Discovering Indigenous Religions
Where are some places indigenous religions are located? What accounts for the extensive variety found in these religions?

Past Obstacles to the Appreciation of Indigenous Religions

1. List some of the reasons for the lack of attention by scholars toward oral religions.
2. What are some of the ways indigenous religions have expressed themselves artistically?

The Modern Recovery of Indigenous Religions
Describe some of the factors that have contributed to the modern study of oral religions.

Studying Indigenous Religions: Learning from Patterns
Human Relationships with the Natural World

1. Why are human relationships with nature crucial for tribal and small-scale cultures?
2. Explain key features of the animistic worldview.
3. Explain the "ethic of restraint" regarding nature that is frequently found in native religions.
4. Why is it difficult for many people today to experience fully the intimate connection with the rest of nature?

Sacred Time and Sacred Space

1. Define sacred time in native religions and give an example.
2. What is sacred space and what is its relationship to the center?
3. What features or actions establish sacred space?

Respect for Origins, Gods, and Ancestors

1. What is the purpose of origin stories and how are they expressed?
2. Describe concepts of a High God and lesser deities in indigenous religions.
3. Why are gods and ancestors important?
4. What concepts of an afterlife are found in indigenous religions?

Religion of the Pueblo Peoples (Box Feature)

1. Describe the region inhabited by the Pueblo peoples and the structures they built.
2. Discuss the role of guardian spirits and dance for Pueblo peoples.

Dogon of Western Africa (Box Feature)

1. What functions do the three religious societies of the Dogon perform?
2. Discuss the role of masks, animals, wooden figures, and Dogon temple architecture.
3. What has been the impact of outside influences (Islam and Western culture) on the Dogon?

Sacred Practices of Indigenous Religions
What is the purpose of ritual in these religions?

Life-Cycle Ceremonies

1. Define "rites of passage" ceremonies and offer examples of key times in the life cycle when they occur.
2. Explain the purpose and methods of the vision quest common to many Native American religions.

Taboo and Sacrifice

1. What are taboos and why are they necessary?
2. List several taboos that regulate social behavior, both in native religions and in modern society.
3. What actions are taken when a taboo is broken?

Shamanism, Trance, and Spiritual Powers

1. What features form the essence of the shamanic mission?
2. How do animals figure into the shaman's job?
3. Describe the theme of psychological death and rebirth in becoming a shaman.
4. Describe some of the roles a shaman often occupies in a tribal society.
5. What are some of the ways shamans induce the trance state?
6. Explain the role and purpose of sympathetic magic and divination in native African religions and their Caribbean offshoots.

Artifacts and Artistic Expression in Indigenous Religions

1. How do indigenous religions view art objects differently than modern secular culture views them?
2. Discuss the roles of dance, chants, masks, and carvings in native religions.
3. Explain the associations and symbolism of feathers and featherwork in many indigenous religions.

Traditional Hawaiian Religion (Box Feature)

1. Describe the triangle of islands that encompasses Polynesian culture.
2. Name some of the key gods and goddesses of the Hawaiian religion and their attributes. In what forms might the gods or deceased ancestors appear to a person?
3. Discuss the role of a kahuna, or religious specialist, and the concept of mana, or spiritual power.

Halloween: Fun or Folk Religion? (Box Feature)
Discuss the origins and elements of indigenous religions found in Halloween, Christmas, or Easter.

Indigenous Religions Today

1. Explain the four threats indigenous religions face today.
2. How are indigenous religions surviving and even thriving in some locations today?