Coupstick Chaplain

“Lord, you have made your bow quite ready, and called for many arrows. You have fashioned each by hand and sworn an oath over all.”(Hab. 3:9)

This site is dedicated to the memory of David Pendleton “Oka ha-tuh,” Cheyenne warrior and Episcopal Deacon, as well as those among the Kiowa Koitsenko who followed the Jesus Road.

“Remember when I went first and you followed; I follow another now, his name is Jesus; what he says is true and he only makes war for peace!”

Commission

As a Kiowa-Na’ishan Christian Chaplain, the militancy of my future calling was declared at the time of my “second baptism” when these words were spoken over me – “The Lord has called you from your mother’s womb and made mention of your name among her people. He has made your mouth like a sharpened sword. Like a polished shaft in his quiver he has hidden you, and in the shadow of his hand he has concealed you.” (Is. 49:1,2)

Motif

Although the Coupstick Chaplain was envisioned as a Native American, Christian chaplaincy for Native Vets and the Warrior Community at large, it has continued to evolve, seeking to address the broader issues now effecting all of us. And, although as a chaplain I entertain a certain democratic idealism when it comes to plurality, as a person of Native descent, and well-appraised of our past history with The Federal Government, I would hedge my bets.

That said, I continue to remain outspoken when it comes to saying – I serve a Creator God – “A Spirit… and the Father of spirits….” (Jn. 4:24, Heb. 12:9) It follows then that I would stand with Him in agreement, even as do those that serve him, including my brothers in arms and the angels in Heaven. Holding out hope for the many, that the few might be redeemed. And, as ambassadors to The Kingdom, choose what king we will serve and what path we will walk in. Not only for the sake of our souls, and that of all creation, but to give honor where honor is due; to Christ our captain, “the first-born of many (warriors).” And, as his life demonstrated, there remains little difference between the demands of “The Warriors Road,” and that of “The Way,” as all those who walk therein share a similar trait – “The Warriors Ethos.”

Yet, for those who remain skeptical concerning faith, honor and duty to country, or king, it may be worth noting that the “warrior ethos” of which I speak is the same quality that the Lord Hashem-Elohim looked for when choosing Gideon’s 300 – selecting only those few “…who lapped the water with their bare hands” (Judges 7: 4-16). That this peculiarity is singularly expressive of the warriors’ calling remains given, as even the angels in heaven evidence the same quality in their bearing; the most notable example being that of the Archangel Michael, who, even though acknowledged as the “Angel of War,” is best described as exemplifying that same characteristic.

Not surprisingly, there remains more to the story that is often left untold. The Lord’s direct involvement in Israel’s preparation for war, not only serves as a tacit approval of war when the need arises, but an endorsement of the warrior class itself, as it remains essential in maintaining peace. This then is of singular importance, particularly when viewed through the lens of geopolitics today. Unfortunately, while many view defense as counterintuitive when in comes to peace, current events have proven once again that in spite of our best intentions, war has remained a recurring theme throughout history. A sobering fact when we realize that no amount of religious idealism or wishful thinking has ever been able to change it.

Coupstick Chaplain

While the Coupstick Chaplain, remains non-denominational in perspective, believing that salvation from self and the waywardness of this world is best served through simplicity of faith and selfless service.Yet, as a Christian Chaplain engaged in serving military personnel and veterans, I continue to recognize and acknowledge the validity of other faiths. And how could I not as a Native American, as it would entail denial of my own culture and people. From a purely humanitarian perspective then, I would have to say that vast majority of religious expressions I encounter have one thing in common – they validate the spiritual longing innate to humanity as to the why and wherefore of their own existence.

It follows then that I would endorse The Second Amendment to the US Constitution (“freedom of religion” clause. As in doing so I not only acknowledge the right for people to choose, but the fact that it coincides with the spirit of faith and the Christian expression. Yet in saying that, I do have reservations; one being that of religious extremism, which I might say is counter-intuitive. The issue being, that when religious tolerance becomes the very vehicle through which religious intolerance is allowed to flourish, it not only serves to negate the very principle upon which it was founded, but exclusivity, which leads to intolerance.

That said, our flag is now unfurled. And, although I feel at times like one whistling in the wind, I remain confident that if we hold fast to the standard that Christ raised, while evidencing the same transformative character in our own lives, we will show ourselves worthy and accountable, not only to one another, but to God. Yet, make no misunderstanding, the spiritual battle we enjoin can be every bit as real and consequential as the kinetic warfare many constantly train for and remains engaged in. The two then, both the natural and the supernatural, must needs be entwined through faith in preparation for action. How could it be otherwise if we are ever able to realize our full potential in making a lasting difference. Yet, as for the ongoing struggle we face and our bit in its outcome, we can’t go it alone; it takes teamwork!.

Although this blog may be viewed as a public chaplaincy by some, its impetus continues to be the warrior community, not only because it’s the only thing that stands between the people and “the deep blue sea,” but the fact that service and accountability in preparation for conflict can become the crucible through which the “warrior ethos” is formed. And while confidentiality remains a given when it comes to the chaplaincy, this blog will go further in addressing the deeper and often divisive issues concerning the warriors calling. In turn, leaving me little choice but call things as I see them. To say then that I’m duly concerned about the current state of affairs and the mounting challenges we face today as a nation would be an understatement.

For that reason and in light of America’s calling, founded upon the principles of “liberty and justice for all,” I dare say we’ve drifted. In consideration of the fact, we might then do well to remember its angelic tutelary, Columbia, who even now stands watch over our eastern gate. Holding high the Torch of Freedom in her right hand, in welcome to all those seeking refuge, and in her left, The Constitution, in warning to anyone whose selfish ambitions tend toward “the pragmatic application of mechanisms and strategies designed to keep a group in power, regardless of their ideals, morals, or even their ultimate purpose.” (Lavenda, 2009).

“Walk Softly, but Carry a Big Stick!”

While Coupstick Chaplain is emblematic of my Indigenous ancestry and pastoral orientation, the Plains Indian tradition of “Counting Coup” or “touching the enemy” as it was called, speaks volumes about warfare as being essentially spiritual in context. For that reason, it may of some interest to note that while the coupstick itself is not only similar in appearance to the traditional Indian lacrosse stick as used in “The Creators Game,” it has much in common with the Shepard’s crook, a Christian symbol of supernatural authority and spiritual guidance. Yet, the Kiowa coupstick is unique in one regard, it continues to retain the historical lance-head firmly attached to its business end. And while the coupstick speaks of justice and the requite resolve to serve peace through strength, or violence if need be, the very act of “counting coup” is representative of mercy. And while that concept is not unfamiliar to the Christian praxis, many believers have essentially lost sight of the fact. This seems to be especially true among the so-called faithful, who profess a belief in God, thanks be to Jesus, yet fail to follow in his footsteps; not realizing that a living faith entails personal sacrifice. For the recalcitrant then, the Plains Indian tradition of Counting Coop may be particularly apropos, as they often some sense knocked into their heads. The fact that the spiritual warrior must needs have a role in the advent to come is no more open to debate than is reclining in the bleachers while letting others do all the heavy spiritual lifting. And while it remains a personal matter if one chooses to be present and directly engaged in“restoring the world” (Tikkum olan), or absent, not only speaks volumes about one’s authenticity, but one’s ultimate destiny.

A Refuge in Time of Trouble?

Although the Americas have been referred to as Turtle Island or a place of refuge by its Indigenous inhabitants, it may soon become a crossroads of conflict “… a spiritual conflict over material matters” (Waters, 1963). For that reason, the historical image of the American Indian perhaps best represents the continuing struggle between spirituality and materialism, the natural world and cultural survival. Who better then to articulate that cause than those who’ve been on the receiving end for over five-hundred years. More importantly, the fact that Native Americans have managed to remain an intrinsically spiritual people, in spite of efforts to the contrary, lends credence to my assertion that one day they will rise again. Not as separate peoples plotting their own course, but as “one holy nation under God, walking in a sacred way,”reaffirming His commandments (“First Instructions”), while resisting an agenda which seeks to subordinate all creation to a system of godlessness, moral depravity and abject servitude.

Things being what they are, it should come as no surprise then if Creator took an altogether different tack, raising up a people that many would consider least in The Kingdom of Heaven, while placing them at the forefront of a “last days” revival. Considering the possibility, especially when viewed through the historical lens of Native America, it leaves little to the imagination, as Sitting Bull said: “He created us all according to his own purposes and called it good. Therefore, it is not right for us as eagles, to now become crows.”

Although Native Americans have been characterized as second-class citizens, or even squatters on their own land for generations, they’ve somehow managed to maintain their dignity and spiritual orientation. Their resilience then has not gone unnoticed, particularly among those poised to suffer a similar fate. As there are many within the so-called herd that are neither buffaloed nor cowed and who now see resistance as the only possible alternative to a future prospect of beef rations and filthy blankets. For them, “going off the Rez.” has taken on new meaning, as reflecting upon their own circumstances they’ve come to realize what Indian’s have known all along – we’re in a fight for our lives against a supernatural enemy, one who not only seeks dominion over the entire earth, but the heavens above, as well as the souls of all creation. And, even as Russell Means said, “We’re all Indians now!”

The Blog

Drawing from my various interests, history, geopolitics, religion and war, political theology then becomes a viable platform for addressing the dissonance that often exists between self-interest and self-sacrifice in the political sphere. And while it’s understandable from a democratic perspective, that politics remain necessarily separate from religion, it is the moral and ethical composition of religious philosophy that can provide the objectivity so often lacking in political discourse. And by framing that discourse from an Indigenous perspective, an alternative vision can be offered, one which not only builds upon a biblical hermeneutics uniquely adapted to the Americas, but one which serves to address the dystopian future we now see emerging.

Support

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Quill