A Book Review, of sorts

We Have a Religion: The 1920s Pueblo Indian Dance Controversy and American Religious Freedom, by Tisa Wenger

In reading the cited book, one of the things that was obvious to me was that everyone sees these events through their own filter of experience, including participants documented in the story as well as those of us who read it. I was acutely aware of how my own experience of authoritative religion was shaping my response at times, how I felt in my gut the familiar angst, the sickening knot of being patronized by what I've called 'benevolent patriarchy' (and sometimes not so benevolent, though I think the patriarchs involved intended it to be so for the most part!), the pain of knowing that one's experience, beliefs and/or personhood is not valued by those in positions of power and influence.

Arrogance! Over and over, I was struck by the arrogance of religious and government leaders presuming to know what was and is best for Native Americans without giving them voice in the decision-making process. The assumption that our religious beliefs have evolved and are in all ways superior to indigenous and other non-Christian spiritual wisdom and practice is troublesome. It was interesting to read the Native American's development of religious and legal arguments that continue into the present. Reading of these ongoing cases, it strikes me again as ironic and arrogant to observe the U.S.'s presumed right to speak with authority to civil conflicts around the globe, when our own record is so dismal.

It was fascinating to read of the development of the term "religion" within the tribes, how religious arguments were made on behalf of traditional leaders and progressives alike; and that the western concept of individual choice as applied to religious freedom has been a two-edged sword. And to read about the controversy posed by the presence of non-Indian spiritual seekers in the present . . . I hadn't thought about some of these things.

I have no first hand experience with the realities of the Native American experience. It would be interesting to hear a response and discussion involving persons who have lived and worked in proximity to native peoples, medical people who have been in the clinics, those who've worked in orphanages, those who have provided social services, who have seen the ugly side of societal breakdown--drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse. I suppose, just as in the historical record, the opinions of cause, effect and solution would range across the spectrum.

I finish the book with an appreciation for the complexity of the issues. In spite of the challenges, we must continue to find ways to live together in this nation, respectful of those things held to be sacred, yet recognizing the great diversity among us in that regard. Three years ago, Larry and I had the marvelous privilege of spending eight days and seven nights on a river rafting trek through the Grand Canyon. It was not only an exploration of physical beauty and grandeur, but an awesome and reverential experience as well. Did we desecrate sacred Native American space even though we were respectful and abided by the "leave no trace" dictum? What is an equitable solution to such dilemmas? And how is sacred space violated by Native Americans when economics are involved? (I'm thinking now of the glass walkway suspended over the canyon and open to the public.)

This book, with its extensive documentation, careful exploration, and insightful interpretation, adds a valuable perspective to the discussion, but I, for one, don't have answers.