The Native American experience of faith Research Paper

The Native American experience of faith - Research Paper Example However, the definition of faith has been discussed in various contexts. Although, anthropologists have failed to collect accurate information of the immigration of these people as they started settling in America slowly and gradually. Native American Faith is completely different from other spiritual beliefs as they are supposedly characterized by animism and panentheism (not to be confused with pantheism).Animism is a belief that all physical objects present in the universe have a soul.Panentheism considers God and the world to be inter-related with the world being in God and God being in the world.The Native American faith stresses strongly on the significance of spirituality; being in a deep-rooted connection with nature and inner-self, whereas Pantheism can be defined as the belief in God being in the world and vice versa. Moving on, the development of Native American religion has taken root in the form of practices such as conducting ceremonies after slaughtering an animal, bel iefs in spirits and shamanism. This religion has derived from Christianity and religions like Longhouse Religion, Waashat Religion, Indian Shaker Religion, Drum Religion, Earth Lodge Religion, Ghost Dances, Bole-Maru Religion, Feather Religion and Peyote Religion are some Native American Religions (Worldreligionday, 2013). Native American Religion doesn’t believe in the distinction of myth and ritual, they believe that rituals bring fulfillment and contentment to their spiritual beliefs. Hence, the importance of rituals in their faith has been greatly emphasized. In this manner, this faith is completely different from western theological beliefs. As this religion has many tribes, they have their own rituals and spiritual practices which are distinct from other tribes, although, they have many mutual features with other tribes, such as particular dances and songs which have passed on to them through their