What Should Christians Take from the Native American Church Peyote Ceremony?

Native American religious tradition is a fascinating subject. Yet most Americans know very little about the spiritual practices of indigenous peoples. As a curious student of theology, I explored the modern Native American Church in my senior seminar research paper. I attended a peyote ceremony – a healing ritual using the hallucinogenic cactus peyote – and studied the history, theology, and practice of the Native American Church. Through my research and experience, I have seen similarities between my own Christian tradition and the Native American Church and contend that the sacramental use of peyote can be a powerful spiritual tool in strengthening anyone\u27s relationship with God

A Biblically Faithful Participation in The Lord’s Supper Following the Model of Justin Martyr

This action research thesis project examines a historical, biblical approach to the Lord’s Supper, focusing on chapters 65-67 of the First Apology of the second-century church father, Justin Martyr. The research investigated five themes emphasized by Justin. These crucial subjects include defining those who are the rightful participants in the Lord’s Supper, what spiritual nourishment is found at the communion table, the importance of the regular receiving of the Lord’s Table, the communal nature of the communion meal, and how the church can provide ministry to those absent from worship with the ordinance. The project implemented a six-week small group study based on Justin Martyr’s historical biblical practice of the Lord’s Supper at Klondike Church of Pensacola, Florida. This study addressed an underdeveloped theology and some anemic practices observed in the congregation. Instead of approaching the Lord’s Supper with innocent misunderstanding, morbid introspection, or even flippancy, this action research thesis project countered these postures with a comprehensive understanding of communion, with the desire for the participants to have more faithful participation. This intervention included interviews, a longitudinal Likert survey, a six-week Bible study, and a focus group. The research indicates that transformation in how one participates in the Lord’s Supper to a more faithful practice is possible when dedicated teaching is utilized and the biblical practice, as described by Justin Martyr, is recovered. This research and small group study on the historical, biblical practice of the Lord’s Supper can lay the foundation for future projects on this ordinance of the church

Journal of African Christian Biography: v. 1, no. 5

A publication of the Dictionary of African Christian Biography with U.S. offices located at the Center for Global Christianity and Mission at Boston University. This issue focuses on: 1. William Wadé Harris, Prophet-Evangelist of West Africa: His Life, Message, Praxis, Heritage, and Legacy. 2. William Wadé Harris. 3. Recent Print and Digital Resources Related to Christianity in Africa