by Mi’kmaq Elder Dr. Daniel N. Paul, C.M., O.N.S. May 2010 Issue - MMNN

Something to celebrate?

I’ll start by presenting a short comparison between the values of Mi’kmaq and European religions.

Pre European Mi’kmaq Religion: The Great Spirit’s directives were the Mi’kmaq Nation’s eternal light. The People believed that His dominion was all inclusive, and that He encompassed all positive attributes – love, honour, kindness, compassion, knowledge, wisdom etc., and that He was responsible for all existence, and was personified in all things – rivers, trees, spouses, children, friends etc. No initiatives were undertaken without first requesting His guidance. His creations, Mother Earth and the Universe, were accorded the highest respect. Religion was blended into daily life – it was lived. Nature, as was the case with most American civilizations, supported Mi’kmaq religious beliefs.

European Religions: Europeans followed religions collectively called Christianity, which are based upon blind belief. They too promote a belief in a Supreme Being who possesses all good qualities, but until recent times, they also promoted a belief that God condoned the use of several bad qualities, e.g., vengefulness to spread and protect the word. Horrendous events such as the Crusades and Inquisitions were initiated under the dogma of Christianity. Innocent people who could not defend themselves against charges of heresy were found guilty and thrown into prison or burned at the stake. Non-believer ...

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