Recently I read Whale Snow by Debby Dahl Edwardson illustrated by Annie Patterson. Here the book talks more about the spiritual connection the people have with whales hence "Whale Snow" but many natives in polar regions have a big vocabulary when it comes to snow. I am fascinated with the specialized vocabulary for snow, sea ice, and region specific animals for people in the arctic described in this article.
I also wonder about how religion plays a role in this culture. The book describes animism but I also found out that many Inupiat are Christians. As a Christian and as someone from Korean descent, I often think how important it is to show respect to a culture while sharing your faith gently. This delicate balance is not for the fainthearted and must be lead by the Holy Spirit. I choose to read many books that describe different cultures and religions to my kids so that they may be educated and have cultural sensitivity. Sometimes we pause to repent of the harm Christians have done to other people in the name of Christ and yet our hope is for all to be saved so we pray that God's Spirit may equip his people in those areas and bring many to have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through a living relationship with His Spirit.
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