From Library Journal
After the Kiowas were forced onto government reservations in southwestern Oklahoma in the late 19th century, many of these nomadic Native American hunters adopted Christianity. Missionaries fostered native leadership, translated Scriptures into local languages, and encouraged the composition of indigenous hymns. Now few fluent speakers of Kiowa are left, and church services are conducted in English. Elders believe that when the hymns are no longer sung in Kiowa, a vital part of the language and spirituality will be lost. To prevent this cultural expression from disappearing, Kiowa elders, such as singer and hymnologist Ralph Kotay, are now making recordings and teaching classes in Kiowa hymn singing. In this collaborative work, anthropologist Lassiter (Ball State Univ.; Power of Kiowa Song), historian Clyde Ellis (Elon Univ.; To Change Them Forever), and Kotay examine the personal and cultural dimensions of the Kiowa Christian experience exemplified by these hymns. Ellis gives a historical overview of Kiowa Christianity on the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache reservation, while Lassiter describes Kiowa churches and the role hymns play in tribal culture. In the final section, Kotay comments on the history and meaning of 26 hymns recorded on an accompanying CD (not heard). This important and well-researched study is recommended for collections in Native American religion and ethnomusicology. Lucille M. Boone, San Jose P.L., CA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
“The Jesus Road is an admirable exercise in collaborative scholarship. As a short book accompanied by a compact disk, it is especially suitable for classroom use in courses on Native American religion or American Christianity.”—James Treat, Journal of the American Academy of Religion
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Journal of the American Academy of Religion )
"This important and well-researched study is recommended for collections in Native American religion and ethnomusicology."—Library Journal
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Library Journal )
“This extraordinary book will be enjoyed by historians and general readers alike and is a notable contribution to studies in Native American history, anthropology, and ethnomusicology. As Ralph Kotay so often remarks, ‘The words are so precious.’ Indeed, the insight given the reader into the deeper meanings of the hymns and the role of Native American churches throughout Indian country today is also a precious gift.”—Deborah A Kolch, The Chronicle of Oklahoma
(Deborah A. Kolch
The Chronicle of Oklahoma )
"A welcome look at the faith and experience of the Kiowas of southwestern Oklahoma."—Bonnie Sue Lewis, International Bulletin of Missionary Research
(Bonnie Sue Lewis
International Bulletin of Missionary Research )
