| UNAVAILABLE Native Americans and Christianity is one of the many well-researched titles in the Indians of North America Series published by Chelsea House. This text is written by religious educator Steve Klots as he approaches the daunting task of distilling 400 years of history into a simplified text for young adults. The text begins with the standard account of the conflict surrounding the Spanish invasion of Mexico and the resulting cultural chaos introduced by Cortes and Catholicism. The second chapter deals with the English and the role of Protestant beliefs in converting various Wampanoag individuals and communities along the New England coast. The third chapter recounts the French contact with the Algonkian and Iroquoian Nations in New France and the impact of the Black Robes and Catholic teachings. Each account notes the various methods used by European explorers and the role of clergy and trade efforts. Key Native American individuals and how they met the challenge to their spiritual beliefs are noted for each cultural area. Other cultural areas are covered as the author describes Russian Orthodox missionaries among the peoples of the Northwest Coast, Christian missionaries and their role among the Five Civilized tribes of the Southeast during the Trail of Tears and removal, as well as the Plains Nations and their experiences with lay missionaries from the Board of Indian Commissioners. The late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries see a development of syncretic movements, such as the "Good Word" of Handsome Lake among the Iroquois and, the Delaware Prophet, the Shawnee Prophet, the development of the Native American Church, and the Ghost Dance. Anthropologists and historians generally explain these religious teachings as a blend of Christian and Native spiritual teachings. The final chapter discusses the modern situation on reservations and reserves as individuals from many tribal groups reject Christianity and return to traditional teachings. This text presents a complex topic in a readable manner that stresses the American experience. There is however a significant portion devoted to Canadian experiences in the chapter on the Jesuits and their role in New France. The volume contains numerous black and white photographs as well as a full-colour insert that demonstrates how Native Americans creatively blend Christianity with traditional tribal iconography. A glossary, index, and bibliography are included. This is a valuable resource for senior elementary and high school students. This title is also available in a hardcover edition. |
