The Need for Religion and its Functions

Native North America, Larry J. Zimmerman

Dispossession, Christianity, History

Pages: 20-35

Dispossession

1- What is meant by “dispossession”?

2- What does and does not change in this process?

Forced Movements

1- Name three ways Native Americans were moved from their homeplace?

Reservations

1- What was meant by, “kill the Indian, save the man”?

2- How was religion involved in reservations?

3- After being removed from their “spiritual homeplace”, how might this affect American Indian religion?

Christianity

1- Name one way Native Americans were “converted” to Christianity, and why they chose to do so?

2- To some American Indians, what was missing in the Christian perspective or practices?

Two Faces of History

1- Name opposing views of the world between Native Americans and Europeans? Is this evident today?

Leading Figures

1- Describe a “leading figure” according to a Native American perspective. Give three examples.

2- Who are the notable leaders we learn about in school? Why them? What do they often have in common?

Pages 114-131

Sacred History

1- Why would Native Americans value the phrase “sacred history” over the term “mythology”?

2- How do you think this difference lends itself to the function of the people?

Creation Stories

1- Can you describe what characteristics are in Native American Creation stories that are not found in the “origins” of other religions?

2- In what ways do you suppose these Creation stories have been retained?

Culture Heroes

1- How would you define the “present past” concept?

2- How rigid are some of the oral traditions in their recitals?

Recording History

1- What is mnemonics? Does this resemble a Native American religious perspective?

2- Does this differ from a European perspective or practice? How?

Survival of the Sacred

Keeping Traditional Ways

1- How do Native Americans view and value oral traditions?

2- How do ancient traditions remain relevant today?

Dreams

1- What is the difference between a “dream” and a “vision”?

2- In what ways can an individual use or interpret their dream(s)?