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Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions

Online ISBN:
9780199871759
Print ISBN:
9780195138757
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions

Joseph Epes Brown
Joseph Epes Brown

formerly Professor of Religious Studies

University of Montana (deceased)
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Published online:
1 January 2009
Published in print:
9 August 2001
Online ISBN:
9780199871759
Print ISBN:
9780195138757
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

This book offers a thematic approach to looking at Native American religious traditions. Within the great multiplicity of Native American cultures, the book observes certain common themes that resonate within many Native traditions. It demonstrates how themes within native traditions connect with each other, at the same time upholding the integrity of individual traditions. The book illustrates each of these themes with explorations of specific native cultures including Lakota, Navajo, Apache, Koyukon, and Ojibwe. It demonstrates how Native American values provide an alternative metaphysics that stand opposed to modern materialism. It also shows how these spiritual values provide material for a serious rethinking of modern attitudes—especially toward the environment—as well as how they may help non-native peoples develop a more sensitive response to native concerns. Throughout, the book draws on the author's extensive personal experience with Black Elk, who came to symbolize for many the greatness of the imperiled native cultures.

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