Ministering to Native Americans

Abstract

Native American religion is often sought for study and “borrowing.” The respect that is generally accorded to the study of religions other than one's own is typically lacking with Native American religions. When visiting a Buddhist temple, one removes one's shoes. When attending a Muslim prayer service, one might use a prayer rug. If one attends a Jewish service, a male would don a yarmulke and remove his jacket and tie. The non-Jewish visitor would not wear the tallit or prayer shawl out of respect for Jewish traditions. Native Americans generally prefer that strangers not attend spiritual services unless invited, yet people come to watch, take pictures, record, or videotape services without permission. One does not take the Muslim prayer rug home after using it, yet many will take sand paintings, dream-catchers, pipes, or other sacred items from Native American services. The lack of respect for Native American religions is not natural or inevitable. What caused the U.S. culture to disrespect Native American religions and to subject them to unequal treatment?