First Contact

“First Contact”

Setting: A handful of European explorers from the 1600s sitting around a campfire. They have just had their first contact with the native Navajo in Colorado.

Andrew: “My gosh, Tim, that was some of the ugliest, backwards set of people I have ever met in my life.”

Tim: “You can say that again Andrew. Did you see how they were dressed?”

Allen: “Yeah, they were basically naked. Walking around with the smallest amount of clothes covering their bodies. What is their problem?”

Tm: “Just plain un-godly. That’s what that dress represents to me.”

Harry: “And, how about those tools they were using? They had stones attached to sticks. You are right Andrew, these people are indeed backwards.”

Miller: “You guys certainly came to your conclusions, quickly.”

Andrew: “So what? We only needed five minutes to observe these barbarians and draw those conclusions.”

Miller: “Well, I admit I had similar thoughts upon first observing the natives.”

Andrew: “What do you mean “upon first observing? Are you implying that you changed your mind about those savages?”

Miller: “Yes, I think I have.” I honestly do not feel comfortable categorizing all the natives as savages.

Andrew: “What do you mean changed your mind? Are you nuts? I have never met a more backwards population in my life.”

Miller: “I don’t think you are taking into account the environment these natives are living in. It is different from ours – thus they live a little differently.”

Andrew: “You are making excuses – did these people give you money or something?”

Miller: “No, but I did get a chance to communicate with them on some level.”

Andrew: Laughing: “Yeah, you are about on their level.”

Miller: “Look, let’s try not to be arrogant here. I walked around with a few of the Indians and they showed me some things I was impressed with.”

Andrew: “Like what?” Miller: “Well, how about the winter animal furs they have constructed? Those things are extremely warm and I bet they would be very useful for our European winters.”

“Also, they showed me some of the ways they used other parts of the buffalo. They have found techniques to use almost every aspect of that animal for their daily lives.”

Andrew: “Okay, so what? That doesn’t change my opinion.”

Miller: “That’s what I am trying to get across: I think you came to your conclusion too fast. I don’t think the natives are completely backwards.”

Andrew: “Your observations are starting to irritate me.”

Miller: “Did you see their farms? These natives were growing excellent crops – we probably could learn a couple of things.”

Andrew: “Like I said, I am getting sick of your observations.”

Miller: “And I am getting sick of your judgments!” “These people welcomed us into their village. They showed us kindness and respect. They offered to feed us dinner and showed us around.”

Andrew: “I don’t want to hear about their kindness. Did you see any churches around? From what I can tell, these people worship natural things like the sky, the wind, the moon, and other such creations.”

“Yes, they are heathens – bad people who need to know our God.”

Miller: “I wish they had our religious beliefs too, but we will not convert anyone without first getting to know them. We need to show them love, respect, and kindness.” We need to show them that our religion allows us to love people. I fear you may only show them hate.”

Andrew: “These are nothing but savages and we have nothing to learn from them.”

Miller: “I think you are wrong – I think they are just a different people – a different culture. One in which they can learn from us and we can learn from them.”