Copyright Date:
1999
Edition Date:
1999
Release Date:
09/09/99
Pages:
157 pages
ISBN:
0-19-511035-8
ISBN 13:
978-0-19-511035-7
Dewey:
299
LCCN:
98050155
Dimensions:
24 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Horn Book
(Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2000)
Emphasizing the broad diversity of and the role of nature and the environment in Native religions, this well-written account covers the religious beliefs and practices of various tribes, from the construction of ancient burial mounds to the influence of Christianity on twentieth-century Indians. Religious freedom, tribal independence, and land preservation are integrated into the text, which is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. Bib., ind.
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-A scholarly examination of religious life and practices from ancient times through the Colonial period and the Western Expansion, and into the 20th century. Martin acknowledges the importance of religion in all aspects of Native American daily life and explores some of the differences among the various cultures. He also addresses the impact of the arrival of Europeans on spiritual life. The opening chapter, "Circling Earth," sensitively explores the connections among agriculture, structures, the landscape, and beliefs. The chapter on Christianity evenly shows the many ways Native peoples were introduced to it, some painfully and violently, others gently and willingly. "Homecoming" is an interesting examination of modern spirituality and cultural revival. Personal stories of famous and ordinary people are interspersed throughout the text. Average-quality black-and-white photographs and reproductions illustrate the book.-Mary B. McCarthy, ACLIN/Colorado State Library Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Bibliography Index/Note:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 151-153) and index.
Native Americans practice some of America's most spiritually profound, historically resilient, and ethically demanding religions. Joel Martin draws his narrative from folk stories, rituals, and even landscapes to trace the development of Native American religion from ancient burial mounds, through interactions with European conquerors and missionaries, and on to the modern-day rebirth of ancient rites and beliefs. The book depicts the major cornerstones of American Indian history and religion--the vast movements for pan-Indian renewal, the formation of the Native American Church in 1919, the passage of the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act of 1990, and key political actions involving sacred sites in the 1980s and '90s. Martin explores the close links between religion and Native American culture and history. Legendary chiefs like Osceola and Tecumseh led their tribes in resistance movements against the European invaders, inspired by prophets like the Shawnee Tenskwatawa and the Mohawk Coocoochee. Catharine Brown, herself a convert, founded a school for Cherokee women and converted dozens of her people to Christianity. Their stories, along with those of dozens of other men and women--from noble warriors to celebrated authors--are masterfully woven into this vivid, wide-ranging survey of Native American history and religion. Religion in American Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamics of organized religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished religious historians, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the United States, from Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of America's diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and index.