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ParrotPirate
12th January 2009, 09:16 PM
I heard an interesting interview on the state Public Radio network today. They were talking to a former missionary,Dan Everett (spelling?)who in the process of spending time with atribe in the Brazillian Amazon lost his faith. He wrote a book about his experiences called (if I remember right) "Don't Sleep,There Are Snakes".
jimtron
12th January 2009, 09:35 PM
Sounds interesting. I didn't hear that, but I found this Guardian article about Everett:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/10/daniel-everett-amazon
ParrotPirate
12th January 2009, 09:49 PM
The interview show is from Wisconsin Public Radio. The Site for the show is www.hereonearth.org. Should be able to listen there,or at least order the show on CD,I know they do that.
jimtron
12th January 2009, 09:52 PM
Whoa, I just read the Guardian article. Very fascinating, in numerous ways.
ParrotPirate
12th January 2009, 09:57 PM
I'm going to look for the book,for sure.
CrikeyBobs
18th January 2009, 11:39 AM
It was "book of the week" on Radio 4 in November. I found it enjoyable as a story (Colin Stinton's narration was excellent) and interesting as a scientific study, with the "twist" being a nice bonus, although it unfortunately led to the breakup of the author's family.
CrikeyBobs
18th January 2009, 12:01 PM
Just ordered the book from Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Sleep-There-are-Snakes/dp/1846680301/) (half price - £7.50).

Listening to the story, the element which seems to have had the biggest effect in "protecting" the tribe from conversion was that

they simply have no comprehension of (or concern about) events that they have not personally experienced. Thus when presented with a recording of the bible translated into their own language, because Everett had not personally witnessed the words and works of Jesus, it simply meant nothing to them. It's not that they believed he was lying, it simply had no meaning and could not have any meaning.

Quite mind-blowing really.
ParrotPirate
20th January 2009, 08:22 PM
It seemed like things that they could not make pratical use of were of no interest to them. They were quite content in their way of life and didn't see the need to make changes for the most part. Everett did mention that there was one part they liked when he had one of the tribe record some Bible verses in their language. They really seemed to enjoy the John the Baptist losing his head bit.