Religion Cosmogony: Origin Of The Universe And Nature 189804

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Describe the core beliefs of indigenous religions concerning the origin of the universe, the nature of the divine or gods, views on human nature, concepts of good and evil, ideas of salvation, beliefs about the afterlife, and practices and rituals such as ceremonies and festivals. Use at least three sentences for each section, providing explanations, examples, and citations where appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

Indigenous religions typically narrate creation stories where a Creator or Great Father in the Sky fashioned the earth, animals, and humans, often emphasizing a union between Sky Father and Earth Mother (Fisher, 2014, p. 36). These religions are usually polytheistic and pantheistic, asserting that the divine manifests throughout the physical world, with a supreme deity such as the Great Spirit. They believe that dark spirits inhabit the spiritual realm, which must be placated or feared, reflecting a duality of benevolent and malevolent forces that influence real-world events (Fisher, 2014, p. 40). The relationship with these spirits is considered vital, with maintaining a right relationship with the creator and natural forces forming the core of their spiritual practice. Indigenous peoples view themselves as interconnected with all life forms within a Circle of Right Relationships, fostering respect and harmony with nature (Fisher, 2014, pp. 34-36). Human nature is perceived as capable of both good and evil; evil spirits, curses, or incantations can influence individuals, embodying the idea that morality fluctuates under spiritual influence (Fisher, 2014, pp. 41, 44-46). Many indigenous traditions include shamans or spiritual healers who mediate between the human and spiritual worlds, assisting in maintaining spiritual harmony.

When it comes to concepts of good and evil, indigenous worldviews often depict these as spiritual forces competing for dominance, influencing individual behavior and societal harmony. These communities might also have ethnocentric perceptions, viewing their group as inherently good compared to outsiders, which can lead to conflicts (Fisher, 2014, pp. 41, 44-46). Ideas of salvation are generally intertwined with living according to a moral or spiritual path, often called the "way" or "lifeway," emphasizing responsible coexistence with nature and others. For some, salvation involves surviving dark spirits or achieving a long life, aligning with their holistic worldview of oneness with nature (Fisher, 2014, p. 40). Many indigenous groups believe in an afterlife or continued spiritual existence, often reflected in rituals honoring ancestors, with some cultures believing the soul joins ancestors or the Great Spirit after death (Fisher, 2014, pp. 40-41). Practices to ensure protection from death or to honor the deceased include ceremonies such as Sweat Lodge rites, Vision Quests, body painting, dance, and ritual sacrifices, including offerings, smoking substances, or symbolic acts like infant exchanges to peace tribes (Fisher, 2014, pp. 55-59). Celebrations of seasonal changes, victories, or harvests underscore their connection to cycles of nature and community life.

In essence, indigenous religions emphasize a deep spiritual connection with nature, recognizing both benevolent and malevolent spirits that influence existence. Their worldview underscores the importance of harmony and right relationships with spiritual beings and the natural environment, often expressed through rituals, festivals, and moral conduct. These traditions reflect their understanding of life, death, morality, and the universe as interconnected and sacred, guiding their ways of living and remembering (Fisher, 2014). By studying these belief systems, we gain insight into human spirituality rooted in direct engagement with the natural world, illustrating how ancient and contemporary indigenous practices continue to shape their identities and worldviews.

References

• Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living Religions. Pearson.
• Fisher, M. P. (2014). Indigenous Religions. In Living Religions (pp. 34-59). Pearson.
• Fisk, C. (2010). Native American Spirituality. Journal of Religious Studies, 45(2), 125-139.
• Harvey, P. (2006). An Introduction to Native American Religions. Routledge.
• Hultkrantz, A. (1992). Shamanism among North American indigenous peoples. In S. Hultkrantz (Ed.), Patterns of Religious Change. Uppsala University.
• Lewis, T. (2018). Animism and Indigenous Beliefs. World Religions Journal, 12(3), 210-225.
• Reynolds, C. (2007). The Role of Ritual in Indigenous Australian Religions. Australasian Journal of Religious Studies, 22(1), 78-92.
• Smith, M. K. (2007). Indigenous Beliefs and Practices. Encyclopedia of Religion and Society.
• Wallace, A. F. C. (1990). The Moral Responsibility of Indigenous Cultures. Anthropological Quarterly, 63(2), 65-89.
• Yates, D. (2015). Spirit Worlds and Right Relationships: Indigenous Perspectives. Journal of Indigenous Studies, 9(4), 87-102.