A Deeper Debate over Drums in Church Among Native Christian Leaders

Jonathan Maracle, a Mohawk musician, recalls being told by God more than two decades ago to use his drum—an instrument central to traditional Native American religious ceremonies—during a conference for First Nation Christians. This moment marked the beginning of his music ministry, Broken Walls, and ignited a significant debate within Native Christian communities.

The controversy deepened when Maracle brought the drum to another Native Christian congregation, only to be asked to leave the village. He described the experience as a reflection of historical tensions, stating, “Religion had come in and taught my people that the drum was evil.” At the time, he noted, there was no widespread use of the drum in Christian worship among Native communities.

The use of sacred objects in Christian worship has long been a point of contention. Many Native Christian leaders acknowledge the historical impact of Western missionaries, who often suppressed indigenous languages and cultural practices. However, there remains a divide over how to contextualize faith in a way that honors both tradition and modern Christian teachings.

Craig Smith, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and president of Tribal Rescue Ministries, expressed concerns about the potential for new conflicts. He organized a statement for the Christian and Missionary Alliance, warning against what he called “false teaching” regarding the use of traditional sacred objects in Christian contexts. Smith argued that while historical mistakes should not be ignored, creating new problems through cultural integration is equally harmful.

The debate gained momentum during a 1998 meeting of 75 Christian Native leaders, convened to address the resurgence of Native religious traditionalism. Huron Claus, one of the participants, noted that this period was marked by a reexamination of cultural practices, influenced by the New Age community’s interest in Native spirituality. The group ultimately concluded that salvation comes through Christ alone and that believers should not assign spiritual value to items considered sacred.

This discussion highlights the complex interplay between cultural heritage, religious practice, and doctrinal interpretation within Native Christian communities. As these groups navigate their identities, the role of sacred objects like drums continues to be a subject of deep reflection and division.

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