I am Native American. What do other religions think....?

Question

of the Native "religions". Do they consider us heathans? Do they think we need to be saved? Do they see our beliefs as our own and as just as theirs? Have any of you ever asked a Native American what our beliefs really are? Can you know me and my beliefs and accept me as a good and decent person?

If anyone does want to know of my culture and beliefs please ask and I will answer without judgement or fear. In hope of a true peace between my people and yours.

I am Siksika Blackfoot of the Blackfeet Nation.
As far as my beliefs I would love to post them but it would be like posting the entire bible, and I don't have the patience to type that long.
I am happy to answer specific questions.

Answer 1

I am 1/2 Native American on my mother side. I hold the teaching very close to me.

God made us differences so we may learn from each other. When we are able to see pass the differences we will find that we are the same.

Answer 2

Historically, the various Amerindian tribes have gotten a raw deal from the Europeans: Loss of land, freedom, elimination of culture, traditions and beliefs.

The "Indian Schools" created by Richard Pratt in the late 1880s is an example of the the the attempt to "educate and civilize the savage".

While I hesitate to quote from Wikipedia, it's often a good place to start any research.

"Hundreds of children died at Carlisle [Inian School]. While some died from diseases foreign to Native American’s immune systems (tuberculosis, pneumonia, smallpox, etc.) others died while attempting to escape from the school or from physical, emotional and sexual abuse or malnutrition. Beatings were a common form of punishment for grieving, speaking their native languages, not understanding English, attempting to escape and violations of harsh military rules. Other forms of punishment included confinement and being forced to eat lye soap."

The mormon church still teaches that the Native Americans are decendants of jewish immigrants from about 400 BC. Although this notion has been thououghly debunked and rebuked for a complete lack of archaeological evidence, absence of even a sliver of judaic culture or language structure, and zero semitic DNA evidence, the church continues these unfounded claims today.

Likewise, this church in the recent past has had a "home placement Program" for Lamanite children in the hopes their skin will become light and delightsome.

My mother lived near the Ute reservation in NE Utah during her youth, and she loved the people, but was very critical of the way the US continued to treat them - basically as POWs.

My wife is related to a Cherokee woman (4-5 generations ago). If there is a genetic diposition of fidelity, fealty, trust, friendship, and family kinship, I've found the perfect woman. What possible criticism could I have?

Americans will always have a level of xenophobia, or fear of others (who are different in some form). The mormon church still keeps this in place, but tries to elevate it into a judeo/christian aspect.

Your question asked for an opinion. I think you answered it - your traditions and sprituality are no less significant or less important any anyone else's. It's more important to keep those traditions alive and vibrant.

Answer 3

I find it interesting how many other religions are accepting of the Native beliefs, yet have difficulty accepting other Pagan beliefs/religions, like Witchcraft, wicca, shamanism, etc...seeing as these are very similar to eachother

I as a fellow Native (Ojibwa) am fairly accepting of other's beliefs, and accept those who accept me without criticism. It would be wonderful if we could have a peace between all beliefs. It would take some time, if ever, to happen though.

Answer 4

I have learned some about how your beliefs are and what I have learned I think it is really neat..I have never consider you as heathans, and I believe your saved the way you believe to be saved, if you know it in your heart thats all that matters in my opinon..as for excepting you and your belief you bet I will..Oh I would love to learn more about how you believe, you can always write me I will let you..God Bless

Answer 5

From what little I know about the faiths of indigenous people, I find them to be kind, pure, and seeking a oneness with nature that is absent from any other conventional faith.

Many religions, over time, have been corrupted and twisted by those who seek personal gain through ministry. I do not think this is the case with native peoples.

I wish I knew more. I only know I am a little envious.

Answer 6

I was told by my father that Native Americans have a great respect for all that was created. He said they are the only people on earth that believe in living in harmony with other creations on earth. They do not believe in destroying the earth or anything in it. He had great respect for the Native American.. There are many Native Americans that are good people.(There are good and bad in all people) I find that they are physically beautiful people also. We all need to learn to live in harmony with other creations on earth! Maybe we can learn something from you?

Yes, I am curious about what Native Americans believe! Please do answer! I am curious about what you believe because there are a lot of misconseptions out there! The media is responsible for a lot of that!

Answer 7

I think Native Americans actually got it the most right. They are in tune with nature and with each other.

Here's a part of what Chief Seattle supposedly said in his letter to the american government in the 1800's.

"Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth.

This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."

I live this way every day. I pray that everyone will re-member.

I believe in reincarnation, and I think that we, who live on this earth now, were the ones who did such horrible things to your people. I AM SO SORRY. We have all grown and learned. Please forgive me, and us. We have a long way to go, but I feel that everyone's hearts are beginning to fill with LOVE. I long for the day when we can all see God in each other.

Answer 8

there have been/are many interior sight American countries and cultures with many diverse religions. Which one especially do you recommend? basically assuming all of them had rituals to thank "mom Nature" is nearly presumptuous. i'm somewhat skeptical which you "incredibly like the interior sight human beings and how they are" in case you probably did no longer specify a tribe or perchance a area. extra such as you're enamored with the stereotype of interior sight human beings. often, %. a tribe. upload the be conscious "faith" after it. that's the call of their faith. there's a very good kind of comparable religions around the Southeast and Mid-West mentioned as the Southeastern Ceremonial complicated, and this is linked with the Mississippian cultures, which died out around 1650 because of the devastating outcomes of smallpox and measles.

Answer 9

Some people don't have religions some might consider you heathens and others just might not care. It is stupid to say something bad about something you know nothing about really. If i knew you well enough i might say you are a good and decent person and the group you come from does not actually say who you are it just says a bit of where you came from.

Answer 10

I believe that Native Americans have a great understanding of nature and our role in it. So what are your spiritual beliefs? I would like to know.