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, and those 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!”

(Pendleton)

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, and like a polished shaft in his quiver he has hidden you; in the shadow of his hand he has concealed you.” (Is. 49:1,2)

Mission

The Coupstick Chaplain was envisioned as an independent Christian chaplaincy and blog for Native American Vets and SOF, whose progenitors were beneficiaries of “the “skulking way of war,” which they learned fighting alongside their Indian counterparts during those early years of conflict over the contested frontiers of colonial America and Canada. And so, its is not without reason then that we honor the Warrior Community at large. Not only have Native Americans participated in every major conflict the US has been involved in, but every soldier has benefited to some degree from the enduring legacy of the warrior tradition. In turn, doing their fair bit in keeping America free and united in our common cause for a free and just world. Truly, is there anywhere else on earth apart from America where the following verse has proven itself more true? “While one may be overcome, yet two defend themselves, a three-strand cord is not easily broken.” (Eccl. 4:12)

While religious in orientation, the Coupstick Chaplain remains Indigenous in perspective, viewing the underlying reality of creation as essentially spiritual in nature. This then is an important consideration, particularly when it comes to the profession of arms or public service. The fact being that a person’s spiritual life can have a tremendous impact on one’s ethos, which has the potential to effect every decision made and every action taken, for better or worse.

And, considering the fact that wars are often fought for religious, as well as political purposes, a person’s grounding in spiritual reality remains essential when it comes to maintaining a balanced perspective regarding the gaggle of opinions concerning crisis or conflict. Not only helping to lift “the fog of war” as it were, but to provide the necessary objectivity when it comes to the religious terminology often used to justify or even sanctify war. The fact being that hierarchical structures in both the military and public sphere can serve to obfuscate responsibility or moral accountability when it comes to command. Consequently, it often becomes less about bullets and more about water when it comes to the price paid for admission, requiring the individual to seek healing and restoration from an altogether source. “And the angel showed me a pure river, of water of life, as clear as crystal, issuing from the throne of God and the Lamb.” (Rev. 22:1, KJV) The inference being, that while the river is there for anyone to partake from, a person must first believe that the river exists before they can find it and bow the knee to drink.

As for those who may be quick to disdain, I would offer that faith is like a braided chain; a fast-rope of duty and honor which suits a particular type. The same that the Lord God Hashem-Elohim looked for when selecting Gideon’s 300, –“…choosing only those few who lapped the water with their bare hands.” (Judges 7:6) While this is perhaps one of the best illustrations we have of The Warrior Ethos; this characteristic has been noted among the angelic hosts as well, the Archangel Michael, “The Angel of War” being the primary example. Yet there is more to the story that is often left untold. The Lord’s direct involvement in Israel’s preparation for war at that particular time and place can be seen as not only a tacit approval of war when the necessity arises, but an endorsement of the warrior class as well. This then is of some importance, particularly when viewed through the lens of geopolitics today. Unfortunately, while many view defense as counterintuitive when it comes to peace, current events would argue to the contrary. In spite of our best intentions, war has been and continues to be a recurring theme in human history. A sobering realization, particularly when one considers that no amount of religious idealism or wishful thinking has ever been able to alter the fact.

Yet, regarding those who feel inclined to challenge that equation, there probably remains no better place for them than within the U.S Armed Services, as its avowed purpose to not only to defend the principles of The American Constitution, but freedom itself. As for those so called, an appropriate descriptive may be in order. While “The Warrior Ethos” may serve that purpose at present, it pales in comparison to wisdom gleaned from sages seen, as it was from them I learned of valor earned and glory spurned. Which, upon further investigation I discovered that this particular subject has been of singular importance throughout human history. A primary example being that of the Greek and Roman world, at a time when Homers Iliad and Odyssey was considered essential reading for anyone seeking an ethos of social conduct and honor befitting that of a warrior. The essential takeaway being, while evil has always been parcel to the human condition, woe unto those by which it may come, as God (gods in this case), will of a certainty raise up and equip a hero that is more than equal to the task at hand.

With that in mind, two examples come to the fore. Returning to the Christian Bible, for a much closer reading of the Gospel narrative, I found the words and actions of Jesus himself to read more like something out of the Red-letter Edition of a Warrior’s Manifesto than a pacifist treaste. And this I found to be somewhat unsettling, if not quite interesting. The panorama of his life paralleled that of many of our own Native hero’s, at a time when holy men were not only visionaries, warriors of renown. Their enduring legacy thus serving to remind us that what is needed today is not simply the lance, but a coupstick wielded by compassionate leader-thinkers, who are as good at building bridges as they are about busting bunkers. Yet, those “quiet professionals” must in turn be “Peaceful Warriors” still.

As for myself, while I continue to entertain a certain pragmatic idealism when it comes to this country, its purpose and people, as a person of Native descent, well-versed in our own trials and tribulations with the Federal Government, I will hedge my bets. And while my primary role remains that of a chaplain, a “Dog Soldier” might be a better description, as order demands discipline, if not voluntarily, perhaps encouraged with a quirt, a coupstick, or the point of a pen.

Coupstick Chaplain

The Coupstick Chaplain, for all intents and purposes, continues to remain non-denominational in perspective, believing that salvation from the evils of this world is best served through simplicity of faith and selfless service. Yet, as a Christian chaplain, coming alongside those willing to put their lives on the line for others and the principles of American liberty, I acknowledge the plurality of religion. How could it be otherwise, when my own Native people are not only representative of any number of historic missionary Churches, but remain to a great degree traditional in many of their spiritual perspectives. And it is or that reason that I can say, the vast majority of religious expressions I come in contact with on a regular basis share one thing, a fundamental belief in an ultimate spiritual authority and arbitrator, which in turn serves to validate not only their very existence, but ultimate purpose and destiny.

It follows then that I would not only endorse The First Amendment to the US Constitution (freedom of religion), but the “wall of separation” that continues to exist between “church and state.” In doing so, I not only acknowledge our lawful right as Americans to the religion of our choice, but affirm what the spirit of the law implies, that we are “endowed by our Creator with certain “inalienable rights.” Nonetheless, I am not without reservation when it comes to that law, as the potential for religious extremism also exists within our right to religious freedom. The issue being that when religious tolerance become the very principle through which religious intolerance is allowed to flourish, it negates the very premise upon which the law was founded, in turn promoting exclusivity, which in turn can lead to intolerance.

That said, our flag is now unfurled, and rightfully so, as we remain confident that if we hold fast to the standard which has been raised, we will have shown ourselves worthy to be called the followers of Christ. Yet make no mistake, the battle ahead is only just beginning, and while many sleep, others, with eyes wide-open, are willing and able to respond without hesitation.

And while this blog may be seen as a public chaplaincy by many, its primary focus concerns that of our men and women in uniform, as well as the cause they fight for and the hope of freedom wherever it may be found. It follows then that this blog would seek to address the deeper and often divisive issues concerning the warriors calling. For that reason I am doubly concerned, not only about our current state of affairs, but the future challenges we face as a nation. In light of our auspicious beginning, we might then do well to consider our 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 might 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 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 be of some interest to note that while the coupstick itself is similar in appearance to the traditional Indian lacrosse stick as used in “The Creators Game,” it also bears a marked resemblance to the Shepard’s crook, a Christian symbol of supernatural authority and spiritual guidance. Yet I would offer that the Kiowa coupstick is unique among others in one important aspect, it still retains the traditional lance-head firmly attached to its business end. – You get the point! (pun intended) And while the coupstick may speak of justice and the resolve necessary to maintain peace through strength, the very act of “counting coup” connotes to mercy – a life given, not taken. Although a concept not unfamiliar to the Christian praxis, many believers need to be reminded of the fact. This is particularly true for those who profess a belief in God, yet fail to follow in the footsteps of Christ. For the recalcitrant then, the Plains Indian tradition of Counting Coop is particularly apropos, as they often need some sense knocked into their heads. The fact remains that the spiritual warrior must needs be preparing the ground for the spiritual warfare to come. A fact no more open to conjecture than the condemnation of those still reclining on the couch of mercy, while letting others do what’s necessary. And while it remains a matter of choice whether one chooses to be present and engaged in“restoring the world” (Tikkum olan), or not, one’s actions (or lack thereof) speaks volumes about their spiritual authenticity and ultimate destination.

A Refuge in Time of Trouble?

Although the Americas have long been referred to as Turtle Island or a place of refuge in times of trouble, they 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 ongoing struggle between spirituality and materialism, the natural world and corporate greed. Who better to articulate that cause then than those who’ve been on the receiving end for over five-hundred years. More importantly, the fact that Native Americans have somehow managed to remain an intrinsically spiritual people lends credence to my hope that they will one day rise again. Not simply as separate peoples planning their own independent destinies, but as “one holy nation under God, walking in a sacred way. And in doing so, take the lead in resisting an agenda which seeks to subordinate all creation to a system of godlessness, moral depravity and servitude.

In spite of those who would beg to differ, it would come as no surprise if Creator were to take an altogether different tack. Raising up a people that many would consider least in The Kingdom of Heaven, while at the same time placing them at the forefront of a “last days” revival. Considering the possibility, particularly when viewed through the lens of Native American history, 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.”

In fact, while Native Americans have been characterized as second-class citizens or even squatters on their own ancestral lands, they’ve somehow managed to retain their dignity and relationship with Creator. Their resilience then has not gone unnoticed, especially among those now poised to suffer a similar fate. As there are now many within the so-called herd that are neither buffaloed nor cowed, and have come to 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 vulnerability 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 enemy who not only seeks dominion over the entire world, but the spirits of the living. Even as Russell Means said – “We’re all Indians now!”

The Blog

Drawing from my various interests, including history, geopolitics, religion and war, political theology then becomes a viable platform for addressing the increasing dissonance that exists between self-interest and self-sacrifice. And while it’s understandable that politics necessarily remain separate from religion, it is the moral and ethical component of religious theology that provides the objectivity so often lacking in political discourse. And by viewing that discourse from an Indigenous perspective an independent and alternative vision can be offered. One which builds upon a biblical hermeneutics uniquely adapted to the Americas, which in turn serves to address the dystopian future we now see emerging.

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