Native American Exam

Religion is an open belief left for an individual to interpret and to connect with their life how they see fit. The Native Americans belief was more of a spiritual state of mind. To them the world didn't always need to have answers and exact facts, their power was in faith. Certain events were explained as an act of God instead of being traced to find the scientific explanation. How was Earth really created? Different cultures, followed by different people, will give different explanations. Being raised by the Native American religion shaped individuals to be peaceful and nature loving. According to Joesph Campbell there are four functions to myths, mystical, scientific, sociological and teaching functions.

Mystical function is seeing the Earth as a mystery and accepting the awe of it's beauty. Some things can't be explained, they just are. Native Americans accept and cherish Earth's nature as an important characteristic to their lifestyle. Nature is part of the Native Americans and they do well to take care of it. They see the world as a loving, peaceful place and I think it is because of this mystical function. By seeing the world as a beautiful place they are able to have great appreciation and value for where they live. Native Americans expressed their love for nature by a dancing ritual until they literally can't dance any more. By having a positive outlook on the world they live in the Native Americans become peaceful and loving people.

Scientific Function is the scientific explanation to the many things Native Americans leave up to fate. By having an answer to exactly how the Earth was created the Native Americans can relate their beliefs with those of the facts. By combining the two they will be able to have a more evolved and rational explanation to their beliefs, they will be able to make a believer out of some opposed to their legends. By having the names, dates and facts on some events the Native Americans can make their myths more of a reality allowing for further involvement while leaving the mystery alive. Part of the mystery is being able to interpret events to what you value. Keeping the mystery alive allows for further belief in faith.

Sociological Function gave an order to the tribe, in a sense a social standing. The elders were the head of the tribe. They were thought to have the most wisdom and were able to pass it down to the younger people of the tribe. They were highly respected by everyone. The men were thought of as the providers. They were the hunters, farmers and survivalists. The men provided food and shelter for his family. The wife would take care of their children, cook the meat and clean. This class molds people to be self sufficient, respectful and hard workers. They were to respect the elders and work had to be providers and housekeepers.

Teaching Function shows the bravery, courage and strength under any circumstances. The Native Americans are said to be strong and proud, they demonstrate great bravery and courage by protecting each other. The Native Americans left their fate up to nature which seems to me a little risky. During times of a bad crop season the Native American stick together in trying to find an alternate food source. The men of the tribe demonstrate great bravery in times of battle because they protect the rest of the tribe. The Native American myth is what keeps these people strong, powerful and calm during chaotic times of danger. At the massacre of Wounded Knee the Native Americans remained true to themselves in a time of great difficulty.

The European myth set differs from the Native American myth set. With every difference one side believes their way of beliefs are correct and the others are wrong. Conflict was bound to take place. This was the case of the European and Native American myth set. The Europeans couldn't accept that the Native Americans believed differently than themselves. The Native Americans tried to make peace by presenting gifts and trying to teach their beliefs. The Europeans saw the land of the Native Americans and decided it was going to be theirs. I think violence could have been avoided, but it wasn't. The Europeans had larger weapons than the Native Americans and took their land by force. Differences are hard for some people to accept. As a result conflict erupts and problems begin. The Native Americans and Europeans differed greatly.