Parenting Quote by Willa Cather
““But for all that, our native priests are more devout than your French Jesuits. We have a living Church here, not a dead arm of the European Church. Our religion grew out of the soil, and has its own roots. We pay a filial respect to the person of the Holy Father, but Rome has no authority here. We do not require aid from the Propaganda, and we resent its interference. The Church the Franciscan Fathers planted here was cut off; this is the second growth, and is indigenous. Our people are the most devout left in the world. If you blast their faith by European formalities, they will become infidels and profligates.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to a French missionary, 1905
The speaker argues that local religious practice is authentic and rooted, rejecting foreign authority and interference.
In simple terms: Local faith is genuine and independent of European control.
Key Takeaway
Respect indigenous traditions, avoid imposing external rules.
Themes
religion
indigenous culture
colonialism
authority
faith
Mood
defiant
proud
Type
political
religious
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- church governance
- intercultural dialogue
- religious education
Key Concepts
inculturation
autonomy
cultural identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can indigenous churches engage with global faith without losing identity?
- What balance should be struck between local autonomy and universal doctrine?
A Different Perspective
European religious structures may still offer valuable resources and unity.
