Talking on Paper: A Messianic Worldview Among the Sekani of British Columbia – Jonathon Young – 1999
Talking on Paper: A Messianic Worldview Among the Sekani of British Columbia
Jonathon Young’s Talking on Paper examines the emergence and development of a unique messianic worldview among the Sekani people of British Columbia in the mid-20th century. This work centers on the writings and drawings of a Sekani man known as David, who, without prior exposure to Christianity or other formal religions, produced an extensive body of work detailing a complex cosmology, eschatology, and ethical system. Young meticulously analyzes David’s “papers” – a mixture of text and imagery – to reveal a deeply coherent and internally consistent belief system that arose spontaneously within the Sekani cultural context.
Historical / Cultural Context
The book is rooted in fieldwork conducted in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s particularly relevant because it challenges conventional understandings of religious origins, often framed by diffusionist models – the idea that religious beliefs spread from established centers. David’s worldview emerged in relative isolation, suggesting the potential for independent religious innovation. The Sekani faced significant disruption during this period due to colonial pressures, resource extraction, and residential schools. Young is careful to contextualize David’s work within this historical backdrop, exploring how it responded to, and perhaps attempted to reconcile, these challenges. The work is a response to societal upheaval, but also a demonstration of cultural resilience and creative adaptation.
Who This Book Is For
This book appeals to a readership interested in religious studies, anthropology, indigenous studies, and the psychology of belief. While academically rigorous, Young’s writing is accessible to informed general readers. It does not require prior knowledge of Sekani culture or religious theory. Those interested in the study of spontaneous religious movements, visionary art, and the power of individual creativity will find the work particularly engaging. Furthermore, the book resonates with anyone seeking to understand how belief systems can arise and function outside of established religious traditions.
Further Reading
- Euclid’s Window: The Story of Geometry from Parallel Lines to Hyperspace by Leonard Mlodinow: Explores how humans construct models of reality, resonating with the Sekani’s cosmology.
- The Gift: How the Gods Behave by Lewis Hyde: Examines the reciprocity between humans and the divine, offering parallels to ethical elements within David’s worldview.
- Shamans, Prophets, and Psychics: A Cultural History of Spiritual Transformation by Roy Willis: Provides a broad comparative perspective on the role of visionary individuals in different cultures.
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