In this excellent survey of Native American worldviews; philosopher of religion Jerry H. Gill emphasizes the value of tracing the overarching themes and broad contours of Native American belief systems. He presents an integrated view to serve as an introduction to ways of life and perspectives on the world far different from those of the dominant Euro-American culture.Drawing on the scholarship of anthropologists and specialists in American Indian Studies; Gill brings together much original research in broad; accessible chapters. He explores Native American origin stories; the special connotations given to spatial concepts such as the cardinal directions and the circle; the influence of the seasons and the cycles of life on different cultures; and clan and kinship systems. Separate chapters are devoted to key ceremonies and customs as well as to concepts of health; harmony; virtues; wisdom; and beauty.The final chapter considers the devastating effects on native peoples of the European incursion into North America. Gill discusses the reservation system; attempts at assimilation and resistance; the recent renaissance of American Indian cultures; and prospects for the future. A valuable appendix presents a representative sampling of Native American writings on beliefs and origin stories.This excellent introduction to the many diverse yet related American Indian worldviews will be a welcome resource for teachers of introductory courses in Native American Studies or philosophy of religion; as well as laypersons with an interest in native cultures.
#604707 in Books Pelican Publishing 2008-10-24 2008-10-22Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.00 x 1.10 x 8.50l; 3.35 #File Name: 1589802454320 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Secret Landscape Revealed In Compelling PhotographsBy Mary L. RuizThere is a secret landscape in America unknown to most of us. Clues abound from the sublime sculptures adorning our public buildings to the humble neighborhood restaurant. Vincenza Scarpaci; a historian from Eugene Oregon; guides us through this territory by assembling from east to west an extraordinary collection of family photographs from all over the country.Opening up the pages of The Journey of Italian Immigrants in America; you can see for yourself how the compelling and often touching family photographs reveal the story of America shaping Italian immigrants and ultimately of Italians influencing America. Vincenza interprets the photos with the keen mind of a scholar and the passionate heart of an Italian American.The effect is dazzling. Vincenza has created a new form of history told the way history really happens which is family by family. She has reclaimed the story of Italians in America for each and every one of us but especially for those of us who are the descendants of these savvy; resourceful; self-sacrificing; skilled; misunderstood; hardworking; family and food loving people.This book should be given as a gift to the next generation of Italian Americans so they know and to the older generation so they can retell their stories with pride.The Journey of the Italians in America1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not what I expectedBy JEWELRY QUEENThis woman bragged to my friends about this; its 25.00 and its about stories about her journey to america. Its a nice book; but it told about how she and her family came here; it bought back many memories but not that i knew anyone in Chicago or Philadelphia.I am a New Yorker; I guess I wanted to read more about The city; and how they came to here from Italy. its a nice book; but I felt that the price was kind of high. The price behind the book says nothing. No price so she can charge what she wants for it. Overlall its a nice book. for someones coffee table just not mine.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Like a shot in the armBy delores delgadoMust read for all Italian-Americans. Just when I thought there was nothing more I needed to know about our journey here - BAM. Like a shot in the arm. Was so raw and realistic; had to put the book down to retain my composure to continue reading. Ms. Scarpaci is a credit to all immigrants and their children.
