Mitch Randall: Countering Conversion

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Introduction

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement.

The podcast explores how a centuries-old Christian doctrine encouraged conquest and colonization of non-Christians – and how its legacies still affect various lands and peoples.

Special guest: Mitch Randall, CEO of Good Faith Media.

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Show Notes

• The Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on indigenous rights. 0:03
  • Mitch Randall reflects on the conference, acknowledging the daunting historical problems faced globally, and how they are connected to a document written 600 years ago.
• The historical influence of the Doctrine of Discovery. 4:08
  • Tanner Randall found the Doctrine of Discovery’s influence over culture daunting and overwhelming, especially when compared to other documents like the Bible or Magna Carta.
  • Tanner learned something new during the conference, specifically the idea that the Doctrine of Discovery can be combated through efforts to decolonize and decenter the document’s influence.
• Indigenous rights, Doctrine of Discovery, and personal stories. 7:14
  • Indigenous representation in legal system is lacking, with Doctrine of Discovery used to justify land grabbing and oppression globally.
  • Tanner plans to research missing and murdered indigenous women, religious racism, and the Doctrine of Discovery after a conference.
  • Tanner reflects on the impact of the Doctrine of Discovery on indigenous communities, highlighting the ongoing issues of femicide and religious racism.
  • Mitch shares personal stories of indigenous people affected by the Doctrine of Discovery, including the separation of families at the US-Mexico border and the historical trauma of boarding schools.
• The Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on indigenous communities. 13:44
  • Mitch emphasizes the ongoing impact of the doctrine of Christian discovery on indigenous communities, and calls for action to address the issue.
  • Tanner argues that the Doctrine of Discovery is a perversion of US law and infuriates him due to its suppression of spirituality and religion.
  • Mitch reflects on the importance of considering international indigenous issues beyond the US-centric perspective.
• Indigenous values and Christianity at a conference. 20:07
  • Mitch emphasizes the importance of countering the idea of conversion leading to conquest, as it has been used to justify oppression and dominance throughout history.
  • Mitch and Tanner expresses gratitude for conference and enjoyment of their time at the conference.

Resources

• Marshall Trilogy
  • Johnson & Graham’s Lessee v. McIntosh
  • Cherokee Nation v. Georgia
  • Worcester v. Georgia
• Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock
• McGirt v. Oaklahoma
• Onondaga Nation Land Claim
• Doctrine of Discovery Project

Credits

• Hosts: Mitch and Tanner Randall, Good Faith Media.
• Executive producers: Mitch Randall, Good Faith Media; Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree, Indigenous Values Initiative; and Adam DJ Brett, Syracuse University and American Indian Law Alliance.
• Producer: Cliff Vaughn.
• Editor: David Pang.
• Music: Pond5.
• Production Assistance: American Indian Law Alliance.
• Sponsors: The Henry Luce Foundation; Syracuse University; Indigenous Values Initiative; American Indian Law Alliance; American Indian Community House; Good Faith Media; Tonatierra; and Toward Our Common Public Life. We appreciate your support.

Citation

Mitch and Tanner Randall, “Mitch Randall: Countering Conversion,” Doctrine of Christian Discovery (Podcast), February 20, 2024. https://podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org/special/s08/.