How did native religion change?

How did native religion change?

Often conversion meant an increased chance for physical survival, regardless of how sincere the conversion was. Once physical survival and a degree of stability had been established, many congregations of Native American Christians recast their faith and practice to include traditional views and values.

What happened to Native American religions?

By the turn of the 20th century, the American government began to turn to less violent means of suppressing Native American religious beliefs. A series of federal laws was passed banning traditional Indigenous practices such as feasts, sun dance ceremonies and the use of the sweat lodge, among others.

Why was the Native American vulnerable during the colonial era?

Native Americans were also vulnerable during the colonial era because they had never been exposed to European diseases, like smallpox, so they didn’t have any immunity to the disease, as some Europeans did.

How did epidemics affect the Native American population?

Though many epidemics happened prior to the colonial era in the 1500s, several large epidemics occurred in the 17 th and 18 th centuries among various Native American populations. With the population sick and decreasing, it became more and more difficult to mount an opposition to European expansion.

What was the religion of the Tlingit Indians?

Some creation stories, one by the Tlingit Indians, were centered on a raven. In the past, Native American religion was not classified as a religion. Their beliefs were not understood and the complexity of their religion was not seen. This was partly the result of not having a written set of guidelines.

What did the Cherokee Indians do to become Christians?

Not only did the Cherokees become Christians in large numbers, but they also chose to adopt many other aspects of the white culture that surrounded them. They constructed roads and developed a political system and constitution based on that of the United States.