Native American and African Religions

Religions of the World

Lesson 2 - Native American and African Religions

1. Write a minimum of 500 word essay concerning an overview and summary of Chapters 2 and 3 of your text. Discuss the knowledge you gained concerning the major topics and what confusion or uncertainty may have arisen through your research and studies. The first half of the paper should identify the author's main points. The second half of your paper should be your contribution.  Offer an assessment of the author's points, apply the points to examples, support all comments and information with verifiable research, and do not give opinion.

A1. Native American religions emphasis on nature and the personal religious experiences but has no formal structure. Majority of info is an interpretation given by explorers and Christian missionaries. There is debate on how much European culture and Christianity may have influenced the development of these religions. Even though they may not be the "pure" form of the religion, it may be a biased explanation. The two major characteristics of common Native American religions would be Sprit World and Animism.

Native American religions can be characterized as monotheistic (one God), Polytheistic (more than one god) and monistic (one principle). (Monotheism) They believe in a Supreme Being or spirit, a high god that is above all lesser sprits. This being is usually only addressed, prayed to in extreme circumstances. This also plays into the monistic belief of Mother Earth or a divine/sacred power that is the creative force found in and around all beings. Native American religions also believe that nature is alive with spirits. Spirits can take the form of plants, animals, organic materials and/or appear in visions. There are beliefs in guardian spirits, spirits of the dead and natural spirits (i.e., thunder, rain). At the center of the spirits is Mother Earth. So in their eyes it could be that Mother Earth is considered the Supreme Being or...