Chapter 2: INDIGENOUS SACRED WAYS

1. Chapter 2: INDIGENOUS SACRED WAYS

2. Purpose Unfamiliar with the religions and sacred ways of Eskimos, Australian Aborigines, or Native Americans? goals: • 1. what is an indigenous religion • 2. why is it difficult to understand these religions and the current perils of their existence • 3. what common features do indigenous religions have: • (humanity’s relationships with spirits, creation, and power)

3. Religions of Small Societies “What makes studying religions of simple societies especially challenging?”

4. Difficulties in Studying Indigenous Religions • Diversity • Cannot generalize from one to others • Geographical remoteness • Lack of scriptures • Language barriers • Mistrust • Possible influence by larger religions

5. Religions of Small Societies “What are some typical characteristics of the religions of small societies?”

6. What do religions of simple societies tend to have in common, and why? • Small societies: • Simple technology • Oral rather than written traditions • Value of storyteller • Dependence on other people rather than on things • Dependence on natural environment • Concern for the preservation of natural balance • Kinship with creation • Polytheistic: personalizing natural forces • Little contact with outside world • Not missionary religions • Directed by personalities rather than dogmas