Coyote Meets Jesus: Treasures in Folktales and Scripture
Victoria Shepp
Hardcover
(Saint Mary's Press, Sept. 1, 2006)
Inspired by a character that is central to many Native American folktales, Coyote was chosen as the title character of this book because he represents both the good and bad that are characteristic of human nature. Folktales are mythic stories that use elements from nature and human experience to convey the beliefs, fears, values, and hopes shared by people of every age and culture. Jesus also used elements from nature and human experience in his stories and teachings to convey God's plan for creation. Coyote Meets Jesus is an attempt to bring folktales and Scripture together so that the reader will be able to see God's plan for their own life. This book examines universal themes found in folktales and compares and contrasts those themes with Jesus' teachings in Scripture. It is hoped that by seeing the similarities and differences in the Scriptures and folktales you, the reader, will be able to see that different people, from different times and places, have similar questions about life and how to live it. These stories are not only to challenge young people to experience different cultures but also to see, think, and act differently. This beautiful book of stories and illustrations is the perfect gift for reflection and meditation for young people, and provides a useful resource for those who minister to them.