The First Nations Version translation of the New Testament was published in 2021. The translation is not intended to be tribally specific, but it presents the scriptures in a general way. Instead of a word-for-word translation, it is a thought-for-thought. It is a retelling of Creator’s Story from the scriptures. It attempts to follow the tradition of storytellers of their oral cultures. Phrases for God like “Creator, Great Spirit, Great Mystery, Maker of Life, Giver of Breath” are used. Jesus is referred to as “Creator Sets Free.” Using these phrases fits into the Native way of speaking and thinking.
This version of the New Testament was not translated for the purpose of having an ecological version of the New Testament, or a translation that would just focus on the environment and creation, but because of native speaking and thinking, native culture, and the native way of relating to the world, this version of the New Testament is creation and environment forward. This version of the New Testament, puts all things in relationship with all things.
The First Nations Version translation of the New Testament has me thinking about everything in relationship. What if we recognized our kin-ship in everything? The birds, other animals, plants, mountains, rocks, streams — these things are not merely a backdrop for life, we are in relationship with them. And if we think of all things in relationship, how might our actions, our voting, our spending, our overall way of living be different with our relationship with creation at the forefront of our decision making? In what ways would we act differently if we trusted the Great Spirit and recognized all of the living land and earth’s inhabitants as divinely conceived of, desired, and created?
When we are in relationship with one another — with every single being and every single creature, it emphasizes our relationship and connection rather than our hierarchy. We do not live in a vertical line, a top down linear system. We are a whirlpool, a constant shift of a passing journey, a continuous force that is in relationship. And not just any relationship. Our relationship with creation is reciprocal.
We have much to learn from creation. There is wisdom to gain from the stream’s flow, the rock’s formation, and the bird’s song. There is wisdom to gain from the depth of my dog’s eyes, the way the squirrel gathers for the changing seasons, and the way fish swim in bodies of water. There is wisdom to gain from the dew on the grass, the wind’s gentle breeze, and the way the leaves change color. And thanks be to the Great Spirit for that. Aho!
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Rev. Christina Schoenwetter is the Associate Pastor of Engagement at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Monroe.
