Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Religion & Culture / Religious Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Laird Christie

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Second Advisor

Kay Koppedrayer

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Third Advisor

Harold Remus

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Abstract

This thesis explores the attitudes of EuroCanadian. Protestant evangelical Christians, towards Canada's aboriginal peoples, particularly as they pertain to the training of Native ministerial candidates. In addition to EuroCanadian perspectives, Native voices are included in this examination, specifically, the opinions and attitudes expressed by aboriginal individuals who either have had experience as Native candidates under the tutelage of non-Native teachers and administrators, or who have spent many years observing the effects of such training upon their youth and their churches. Chapter 1, a history of missionization in Canada, is a discussion of the historical context in which theological training institutions which serve Native candidates find themselves. To bring the reader up to date on socio-political changes which have affected indigenous peoples in Canada as they relate to the issue of the training of Native candidates for Protestant Christian ministry today, Chapter 2 presents a short discussion of the contemporary scene in Canada. Chapter 3 consists of an analysis of evangelical approaches to and attitudes towards aboriginal peoples and their preparation for ministry. In order to accomplish this, two case studies have been done, wherein l have made use of interviews and other data gathered from two evangelical Bible Colleges and a few other comparative sources. Chapter 4 presents a study of a northern Native Bible College in which Native voices may be heard on the subject of the training of their ministerial candidates, not in opposition to or as a response to non-Native perceptions and agendas, but for their own sakes. This thesis ends with some concluding remarks, including several personal observations and concerns for mission strategy and future academic research.

Convocation Year

1994

Convocation Season

Spring

Download

Share

COinS