Answer at least 5 questions on the list
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)?