is a particular problem with those who pride themselves on their progressiveness but actually speak over others, without listening or paying attention.
I get it.
It’s hard/scary.
But our people deserve better than to be tokenized friends who you are “giving voice to.”
I get it.
It’s hard/scary.
But our people deserve better than to be tokenized friends who you are “giving voice to.”
We are not voiceless.
Listen.
Read our books and listen to our music.
Pay attention.
Enter the difficult spaces.
Decolonize for the sake of all of us.
✊🏼
#NativeBook
Listen.
Read our books and listen to our music.
Pay attention.
Enter the difficult spaces.
Decolonize for the sake of all of us.
✊🏼
#NativeBook
I don't have words today for everything happening.
So I'm going to share some lines from my new book #NativeBook that will name some of what is happening.
#GeorgeFloyd #AmyCooper
America cannot know itself if it doesn't recognize itself.
So, here we go:
So I'm going to share some lines from my new book #NativeBook that will name some of what is happening.
#GeorgeFloyd #AmyCooper
America cannot know itself if it doesn't recognize itself.
So, here we go:
"Genocide of Indigenous peoples, the slave trade, masters proclaiming salvific dominion over other human beings through the power of whiteness--these are elements that have led us to a white supremacist/individualistic faith, and we are separated from truly practicing community."
"As Christians in America, we so often want a quick and easy fix, an answer that we can put in our back pocket to pull out when things get tough.
But that's not how it works, especially when it comes to groups the church has oppressed."
But that's not how it works, especially when it comes to groups the church has oppressed."
I was very intentional about filling #NativeBook with Indigenous authors so that after you read it you can support other Native authors and learn more.
If my book is the first by a Native author you read, *PLEASE* don't stop there. Here are some of the authors from my book:
If my book is the first by a Native author you read, *PLEASE* don't stop there. Here are some of the authors from my book:
First and obviously, Robin Wall Kimmerer and her book Braiding Sweetgrass, which has taught me so much as a Potawatomi woman.
EVERYONE needs to read this book.
birchbarkbooks.com/all-online-tit…
EVERYONE needs to read this book.
birchbarkbooks.com/all-online-tit…
My dear friend @nick_w_estes has an incredible book that points to the resilience of Native peoples that you should also read.
Nick & I think differently on some things, which is why I appreciate his friendship and ideas so much.
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/600136/o…
Nick & I think differently on some things, which is why I appreciate his friendship and ideas so much.
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/600136/o…
“There is no doubt that Christianity has been the handmaiden to the destruction of Indigenous nations. Native is...an indigenization of faith and, more important, a moral call...for the Christian church.”
@nick_w_estes Migwetch for this endorsement of #NativeBook, Nick.
@nick_w_estes Migwetch for this endorsement of #NativeBook, Nick.
I struggled so much with the intended audience of this book.
Obviously I published it with a Christian publisher, but I'm not evangelical, and I knew that some people would get that impression from the label of Christian.
Obviously I published it with a Christian publisher, but I'm not evangelical, and I knew that some people would get that impression from the label of Christian.
I knew the main audience would probably be white progressive Christians/church leaders.
But I also wanted a book that BIPOC could read as they navigate identity.
I wanted a book that people who are mixed race/ethnicity/culture could read and feel safe reading.
But I also wanted a book that BIPOC could read as they navigate identity.
I wanted a book that people who are mixed race/ethnicity/culture could read and feel safe reading.
#NativeBook is still #1 new release of Christian spiritual growth, and even though it’s just a category, I find it ironic.
I’m at the top of books by mostly evangelicals who teach Christians to “grow,” and what I write is that growth comes through the pain of acknowledgment.
I’m at the top of books by mostly evangelicals who teach Christians to “grow,” and what I write is that growth comes through the pain of acknowledgment.
I’ve written a book that says we have to name and face the origins of a colonized Christian faith before we can truly grow.
I’ve written a book that challenges us to ask hard questions, in hopes that we leave behind colonization and choose something better.
I’ve written a book that challenges us to ask hard questions, in hopes that we leave behind colonization and choose something better.
I remember the first time, sitting in church, when I realized I’d left behind the white Jesus of my youth.
I had a moment of serious panic.
I’d lost my bearings.
I didn’t know if I was still allowed to be a Christian.
This is what colonization has done.
I had a moment of serious panic.
I’d lost my bearings.
I didn’t know if I was still allowed to be a Christian.
This is what colonization has done.
I just want to take a moment to thank my publisher, @BrazosPress and @TheJeremyWells for being so supportive on this journey to release #NativeBook.
We didn't know if it would get printed.
We didn't know how this would work in a worldwide pandemic.
But we made it.
We didn't know if it would get printed.
We didn't know how this would work in a worldwide pandemic.
But we made it.
When my first book came out, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know how to promote anything, didn't know how to use social media. I bought Glory Happening temporary tattoos because I thought people would buy them, for crying out loud.
So this time, when we started planning the launch of #NativeBook, I went into panic mode. I started trying to think of every idea and pursue every opportunity and these people were so graciously with me, reminding me to slow down, that their *actual* job is to launch this book.
Right now, we are in a flood. Right now, we are asking to begin again, to re-create and sustain what it means to be people of peace. kaitlincurtice.com #NativeBook
I never in a million years would have thought that when my book, guided by the Potawatomi flood story, came out, it would be during a global pandemic in which we are asking what life will look like on the other side.
But I am seeing so many similarities.
What kind of humans will we be next week, in six months? How will we care for the earth? Will we speak up about oppression and care for those forgotten or discarded by empire and capitalism?
What kind of humans will we be next week, in six months? How will we care for the earth? Will we speak up about oppression and care for those forgotten or discarded by empire and capitalism?
I want to re-visit what happened at Baylor University a few months back, because at the end of this thread I'm sharing an important opportunity for you to support Indigenous peoples during this difficult time.
So, where did #MotherMystery come from?
So, where did #MotherMystery come from?
I was asked to speak at Baylor's chapel, and we agreed that I'd speak on Decolonizing Spirituality. I spoke on the origins of our nation, the dehumanization of Indigenous peoples & women in the church, and why decolonization is an invitation.
I read from both of my books.
I read from both of my books.
A student interrupted my first talk two different times when I was speaking about women. After my talk was over, two students started reciting the pledge at me.
After my talks, a group of conservative young men issued a statement about how I shouldn't have been invited.
After my talks, a group of conservative young men issued a statement about how I shouldn't have been invited.
Well, I wasn't expecting two different pieces to come out today, but I wrote one for @RNS and @Sojourners today, and I'll share both with you in this thread.
First, my RNS piece:
religionnews.com/2020/04/24/loo…
First, my RNS piece:
religionnews.com/2020/04/24/loo…
This piece focuses on the Potawatomi flood story to share about how we are working through our process of grief right now. This flood story also guides my new book. #NativeBook
Here's a bit about that:
What a beautiful thing to wake up to.
It’s wild thing to release a book during a pandemic.
It’s wild thing to release a book during a pandemic.
❤️💔
Books are our empathy builders. What a beautiful truth.
