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 Pentleton (Oka ha-tuh),Cheyenne warrior and Episcopal deacon, and those among the Kiowa Koitsenko who chose “The Jesus Road.“

Commission

As a Kiowa-Na’ishan (Dene) 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

The Coupstick Chaplain was envisioned as a Native American chaplaincy for the Warrior Community at large. And, while one could say that I have a certain democratic idealism, my personal ethos, as a person of Native descent, is somewhat egalitarian. Even so, as a Christian chaplain, I remain outspoken in saying that I serve a living 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, as do our brothers in arms the angelic hosts of Heaven. Holding out hope for the many, that a few might be saved, in turn working, “until all come to a fullness of the faith,” as the apostle has written. Yet, as there is little difference between the demands of “The Warriors Road” and that of “The Way” espoused by Jesus, we honor the “warrior ethos” that is emblematic of all those that are called.

Yet, for those who fail to see the connection between faith, honor and duty to country, it may be of some interest to note that he “warrior ethos” of which I speak is the same criteria that the Lord Hashem-Elohim used when choosing Gideon’s 300 – Selecting only those few “…who lapped the water with their bare hands” (Judges 7: 4-16). That this attitude remains the standard by which a warrior is noted, remains a given, as even the angels in heaven have evidenced the same bearing in their demeanor when interacting with humanity. The most notable example being that of the Archangel Michael, who, although acknowledged as the “Angel of War,” is best described as having the self-same virtues.

Yet, there is more to the story that is often overlooked. The Lord’s direct involvement in Israel’s preparation for war serves as not only a tacit approval or war when necessary, but an endorsement of the warrior class itself, which remains essential. A point well taken, particularly in light of world we see today. Unfortunately, while many view war as counterintuitive when it comes to peace, current events have demonstrated once again that the issue of war remains a recurring theme in human history. A sobering fact, especially when one considers that in spite of our best efforts, no amount of religious idealism or wishful thinking has ever been able to alter the fact.

While the Coupstick Chaplain remains non-denominational in perspective, believing that salvation from self is best served through simplicity of faith and selfless service, as chaplains, we not only have sworn to defend “freedom of religion,” but to be representative of God. Consequently, when it comes to religious liberty, I support it in principal, not simply because it is a legal right, under the First Amendment to the American Constitution, but because it agrees with the spirit of Christianity, adjuring control in favor of free choice. Even so, one could make an exception, as for instance when it comes to radicalism, where religious tolerance becomes the very vehicle through which religious extremism is allowed to flourish. A universal problem, both ethically and practically, as extremism by its own definition, serves to negate the very principle upon which religious liberty was founded – tolerance!

That said, our flag is now unfurled. To clarify, I infer we, and for good reason, as some have come up alongside me, while others have provided support. Nevertheless, I do feel “like one crying in the wilderness, as the social trajectory seems to be moving downhill. direction. Even so, we continue to hold fast to the standard that’s been raised, while continuing to advocate on behalf of our military professionals and veterans, not to mention those veteran non-profits and American Indian warrior societies who continue to uphold and support them.

While this blog may be viewed as a public chaplaincy by many, it circles around the warrior community, as it forms the nucleus of my commitment. For that reason, while intercession and confidentiality are foundational to the chaplaincy, this blog goes further in addressing the deeper and often divisive issues concerning faith, honor and duty to country. Yet, as current events and social-media increasingly illustrate, resolve and self-determination can easily be thwarted. For that reason, I call things it as I see them. To say that I am duly concerned about the current state of affairs and the mounting challenges we face as nation today would be an understatement. As in light of America’s founding, as a democratic nation constituted of free people, we have drifted. For that reason, we might then give pause to consider this nation’s 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 may 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 the handle 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 known, speaks volumes about warfare being essentially spiritual in nature. For that reason, it may of some interest to note that the coupstick itself is not only similar in appearance to the traditional Indian lacrosse stick as used in “The Creators Game,” but the Shepard’s crook, a Christian symbol of supernatural authority and guidance. Yet, the Kiowa coupstick is somewhat unique in that it retains the lance-head firmly attached to its business end. And while it can be said that the coupstick speaks of justice and the resolve necessary to maintain peace through strength, the very act of “counting coup” is representative of mercy. And while the concept itself is not unfamiliar to the Christian praxis, many so-called believers have essentially lost sight of the fact. Particularly among many of the so-called faithful, who profess a belief in God, thanks to Jesus, yet fail to follow in his footsteps; not realizing that a living faith entails a requisite service. For the recalcitrant then, the Plains Indian tradition of Counting Coop may be apropos, as they not only need to step up their game, but often need some sense knocked into their heads. The fact that the spiritual warrior must needs be have a role in the advent to come is no more open to debate than is standing safely on the sidelines would be, in letting others do all the heavy spiritual lifting, while the crowds in the bleachers applaud. And while it remains a matter of choice whether one chooses to be present and directly engaged in“restoring the world” (Tikkum olan), or absent, not only speak volumes about authenticity, but one’s ultimate destiny as well.

A Refuge in Time of Trouble?

Although the Americas have been referred to as Turtle Island, or a place of refuge by many, 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 the obvious, lends a certain credence to my assertions that one day they will rise again. Not as separate peoples, but as one holy nation under God, affirming His precepts, while becoming a stone in the road to hell. An evil throughfare which seeks to subordinate all of creation to an agenda of godlessness, moral depravity and abject servitude.

Things being what they are then, it should come as no surprise 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 stigmatized as being second-class citizens, or squatters, even on their own land, they’ve managed to retain their dignity and spiritual orientation. That resilience then has not gone unnoticed, particularly among those now 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 situation they’ve come to realize what Indian’s have known all along. – We’re in a fight for our lives against a supernatural enemy, an adversary who not only seeks dominion over the whole earth and the heavens above, but our very souls. And, as Russell Means so cryptically said: “We’re all Indians now!”

The Blog

Drawing from my various interests, including history, geopolitics, religion and war, political theology then becomes a suitable platform for addressing the dissonance that exists between self-interest and self-sacrifice in the political sphere. And while it’s understandable from a democratic perspective that politics is deemed to be necessarily separate from religion, it remains the moral and ethical composition of religious philosophy that provides 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