Native Americans and Christianity (Indians of North America) [Paperback]

Steve Klots (Author)

Book Description

Series: Indians of North America | Publication Date: May 1997

Demonstrating the role that Native American religion has played in its societies, an examination of these religions reveals the teaching values of noted myths and legends and describes the traditions that mark different stages of life.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-Bonvillain explains different Native conceptions of spiritual-life sources and surveys creation stories from around the country, with details on Navajo, Iroquois, and Zuni mythologies, as well as on trickster heroes such as the Blackfoot Old Man and the ubiquitous Coyote. She stresses the emphasis Indians put on the natural world and the Earth, and the annual renewing ceremonies that many tribes perform. One section discusses the importance of marking milestones in a person's life and the religious significance of them. "Health and Healing" reveals the holistic approach many Indians take toward illness and well-being, with examples from the Navajos, Apaches, and Inuits. The final chapter recounts three new religions that arose as a result of the interaction between Native religions and Christianity. Good-quality black-and-white photographs and reproductions appear throughout; there is also a full-color photo essay pertaining to the Ghost Dance religion. A solid addition.
Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-9. The latest volume in the Indians of North America series explores the religious practices of several American Indian tribes before and after contact with non-Indians. Beginning with the commonalities of Native American religious beliefs and practices, Bonvillain looks at such topics as creation stories, birth and death rituals, and religion in healing practices. The last chapter traces the development of three postcontact religious movements that are still being practiced today: the Handsome Lake religion, the Ghost Dance religion, and the peyote religion. Numerous black-and-white photographs show religious leaders and ceremonies; color photos show garments associated with the Ghost Dance religion of the Plains Indians. A good introduction to a complex and often confusing subject. A bibliography and a glossary are appended. Karen Hutt --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub (T) (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791034836
• ISBN-13: 978-0791034835
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,569,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Educational Book on Native American Religion, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Native American Religion (Indians of North America) (Library Binding)

In this informative book, the author explains different aspectsof Native American Religion. In addition to general information aboutthe topic, specific examples of celebrations and rituals in various tribes are given to enhance the reader's understanding of how Native Americans viewed the spirit world. A great book for researching or for anyone who would like to learn more about the subject!