Katia Robinson-Lucero (edison state college)

The Interpretations of Religion            Religion throughout the world gives essence, meaning and virtue to one’s life. Religion originates from society; it dictates human behaviors, actions, beliefs, feelings and the basic values as to what is ethical and what is unethical. Without religion, there would be many people lost in the journey to fulfill a prosperous life; who, what, when, where and how would people look up to a supreme being, or a supreme consciousness as guidance?  Religion helps people feel secure, but what is the requisite for a religion to be labeled “a religion?” In the film Native American Religions, Denis Wholey speaks with Suzan Shown Harjo about how one would consider a religion according to the Native American stand point. Although there is no right or wrong answer based on the interview that Denis Wholey has with Suzan Shown Harjo, I think that Native American culture can be regarded like a religion because is something one believes, practices, and then carries onto the next generation. Believing and doing are the two elements in a religion which give insight to Native American perspective.            The Native American approach was introduced in the text as follows, “ ‘Native American religion’ exists at all, that what some have considered religious practice is in reality is the daily mode of existence among people with close ties to the earth, the sea, and the sky” (Altsuler and Janaro 357,8). This quote goes to prove that even though some Native American people feel that there is no religion because activities become an everyday life part of life. However, one may not feel that it is or is not a religion, but it still is. A religion is a value; its needs to be supported, practiced, and passed down to the next generation. Suzan Shown Harjo says that religion was passed down thorough oral tradition in Native American culture. She also states that some Native American cultures also have tribal religion which is based in a specific place (Native American Religions). Oral tradition shows that there are certain beliefs within the Native American culture which have been passed down from generation to generation. Also, meeting at a specific place like Niagara Falls shows that Native Americans participate in what they believe (Native American Religions).             Denis Wholey also asks if there is a supreme being in Native American culture and Suzan answers “If you will,” which means that it is up to the person to put the belief in his or her own perspective. According to Suzan, Native Americans are instructed to see the “being” like an eagle, hawk or a fox. Nature also plays a huge role in Native American culture; nature is the foundation of Native American spirituality. Although nature, oral tradition, and tribal religion are incorporated in Native American tradition it still supports the fact about, “that what some have considered religious practice is in reality the daily mode of existence among a people with close ties to the earth, the sea, and the sky” (Altsuler and Janaro 357,8 and Native American Religions).            People in the Native American culture as well as other cultures choose how they will define their culture values, traditions, and religions. Perhaps some Native Americans feel that what they do as a daily activity should not have the label of religion, but rather, tradition. However, a tradition will always have an origin. In the origin is where one will find the emotional and historical influence of the tradition where Native Americans ask for spiritual guidance for their particular reason. Whatever reason that may be, Native Americans chose to believe it, they practice that belief in their culture, and they pass on the belief to the generations that follow afterward. Therefore, there is an aspect of religion.Works CitedAltsuler, Thelma and Richard Janaro. The Art of Being Human. New York: Pearson                        Education Inc, 2009. Print. Native American Religions. Films Media Group,l 2007. Films on Demand. Web.                                     18 March 2010 http://digital.films.com/play/wx9ff.  

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