September 25, 2006

Native vs. Western religions

What American Indians can teach Christians about time and placeUnlike in Judaism and Christianity, Indian spiritual practice was tied directly to nature by a cycle of sacred events, he said, noting that spiritual practices varied widely from tribe to tribe.

But overall, living in constant contact with nature's time was essential to gain sacred wisdom.

Jews and Christians also have a cycle of sacred events, Irwin said, but it's a ritual cycle, not a directly seasonal one.

For example, he said, Christmas happens to be in winter, but could occur in any season.
For more on the subject, see Hercules vs. Coyote:  Native and Euro-American Beliefs.

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