Customer Reviews

The Gospel of the Redman (Library of Perennial Philosophy)

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Alternate title?: "Pocket guide for mystics"

In this little volume, written generations ago by one of the founders of the much-maligned-lately Boy Scouts, we find great wisdom about our relationship with the earth and "God" (whatever you choose to call Him/Her/It.)

Seton was an intense and noted student of American Indians. The very un-PC title's use of Redman reflects his times. Occasionally inside there will be a moment of patronization, but for the most part it is volume that speaks of respect and honor.

In the forward are numerous endorsements by many, many faiths. Not the modern literary business endorsements, but leaders of major faiths way back then. From Quakers, Masons, Unitarians, Greek Orthodox, mainline Christian and Jew, the acclamation is universal. "But this is straight Judaism!" and similar.

Seton acknowledges the difficulty in summarizing the spiritual traditions of many tribes, cultures, and regions. But he does a good job.

If you have reached the stage in your spiritual growth where you find religion constricting, where you see the brotherhood/sisterhood in all of creation, where you embrace mystery instead of dogma, buy this book.

I work summers at a Boy Scout camp; apparently this is one of thsoe books that just sort of hang around such places, because it has been my goal to read it for quite some time now. Frankly, I was not all that sure what to expect based on the rather politically incorrect title.rnrnHowever, if one is able to forgive old-school titles, one will realize that this is a work that does nothing but praise the overall Native American culture. Indeed, I think Ernest Seton hates his own race.rnrnFull of quotes and observations from plenty of other respectables sources, Seton puts forth his views on Native American spirituality, society, and world view, all in thought-provoking praise. And Seton truly knows his subject and most assuredly points out discrepencies with the still-current view that Native Americans are stoic, ultra-noble beings. They are human still, and for that Seton loves the culture all the better.rnrnIt's a quick read and not exactly and indepth research, but it is an inspiring work regardless of whatever its topic. I loved it.

Despite the annoyingly sterotypical title, this book describes the wonder of Native American life before it was destroyed by Europeans... Order of the Arrow members will especially enjoy it.

If any book is one to be read aloud, to be remembered, to be shared, to be passed down, it has to be this one. These are words not heard often enough and too often forgotten. It is marvelously simple and even more wonderful. It's small, the stories are nothing special, but when you read them they are.

I am always interested in learning all I can about the culture and religious beliefs of the Native Americans (pre-white man contact). This book gave me a great amount of information that I had not previously read.

I bought this expecting a look into a cultures spiritual beliefs, and instead I found a comparison to Christian beliefs. It seemed like the writer was more interested in how the "redman" were following Christian practices (like if it wasn't Christian it wasn't approved)by another name rather than looking at how their beliefs worked for the people independently. I found the constant references to Christianity annoying and couldn't even finish the book. If you are Christian you would probably have a much different experience (as a Christian referred this to me) If not you may want to stay away.