In this episode, Eli speaks with Cody Robinson, a prominent United Keetoowah scholar and theologian, about the intersection of Native American spirituality and Methodism. They explore the importance of community in faith, the historical context of Indian boarding schools, and the evolving views on theocracy and morality. Cody shares insights on integrating Native spirituality into Christian practices, the impact of colonization on Indigenous beliefs, and the significance of authenticity in spiritual practices. The conversation also touches on cultural appropriation, post-colonial theology, and the future of Native-led spirituality.
About Rev. Cody Robinson
Celebrated and prolific United Keetoowah scholar and theologian ᏌᎳᎻ ᏛᏃᏪᎳᏂ (known more commonly by his legal name, Cody C. Robinson) grew up in the small Cherokee community of Shady Grove, west of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Cody’s favorite activities growing up were reading and writing short stories. As a member of a large Keetoowah Cherokee family who emphasized education as a sacred obligation to their tribe, he was raised with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
After receiving a degree of higher education, Cody felt something was missing from his life- until his pilgrimage in the ‘Walk to Emmaus’ program in 2017. After experiencing first-hand the power of God’s grace and mercy working through community, Cody sought out ways to apply his formal education in organizational leadership & methods of educational techniques to ministry.
Cody currently serves the Church Universal and the United Methodist Church as Senior Pastor at D. D. Etchieson Memorial Indian (United) Methodist Church, the Advisory Board of Directors for the NSU Wesley Foundation, Chairperson of the Cookson Hills Indigenous Center, and Member of the Oklahoma Indian Methodist Conference’s Board of Campus Ministry.
A United Methodist for a decade, Cody is constantly seeking opportunities to serve the Church at-large through advocacy, education, and discipleship.
Learn more about Cody Robinson at his website: themanicscribe.net
Topic Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Cody Robinson and His Journey
02:04 The Role of Community in Religion
04:57 The Evolution of Faith and Theocracy
08:03 Historical Context: Indian Boarding Schools
12:11 Cultural Resilience and Spirituality
15:29 The Impact of Manifest Destiny
20:22 Cultural Appropriation and Mythologizing Native Identity
24:42 Incorporating Cherokee Traditions in Worship
32:01 Developing a Distinct Cherokee Theology
40:46 Reconciling History and Faith
41:26 Understanding Historical Context in Indigenous Spirituality
46:38 The Complexities of Tribal Sovereignty
52:07 Exploring Post-Colonial Theology
57:39 The Impact of Identity on Religious Practice
01:03:57 Navigating Spirituality in a Modern Context
01:12:53 Hopes for the Future of Native Spirituality