Original Teachings - Smith, Crosslin Fields

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Résumé :
The contents of this book relate to the unwritten bylaws of the traditional Cherokee people known as the Keetoowah Society. They were previously unwritten because Keetoowah people kept the bylaws in their heads and continually lived them. Each day, in all that they did, they kept the bylaws alive. The Creator gave these Original Teachings to all people. Racism has no place in them. What I am relating in this book is intended for all humanity. The reason for writing this book is that I am troubled by the corruption and erosion of respect for humankind and the Earth in the various organizations and institutions of this world. One could easily point out these maladies in many of the political systems throughout the globe, as well as the world's major religious organizations. Such maladies even exist within our Native American communities, at ceremonial grounds or in Indian churches. In this book, I offer the Original Teachings of Keetoowah to move us all to end conflict with one another, leaving no one out. In ancient times, God told all people that even if there are just three who still follow his Original Instructions, they will be able to help those who have lost sight of them.Today, it's hard to find three good people in any organization in this world. In the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah someone asked whether God would spare their city if they could find thirty good people. God answered, saying: Find ten good people and you'll be spared.To me, this story shows that the Creator walked among people, and He still does. He knew that those who retained and lived his Original Teachings were few. Looking at our original spiritual beliefs and practices, I can see that Keetoowah people are among these few; we never became indifferent to those teachings.This book builds upon my first book, Stand as One, to expand on the concepts there and to offer new insights from Keetoowah Cherokee teachings. I hope it can show how enacting these teachings might restore goodness and hope in the world.

Biographie:
Crosslin Fields Smith was born November 27, 1929, to a traditionalKeetoowah family. The members of the Keetoowah Society are bestknown as the keepers of God's Eternal Flame. Crosslin is a KoreanWar veteran, having served as a member of the famous 45th infantry, orThunderbird Division of the U.S. Army. He holds a BS in Educationand an Elementary & Secondary Teaching Certificate from NortheasternState University and is now retired from a 30-year career of civil service.Crosslin states that he has always represented the Cherokee Nation.He is the first employee of the Cherokee Nation - from 1964 to the present- as a spiritual resource person. He has worked under Chiefs W.W.Keeler, Ross Swimmer, Wilma Mankiller, Bill John Baker, and the presentChuck Hoskin, Jr. During the reorganization of the Cherokee Nation inthe 1960s, Crosslin served as a U.S. liaison officer to his Cherokee peopleand was responsible for informing them on the status of negotiationsbetween the tribe and the U.S. government. Through the years, he becamethe tribe's spiritual practitioner, performing blessings at official functionsand at the start of new tribal development projects. In 2020, Crosslin wasrecognized by the Cherokee Nation as a Cherokee National Treasure.In 2014, Smith was among seven Cherokees honored at the AARPOklahoma Indian Elder Honors event for their impact on their tribesand communities. A noted keynote and university lecturer, Mr. Smith hasstanding engagements in the United States and abroad. Crosslin states,With the highest diplomatic credit and character, I have worked to build aCherokee Nation for the Cherokee people. I fought in the Korean War. In this war, I represented the U.S. government and the American system. Inall of my efforts, I worked to be part of the system instead of against it....

Sommaire:
Crosslin Fields Smith was born November 27, 1929, to a traditionalKeetoowah family. The members of the Keetoowah Society are bestknown as the keepers of God's Eternal Flame. Crosslin is a KoreanWar veteran, having served as a member of the famous 45th infantry, orThunderbird Division of the U.S. Army. He holds a BS in Educationand an Elementary & Secondary Teaching Certificate from NortheasternState University and is now retired from a 30-year career of civil service.Crosslin states that he has always represented the Cherokee Nation.He is the first employee of the Cherokee Nation - from 1964 to the present- as a spiritual resource person. He has worked under Chiefs W.W.Keeler, Ross Swimmer, Wilma Mankiller, Bill John Baker, and the presentChuck Hoskin, Jr. During the reorganization of the Cherokee Nation inthe 1960s, Crosslin served as a U.S. liaison officer to his Cherokee peopleand was responsible for informing them on the status of negotiationsbetween the tribe and the U.S. government. Through the years, he becamethe tribe's spiritual practitioner, performing blessings at official functionsand at the start of new tribal development projects. In 2020, Crosslin wasrecognized by the Cherokee Nation as a Cherokee National Treasure.In 2014, Smith was among seven Cherokees honored at the AARPOklahoma Indian Elder Honors event for their impact on their tribesand communities. A noted keynote and university lecturer, Mr. Smith hasstanding engagements in the United States and abroad. Crosslin states,With the highest diplomatic credit and character, I have worked to build aCherokee Nation for the Cherokee people. I fought in the Korean War. In this war, I represented the U.S. government and the American system. Inall of my efforts, I worked to be part of the system instead of against it....