This volume offers a stimulating, multidisciplinary set of essays by noted Native and non-Native scholars that explore the problems and prospects of understanding and writing about Native American spirituality in the twenty-first century. Considerable attention is given to the appropriateness and value of different interpretive paradigms for Native religion, including both "traditional" religion and Native Christianity. The book also investigates the ethics of religious representation, issues of authenticity, the commodification of spirituality, and pedagogical practices. Of special interest is the role of dialogue in expressing and understanding Native American religious beliefs and practices. A final set of essays explores the power of and reactions to Native spirituality from a long-term, historical perspective.
I have a life-long interest in religion, spirituality, and comparative phenomenology. In pursuit of that interest, I have studied the world religions intensively with a strong emphasis on religious experience, such as visions and dreams, and comparative myth and ritual. My areas of specialization are comparative religions of Native North American (including Maya and Aztec) and shamanism of Asia and Siberia. I also have a strong interest in eastern religions (MA thesis on Daoism) and in Islamic Sufism. As a psychic researcher, I am interested in studying the phenomenology of altered states, trance, mystical visions, OOBE, NDE and other non-ordinary perceptions. My most recent research has been in the area of Western Esotericism and contemporary Hermetic spirituality in relation to transpersonal theory. Interdisciplinary PhD,teach in Religious Studies Department, College of Charleston,
see: http://religiousstudies.cofc.edu/about/faculty-staff-listing/irwin-lee.php
You can check out other writings at:
http://www.sevenpillarshouse.org/people/detail/lee_irwin
http://www.scribd.com/Lee_Irwin_2984/shelf
Email: irwinl@cofc.edu
