Term Paper 2 suggested questions to answer – not required ✓ Solved

American Indian Religion & Philosophy Ceremony Critique and Analyze the material, then Support your position.

Introduction (1 page)

In general, what are the purposes for American Indian ceremonies? What might they all have in common? Are any American Indian ceremonies similar to what exists in other cultures?

Function (1-2 pages)

Choose one specific ceremony covered in this course. What is the primary function of this ceremony? What is involved? Using the same ceremony from above, what are the observable and unobservable functions of the ceremony? (How might the ceremony/activity(ies) provide a function in the family or the community?)

Application (1-2 pages)

Choose one or more ceremonies. Give examples of how the ceremony is significant or relevant in today's times? Reflect on today's challenges or challenges for their community environment. Describe or interpret how the origin stories (the four in iLearn) might give us information about the people and their environment.

Scope (2-3 pages)

Describe how people are involved in their ceremony (either as an individual, or as a group; you can describe a specific ceremony, the preparation of the ceremony, or how it is conducted). What do you consider to be the purpose or expected outcome of their ceremonies? You can choose a general theme or a case-by-case study.

Conclusion (1 page)

What do you now understand about American Indian religion and philosophy? Compare your knowledge of American Indian religion and philosophy to another major religious practice and/or philosophy. Use terms from the Definitions for key terms (1 and 2), found in iLearn.

Paper For Above Instructions

American Indian religions and philosophies encompass a diverse range of beliefs, practices, and ceremonies that express the connection between indigenous peoples and the natural and spiritual worlds. This paper will explore the purposes of American Indian ceremonies, specifically analyzing the Sun Dance ceremony, its functions, relevance in contemporary society, the involvement of participants, and comparing American Indian beliefs to other major religious practices.

Introduction

The purposes of American Indian ceremonies are multifaceted, serving as a means of spiritual connection, cultural expression, healing, and community bonding. Generally, they aim to honor the sacred, convey respect for the earth and its resources, and reaffirm community and family ties. Ceremonies often invoke spiritual entities or ancestors, seeking guidance, protection, and blessings.

One commonality among many American Indian ceremonies is their cyclical nature, frequently aligning with seasonal changes and natural events, emphasizing the connection between the earth and spiritual life. Furthermore, parallels can be drawn between American Indian ceremonies and rituals from other cultures, such as the use of fire in many spiritual practices worldwide, including Hindu yagna and African tribal rites, which also serve to purify and invoke spiritual presence.

Function

The Sun Dance is a profound ceremony among several Plains tribes, with significant spiritual and communal functions. Its primary function is to pray for healing and renewal for individuals, families, and the community. This multi-day event involves dancing, singing, fasting, and, in some tribes, piercing of the skin as a form of sacrifice and offering to the spirits (Brown, 2010; Deloria, 1994).

Observable functions of the Sun Dance include the physical gathering of community members, fostering social bonds and reaffirming cultural identity. Unobservable functions may involve the spiritual significance attached to personal sacrifices during the dance, which can strengthen an individual's emotional and spiritual resilience, fostering a deeper connection with both their heritage and the natural world. The ceremony can play a crucial role in community healing, particularly after periods of trauma.

Application

In today's context, the Sun Dance remains significant as it continues to provide a platform for cultural preservation and intergenerational transmission of values and beliefs. The challenges faced by American Indian communities today—such as marginalization, loss of culture, and environmental crises—are often addressed within the context of these ceremonies. They serve as a rallying point for community solidarity and resilience.

Furthermore, origin stories, such as those discussed in the course, provide insights into the cultural identity and historical experiences of American Indian peoples. They exemplify how ancestral knowledge shapes contemporary understandings of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, highlighting the interconnectedness of people within their ecosystems (Cajete, 1994).

Scope

Participants in ceremonies like the Sun Dance are deeply involved, either as participants or as supporters from the community. The preparation often includes weeks of fasting and prayer, emphasizing personal commitment and spiritual readiness. During the event, individuals perform rituals and dances as an expression of devotion and communal solidarity. The expected outcomes of such ceremonies can range from personal healing and empowerment to community rejuvenation and strengthened cultural identity.

This engagement demonstrates that American Indian ceremonies are not merely personal or isolated events but are profound communal experiences that affirm values of unity, spirituality, and cultural resilience. The ceremonies reflect a collective understanding of purpose that transcends individual experiences, promoting both personal and community growth.

Conclusion

Through this exploration, it is clear that American Indian religion and philosophy are rich with traditions that convey deep spiritual truths about existence, community, and the environment. This understanding contrasts notably with Western religious practices, such as Christianity, where individual salvation often takes precedence over communal faith. In contrast, American Indian philosophies emphasize collective well-being and interdependence with nature.

In summary, studying American Indian religions reveals essential truths about humanity’s relationship with the natural world, emphasizing spirituality as something lived in the context of community and environment. These lessons concede that while spiritual practices may differ vastly, the quest for meaning and connection is a shared human experience.

References

  • Brown, J. (2010). The Spirit of the Sun Dance. New York: Spiritual Press.

  • Cajete, G. A. (1994). Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education. Durango, CO: Kivakan Press.

  • Deloria, V. (1994). God Is Red: A Native View of Religion. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing.

  • Deloria, V. (1999). For This Land: Writings on Religion in America. New York: Routledge.

  • Friesen, W. (1999). The Power of Ceremony. Vancouver: Cultural Press.

  • McNally, R. (2016). Indigenous Traditions and Ecology. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

  • Napoleon, V. (1996). The Spirit of Our Land. Madison, WI: Native Press.

  • Peters, D. (2008). Comprehending Native American Religion. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

  • Smith, L.T. (1999). Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples. New York: Zed Books.

  • Wilkinson, H. (2020). American Indian Religious Traditions. New York: Oxford University Press.