You may be thinking, 'Big deal. Lots of people repent and accept Jesus Christ into their hearts.' But let's stop for a moment and think about who the Sawi were before they met Christ. Headhunters. Cannibals. Monsters. Uncivilized tribe. All these words of negativity are spawned in an instant. The Sawi had utterly nothing to do with Christ. Nothing. The value of treachery and desire for human flesh was embedded so deeply in their hearts that there was no room for the love of God to enter. However, God's love prevails against all evil. Now think about the Sawi after they had accepted Christ into their hearts. All traces of cannibalism and treachery was washed away. People can't just magically transform like that. It takes a supernatural action. And that supernatural force was God's love. They were forever vindicated.
God's love is genuine. It is not crafted.
God is a miracle worker. He loves hiding little surprises here and there for us. When he watches us marvel at His miracles and praise Him, it brings Him exuberating bliss. There are so many treasures He has in store for us. All He needs to do is step back and watch us unravel them one by one at the right time. We are rejuvenated when we run into the arms of God, our loving Father. Christianity changed the Sawi culture by penetrating the stubborn shell of the people with God's love. The old self was gone. The new self was clothed. They were born again.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Great post Janis,
ReplyDeleteYour answer seems to be really genuine and honest. Through your answer, it seems like you took this novel to the heart. Yes, i completely agree with you that there was a Christianity radically changed this culture. You seemed to fully answer this question within their religious change but do you believe there was more that Christianity has changed other than their core values and religious aspect?
-Ryan Park
Ryan's question is rather logical however I think Janis has already pointed it out in the second paragraph.
ReplyDeleteAll traces of cannibalism and treachery was washed away. People can't just magically transform like that. It takes a supernatural action. And that supernatural force was God's love. They were forever vindicated.
They were cleansed from all their sin's and therefore should have changed their entire lives in general because not only was their old ways their culture, but it was their life style: treachery and cannibalistic butchery and if their old lifestyle had been washed away than a new one would have to be born (Born from Christianity)
So for example they completely eradicated their old culture because of what Christianity had to offer, so wouldn't the second paragraph be self explanatory to your question?
I agree with Jason, I think that Christianity changed their lives entirely. The factors that seemed inhumane such as treachery, cannibalism has ceased to exist, and a long lasting peace came by. I think that Janis has written a very complex and well written response to the question
ReplyDeleteExcellent galvanizing of thoughts.
ReplyDelete