Acculturation and Messianic Movements

Abstract

R OBERT H. LOWIE has recently called our attention again to the problem of messianic movements among the American aborigines.' Among the North American Indians, one of the fundamental myths was the belief that a culture-hero would one day appear and lead them to a terrestrial paradise.2 Under certain conditions, which this paper will describe and analyze, these myths have become the ideological basis for messianic movements. In the messianic movement, the ushering in of the by the messiah is announced for the immediate future. Twenty such movements had been recorded in the United States alone prior to i89o.3 The messianic doctrine is essentially a statement of hope. Through the intervention of the Great Spirit or of his emissary, the earth will shortly be transformed into a paradise, enjoyed by both the living and the resurrected dead. In anticipation of the happy return to the golden age, believers must immediately return to the aboriginal mode of life. Traits and customs which are symbolic of foreign influence must be put aside. All members of the community-men, women, and children-must participate. Besides reverting to the early folkways, believers must adopt special ritual practices until the millenium arrives. Thus, in the American Ghost Dance movements ceremonial bathing and an elaborate dance were the chief ritual innovations.4 The doctrine always envisages a restoration of earthly values. These values will be enjoyed, however, in a transcendental setting, for in the age which is foretold there will be no sickness or death; there will be only eternal happiness. The messianic doctrine is peaceful. The exclusion of the whites from the golden age is not so much a reflection of hostility toward them as a symbolization of the fulfillment of the former way of life. The millenium is to be established through divine agency; believers need only watch and pray.'