Of course indigenous religions are still practiced today, and of course indigenous religions have changed over time, just like all religions have. In order to remain vibrant and alive, all religions must change in response to the changing situations of the people.
While many Native American folks now practice various forms of Christianity due to missionization and various other colonial pressures, others still find that their traditional religions best express their identities and values.
Often, changes in Native American religions have been brought about by outside factors, most especially colonialism, removal, and suppression by the US government. Innovations in Native American religions have also been brought about by the visions of religiously gifted people.
Examples:
Longhouse Religion among the Hodenosaunee was brought about by the visions of Handsome Lake
The Ghost Dance emerged as a ritual practice among many different Plains nations (Paiute, Arapaho, Lakota) in response to the visions of Wovoka
Tecumseh was inspired to begin his innovative Pan-Indian political movement by the visions of his brother, Tenskwatawa
Peyote religion (the Native American Church) emerged out of interactions between various nations (Apache, Kiowa, Comanche) that had been removed to Oklahoma territory
There are countless other examples one might explore.
2006-07-22 15:40:42
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answer #1
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answered by X 7
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I'm not sure what you mean but there are many people who consider themselves Pagan and are try to reconstruct certain ancient religions.
2006-07-22 22:16:52
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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of course.
in some cases, they haven't.
in others...well, they've become more orthodox
2006-07-22 22:12:40
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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