Answer to Question #175380 in History for jcftcu

Question

What role did sacred beliefs play in the lives of the first Americans?

Answer 1

The first Americans (Native Americans) had sacred beliefs. Some of the Native American tribes had an egalitarian social structures and these included hierarchical social structures that were theistic in nature. Consequently, among the theistic native tribes, they shared sacred places with regard for the land and its features were strictly maintained. According to them, humans were created by a higher power that was sometimes referred to as “The Creator,” ‘God,’ or ‘The Great Mystery.’ According to the first American’s beliefs, human creation was not autonomous above the rest of creation but equal to it, consequently connecting both, ‘physically and spiritually.’ The Mother Earth and Father Sky were the sustainers and providers of life and a balanced relationship was not forged or maintained with the rest of the world. The objective of the Native American peoples was to express a spiritual connection to the Earth, whether to ask for protection, guidance, and help or by simply offering thanks.