Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics

Watch Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics

  • NR
  • 2021
  • 1 hr 6 min

Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics is a 2021 documentary film that explores the history and contemporary experiences of Native American Catholics in the United States. Directed by Kevin Hooks and written by Steven Greydanus, the movie features interviews with Native American Catholics from various tribes, as well as with scholars, historians, and church leaders.

The film starts by introducing the viewer to the long history of Catholicism among Native Americans, dating back to the first contact between Europeans and Native peoples. We hear about the role of Catholic missionaries in converting Native Americans, and how some tribes were more receptive to Catholicism than others. The film highlights the fact that Catholicism has been both a positive and negative force in Native American history - while some Native American Catholics feel grateful for the spiritual guidance and community support they have received, others criticize the church for its role in colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural erasure.

The movie then delves into the contemporary experiences of Native American Catholics, focusing on several key themes. One of these is the tension that some Native American Catholics feel between their Indigenous identity and their Catholic faith. We hear from several interviewees who talk about how they have struggled to reconcile these two parts of their identity, and how they sometimes feel like they are caught between two worlds. The film also explores the ways in which Native American Catholicism has influenced Catholic theology and liturgy, and how the incorporation of Native American spirituality into Catholic practice has led to a richer and more diverse expression of the faith.

Another theme that the movie explores is the role of Native American Catholics in social justice and advocacy. We hear about the ways in which Native American Catholics have worked to promote Native rights and sovereignty, and how they have used their faith as a motivation for social action. The film also highlights the challenges that Native American Catholics have faced in terms of racism, discrimination, and marginalization within the wider Catholic community. Despite these challenges, many Native American Catholics remain committed to their faith and to building bridges between their Indigenous and Catholic identities.

Overall, Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics is a thought-provoking and insightful film that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of American religious history. The movie is beautifully shot and includes a mix of archival footage, interviews, and historical reenactments that bring the story to life. The cast of interviewees are engaging, passionate, and informative, providing a wealth of knowledge and perspective on the subject of Native American Catholicism. The film does an excellent job of balancing the positives and negatives of Catholicism's relationship with Native Americans, presenting a nuanced and complex picture of this important historical and cultural intersection.

In summary, Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in Native American history, Catholicism, or the intersection of Indigenous and European cultures in the Americas. The film invites viewers to explore the rich and complex stories of Native American Catholics, and to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of this vibrant and diverse cultural community.

Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Description
Where to Watch Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics
Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics is available to watch free on Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2021
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 6 min
  • Language
    English