The Sacred Pipe: An Archetypal Theology [Hardcover]

Paul B. Steinmetz (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Steinmetz served as a priest among the Lakota people of South Dakota from 1961 to 1981 and sought a unity between Native American beliefs and Roman Catholic theology. A simple prayer spoken at a reservation funeral became the catalyst for Steinmetz's 30-year exploration of the relationship between the image of Christ and the Sacred Pipe, a symbol of creation, renewal, and wholeness in many Native American traditions. Steinmetz's study draws upon the work of religious scholars Mircea Ellade and Karl Rahner, as well as the depth psychology of Carl Jung to provide a probing examination of the inner meaning of symbols in both Christian and Native American contexts. Examples from ethnographic literature elucidate the use of the Sacred Pipe among native American groups. Steinmetz gives a thoughtful perspective on the deep symbolism of the sacred; an extensive bibliography and thorough documentation complete this scholarly work.?Elizabeth Anne Salt, Courtright Memorial Lib., Westerville, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 219 pages
• Publisher: Syracuse Univ Pr (Sd); 1st edition (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815605447
• ISBN-13: 978-0815605447
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,953,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book opens our eyes to new horizons of Native religion., January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sacred Pipe: An Archetypal Theology (Hardcover)

It is very rare to find an author who immerses you in the culture and religion of Native people as this one has. As a reader of Native American culture and religion I find this book to be a gem. With a focus on native archetypes, this author transports the reader to the reservation and opens the Native and non-Native to a spirituality built on ancient indigenous symbols.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Archetypal Theology?, October 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sacred Pipe: An Archetypal Theology (Hardcover)

Seldom have I viewed my culture as an archetype, and I am interested in reading this book. As a doctoral student who is a Cree pipe carrier, I have much weaving to do of my own. Theology and a classroom full of priests was where I first began my doctorate. It was a Bio-ethics course. I was amazed at the meeting of our two worlds, and as I pray about my studies, I know that the weaving of these two worlds is a part of it. A challenge that the author has undertaken is an unusual feat, and from the past work of this author, I would certainly say that it is worth reading.