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

Steve Klots (Author)

Book Description

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

Examines the history of efforts to convert the Indians of North America to Christianity and the resulting impact of the beliefs of these native peoples.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up. A wide-ranging but succinct survey of Native experiences with various Christian denominations. Beginning with a somewhat shaky account of the Spanish invasion of the Aztec civilization in Mexico, in which too much weight is given to Cortes's Christian motives, Klots then hits his stride. He gives detailed descriptions of the interactions between the New England tribes and the English Protestants; the Algonkians and Iroquois and the French Jesuits (including an account of Kateri Tekakwitha, the Mohawk woman who is on the path to becoming the first Native American saint); the Russian Orthodox missionaries and the Northwest Coast peoples; missionary involvement with the Five Civilized Tribes during the removal period; and the Plains tribes and the lay Christians of the federally backed Board of Indian Commissioners. The syncretic religious movements founded by the Delaware Prophet, Tenskwatawa of the Shawnee, and Handsome Lake of the Iroquois, as well as the Ghost Dance and Native American Church religions (all blends of Native beliefs and Christian features) are also well covered. The account is rounded out with a discussion of current debates between Christian Indians and those following traditional ways. Black-and-white and full-color photographs are largely decorative, but provide some visual support. A well-organized and useful addition.?Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Library Binding: 104 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791045536
• ISBN-13: 978-0791045534
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,290,045 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!