Native American Religion

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Each literary period has its own viewpoint regarding God and/or religion in general. The writers and storytellers from each period incorporate those views within their works. The Native American view of religion was limited to their own way of life, long before settlers came and began spreading Christianity. The Native Americans would tell stories regarding their beliefs through oral tradition. Unlike Christians, who had a Bible to explain how things came to be on earth, including the creation of man and nature, the Indians themselves would create stories to explain how things came to be. Their spiritual beliefs usually centered around nature, as nature was the key to their survival and well-being. They understood that by living in harmony …show more content…
Spirituality began to revolve more around nature than it did God specifically. One group in particular, the Transcendentalists, had very negative views regarding organized religion. It was a group made up of intellectuals who felt that organized religion and societal norms corrupted the lives of humans. They felt that individuals should be self-reliant, and look within themselves for what they know is right or wrong. They also felt that each person had a piece of the “over-soul” within themselves. This “piece” being a part of God, and therefore all people were an actual part of the universe. One of the most important ways to feel the spiritual closeness of God was to become one with nature. They believed that being close to nature was a form of spirituality and goodness, and allowed people to find themselves. On the other hand, as people conformed to society and its institutions, the more corrupt they would be become, as they would be conforming to ideas and rules that might go against their personal beliefs, as well as take on similar, judgmental attitudes regarding a person’s status and wealth. With the non-acceptance of societal norms, and the non-acceptance of organized religion, this left only one person to rely on, which was yourself. One example of this is seen in Self Reliance, by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He makes it clear that praying to God, particularly for personal gain, or out of regret over something, is a waste of time. He calls them “false prayers” and states, “Discontent is the want of self-reliance” (Emerson 1882). He believes that praying is for the weak. It shows a lack of inner strength and self-reliance. If a person has done something wrong, they should be active in repairing the damage that was done, not praying to God for help or forgiveness, because it wouldn’t change things or undo what has already been done. The best way to move beyond the ideas
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