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by: Jerrold E. Levy  Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Binding: PaperbackDewey Decimal Number: 299.72 EAN: 9780520212770 Edition: 1 ISBN: 0520212770 Label: University of California Press Manufacturer: University of California Press Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 325 Publication Date: July 30, 1998 Publisher: University of California Press Studio: University of California Press Related Items:
Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Product Description: Jerrold E. Levy's masterly analysis of Navajo creation and origin myths shows what other interpretations often overlook: that the Navajo religion is as complete and nuanced an attempt to answer humanity's big questions as the religions brought to North America by Europeans. Looking first at the historical context of the Navajo narratives, Levy points out that Navajo society has never during its known history been either homogeneous or unchanging, and he goes on to identify in the myths persisting traditions that represent differing points of view within the society. The major transformations of the Navajo people, from a northern hunting and gathering society to a farming, then herding, then wage-earning society in the American Southwest, were accompanied by changes not only in social organization but also in religion. Levy sees evidence of internal historical conflicts in the varying versions of the creation myth and their reflection in the origin myths associated with healing rituals. Levy also compares Navajo answers to the perennial questions about the creation of the cosmos and why people are the way they are with the answers provided by Judaism and Christianity. And, without suggesting that they are equivalent, Levy discusses certain parallels between Navajo religious ideas and contemporary scientific cosmology. The possibility that in the future Navajo religion will be as much altered by changing conditions as it has been in the past makes this fascinating account all the more timely. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Academic yet interestingAnyone interested in Native American Culture should not read this one first. Read the "Dine History" and "Navaho Symbols of Healing" first. These two books give you a better understanding into the background and history of the Native Americans and their culture. Once you understand "where they are coming from" and understand why they do what they do you will then be able to understand how their everyday life and connection with the Earth is part of their religion. It is their religion. Read More Rating:  - The Navajo GenesisThis book attempts to delve into the beginning of creation through Navajo eyes. It explores the myths and legneds and attempts to explain the meanings behind them but unfortunately leaves the reader somewhat confused. It attempts to demonstrate a comparative analysis between Navajo religion, Christianity and Judaisn. It does show how similar these relighions are; the only difference is the Navajo do not have a deity but instead pray to many that represent different problems in life and for different ... Read More 
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