By Caroline Liberatore (Rated G)
Samson Occom, born in the early 18th century to the Mohegan tribe of Connecticut, is known for his influence on Native American populations during the period of the Great Awakening. As a Native American himself, Occom was introduced to the gospel by Eleazer Wheelock’s ministry centralized around a reach towards Native Americans. While Wheelock’s ministry was not notably successful itself (and oftentimes harmful for many individuals), Occom was positively impacted by it. His experience with Wheelock led him to eventually become one of the most influential revivalists of the Great Awakening.
While Occom underwent thorough transformation in regards to his religious views – which were, in many ways, inherently determined by colonists’ culture – he remained true to his Native American heritage and did not estrange himself from his people. Occom lived among the Montauk tribe and others, ministering to and preaching earnestly to whoever he was surrounded by. He maintained a bold presence as an advocate for Native American rights and education. This advocacy led to the founding of Brothertown, an Indian Nation for those who were Christian and desired to protect aspects of their Native American culture. In addition to this, he was ordained as the first Native American Presbyterian minister. Occom was a fundamental healing force in the Great Awakening, cultivating the beauty found in the intersection of Christianity and Native American culture.
May we, as Samson Occom, be fundamentally transformed by the power of the Gospel while also faithfully embody Christ in our distinctive, individual contexts.
Sources:
library.dartmouth.edu/digital/digital-collections/occom-circle/occom
people.smu.edu/mappingthega/stories/s19/
people.smu.edu/mappingthega/stories/s14/
brothertownindians.org/
LogoSophia Magazine 