Questions on Native American Spirituality

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Explain how time is perceived by Native American people according to Epes Brown. What are the difference between how time is perceived here and how we "normally" perceive time. Have you have experiences which support one or the other view?

Make some general comments about how NA view the ultimate power in the universe. Is it to be appeased with sacrifice? Is it to be appealed to as a parent who takes care of us? Can you make any generalizations between this view of God and the view of the tradition in which you were raised?

One of the arguments made in Brown is that our idea that "newer is better" is based on the idea of linear time. Therefore, the idea that time is circular and that there are sacred and profane times into which we enter would change that assumption significantly. a) Would you support or refute the idea that "newer is better" is taken for granted in our culture? Can you give counter examples? b) Can that idea be counteracted even in a system which recognized linear time? How?

Consider the idea of respecting everything around you, such as trees, grass, animals. What major changes would this make in your life?