The identity of Samson Occom is a complicated one, shaped by colonialism which brought fourth by a clash of cultures. Nevertheless, Occom assures his audience that his identity as both a Mohegan and a devout Christian is valid. This identity plays an extremely important role in Occom’s life, which he devoted to using the gospel to reach out to native communities, bringing to them literacy, along with Christianity. In order to truly understand the context of his writings, one must understand that Occom’s complicated Mohegan-Christian identity is central to his narrative. It is because of this identity that he feels he has been treated inequitably when it comes to receiving recognition and money for his ministry. We can pull from “The Most Remarkable
…show more content…
He starts by bluntly stating “I was Born a Heathen and Brought up In Heathenism” which highlights the fact that he was born outside of the Christian sphere of influence (Occom handout page 52). He states in that his narrative serves to correct various misrepresentations of his life which have circulated “in England and Scotland, made by Some gentleman in America” (Occom handout page 52). So we know that when he describes his upbringing, he is making a point to explain Mohegan culture and customs as they are understood by Europeans and colonists. Occom, does not point to one transformative moment, but rather explains that at the age of 17 he was “awakened” to the Christian truth: “I had, as I trust, a Discovery of the way of Salvation through Jesus, and was enabled to put my trust in him alone for Life & Salvation” (Occom handout page 53). This understanding compelled him to go learn English and study scripture under Mr. Wheelock, but he maintains ties to his Mohegan life and his connection to the Indigenous narrative as he …show more content…
He aspires to help teach the Native children how to read, connects back to his childhood experience of watching English missionaries chase down these children to teach them to read, with little success. It’s clear to see that Occom believes he has a role to play in adapting the promise of Christianity across a cultural divide. This understood purpose, leads him to the Montauk community, where he teaches them English, reads scripture, and gives sermons and is well received by them. But Occom also points out that the first two years of work dedicated to the Montauks went uncompensated and so he appealed to his benefactors to pay him so he could continue his work there. While Occom finds a sense of purpose and fulfillment in his work with native communities, his narrative is also used to express his frustrations with a lack of fair compensation for his
He starts by bluntly stating “I was Born a Heathen and Brought up In Heathenism” which highlights the fact that he was born outside of the Christian sphere of influence (Occom handout page 52). He states in that his narrative serves to correct various misrepresentations of his life which have circulated “in England and Scotland, made by Some gentleman in America” (Occom handout page 52). So we know that when he describes his upbringing, he is making a point to explain Mohegan culture and customs as they are understood by Europeans and colonists. Occom, does not point to one transformative moment, but rather explains that at the age of 17 he was “awakened” to the Christian truth: “I had, as I trust, a Discovery of the way of Salvation through Jesus, and was enabled to put my trust in him alone for Life & Salvation” (Occom handout page 53). This understanding compelled him to go learn English and study scripture under Mr. Wheelock, but he maintains ties to his Mohegan life and his connection to the Indigenous narrative as he …show more content…
He aspires to help teach the Native children how to read, connects back to his childhood experience of watching English missionaries chase down these children to teach them to read, with little success. It’s clear to see that Occom believes he has a role to play in adapting the promise of Christianity across a cultural divide. This understood purpose, leads him to the Montauk community, where he teaches them English, reads scripture, and gives sermons and is well received by them. But Occom also points out that the first two years of work dedicated to the Montauks went uncompensated and so he appealed to his benefactors to pay him so he could continue his work there. While Occom finds a sense of purpose and fulfillment in his work with native communities, his narrative is also used to express his frustrations with a lack of fair compensation for his