Chapter 2: INDIGENOUS SACRED WAYS

Purpose Unfamiliar with the religions and sacred ways of Eskimos, Australian Aborigines, or Native Americans? goals: 1. what is an indigenous religion 2. why is it difficult to understand these religions and the current perils of their existence 3. what common features do indigenous religions have: (humanity’s relationships with spirits, creation, and power)

The Catherine and Archie MacPhee awards and The Rev. Bernard A The Catherine and Archie MacPhee awards and The Rev. Bernard A. MacDonald memorial bursaries for students interested in Catholic Studies, Philosophy, and Moral Theology The application should include the student’s name, local address, telephone number, email address, and an academic transcript or “Student Academic Summary Report” (available through MesAmis). Criteria: The recipients must be full time students enrolled in an undergraduate program at St. Francis Xavier University. In addition, the applicant should explain in at least two or three paragraphs, with reference to the criteria and conditions of the awards, why he or she is a suitable candidate. The students must be interested in Philosophy and/or Moral Theology, particularly as they are in accord with the teachings and Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Applications may be made electronically. In this case, please be sure to indicate “Catholic Studies Award/Bursary” in the subject line. Preference will be given to students who have taken, or are taking, Catholic Studies courses and/or who have made or are making a significant contribution to Christian spiritual life on campus or in their home community. To apply, or for more information, please contact: Professor William Sweet Coordinator, Catholic Studies Programme Nicholson Tower, Room 707 Normally, several awards are made of between $1,000 and $1,500 St Francis Xavier University 2329 Notre Dame Avenue Selection Process: Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 Canada The recipient(s) will be selected by a university committee consisting of the Advising Faculty of Catholic Studies and the University Chaplain. e-mail: wsweet@stfx.ca tel: 1-902-867-2341; fax 1-902-867-3243 Application Procedure: Students interested in being considered for this Award should submit an application to the Coordinator of the Catholic Studies Program, Prof. William Sweet, by September 30, 2014. Please indicate whether you are an applicant for one or both awards.

Service Learning The options for service learning for this course have been posted on Moodle, at “Service Learning Fall 2014” https://moodle.stfx.ca/mod/resource/view.php?id=87754 Note the deadline: Noon on September 18!

Religions of Small Societies “What makes studying religions of simple societies especially challenging?”

Difficulties in Studying Indigenous Religions Diversity Cannot generalize from one to others Geographical remoteness Lack of scriptures Language barriers Mistrust Possible influence by larger religions

Religions of Small Societies “What are some typical characteristics of the religions of small societies?”

What do religions of simple societies tend to have in common, and why? Small societies: Simple technology Oral rather than written traditions Value of storyteller Dependence on other people rather than on things Dependence on natural environment Concern for the preservation of natural balance Kinship with creation Polytheistic: personalizing natural forces Little contact with outside world Not missionary religions Directed by personalities rather than dogmas

Video: Religions of Small Societies Part 1 (26 minutes) 11. What is the art of divination? How is it believed to work? 12. What are some forms of magic that are generally practiced by religions of small societies? 13. How does black magic differ from white magic? Is there really a valid difference between the two? 14. What is analogical causation?

Video: Religions of Small Societies Part 2 (19 minutes) 15. How does morality fit into the culture of many small societies? Does this differ from the position of morality in advanced societies? If so, how? 16. What are some examples of sexual morality found in small societies that would be considered inappropriate in our society? 17. Why is the importance of the environment a common denominator among the religions of many small societies? 18. What is totemism? 19. What role do rites of passage play in small societies? What are some examples of these rites of passage? 20. What is the relationship of a funeral ceremony to death and the dead in a small society? 21. What is meant by dream or mythic time? Of what use is this type of time to the shaman? 22. In the quote that ends the program, what does Ralph Waldo Emerson mean with regard to future relationships between large and small societies?

Video: Native American Spirituality Where does the program suggest was the geographic origin of Native Americans? What are some common characteristics of a circumpolar culture with regard to their religious practices? What is a key difference between circumpolar religions and most European religions? In your opinion, what is the most remarkable feature of circumpolar religions? Do you agree with this belief? Explain. Who are the shamans? What are their roles in circumpolar societies? What is the concept of two souls in one body? Are circumpolar religions monotheistic or polytheistic? What is the role of the Earth Mother? What is the significance of an initiation rite? What is a vision quest? Describe the typical process. What is the Native American view of the afterlife, both before and after contact with the Europeans? What was the social and religious role of women in some Native American religions, such as the Iroquois? What are the essentials of the classical Mayan religion? Why did the Mayans and Aztecs practice human sacrifice? Who is Quetzatcoatl? What is the outcome of the interaction between the Spanish and the Aztecs? Why did Montezuma, the Aztec king, believe the Aztec world order would collapse without human sacrifice? How does the Pueblo faith differ from that of the Aztecs? What are the main elements of the Zuni religion? What is the significance of the medicine lodge and the Sun Dance to the Lakota? What is the modern status of Native American religions?