After giving biographical details on Twiss’ parents and upbringing, the authors describe how Twiss’ understanding of faith in Christ was shaped along with his interaction with and challenge to contemporary Evangelicalism. A key concept for Twiss was the need for critical contextualization of faith by pursuing justice with shalom. In his own life, critical contexualization allowed him to be fully committed as both a follower of Jesus and a Native American. It was also his call for the decolonization of contemporary theology, a shift from white supremacy to honoring Native American practices for their value and the partnership of White and Native Americans. To this end he worked with others to create The North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS), developed an intercultural studies program at George Fox University, and founded Evangelicals for Justice. His life and work was a prophetic call for the honoring of indigenous peoples and perspectives in contemporary theology and evangelical practice.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary