What does it mean when someone says I practice Native American spirituality, its not a religion, I'm spiritual?

Question

religion wasn't part of the native american spirituality-

and natives are multi-racial themselves-

some of the answers sound so biased and prejudice!

you don't have to have a chief teach you the ways of the native americans- a lot of times it could be a calling from the Great Spirit- or should i say- you can learn through texts too about the culture- its not always learning through growing up on the reservation!

Answer 1

It means that someone is ignorant about the meaning of religion.

Answer 2

Hi there

Im Jamaican but african descent

I practice Obeah(african folk) not because i choose to but its a family tradition for centuries like in slavery our ancestors didnt know about God and jesus most of we were force to be in relgion and thats why the voodoo or obeah is mixed with catholic

we dont consider it as a relgion its more as in tradition

Relgion came from the bible christian

But if you see native american and african and chinese we have allot in commen with spirit spells belieft and dress and we always call on our ancestors

thats why i cant understand people they saying we are evil satan but we never knew God am catholic i believe in God and jesus but i still dont get why people are calling we Satan like they say you can take a donkey out from the bush but you can take a bush out of the donkey

Answer 3

Many people just generalize. It's probably some of the same people who are determined to tell atheists that atheism is a religion too...

Answer 4

I agree with Ckramerl.

I attended a Sweat Lodge, it's what I guess you would call an Indian Church Service.

But, it wasn't Anything like any religious church I've ever been to, where they try and tell you What you should think and feel.

I was nervous at first, and when I finally asked for instructions or what I should expect...I was quickly advised that there were no rules, except to not "cheat" myself with expectations.

I consider myself to be Spiritual, and I do NOT follow any religious doctrines, and I felt Very comfortable there.

But, my suggestion to you would be...ask the person who made the statement, and to be open-minded with their answer.

Communication is key! And when we are open to other's belief systems without judgement, we open ourselves to learning and growth.

Peace!

Answer 5

Which native American beliefs are you talking about? The Hopi, Navajo and Apache have religions. The Great Spirit would be a religious figure, even though it is called a spirit.

Answer 6

Sounds like Pagan worship;

Answer 7

I find it kind of funny with those multicultural folks trying to practice things they know nothing about. Lots of native cultures teach only certain members of theirs and it takes lots of practice and time to learn. I guess one can be spiritual like the natives, cause yeah, they practice as a religion.

Answer 8

Here is some information on Native Americans. I am 3/4. And if I was not one of Jehovah's Witnesses and did not know the truth, I'd probably go with them in their beliefs.  

Answer 9

It means that they most likely are NOT doing so because they are part of Native American culture.

It's kind of a cop-out for cultural misappropriation.

Answer 10

I've been to a pow wow, it was awesome.  It means that they don't practice organized religion or 'go with the flow' and follow everyone else.  They listen to their own heart, not someone else's.  They allow one another their own space to develop in and don't force beliefs onto anyone.

They are spiritual, which means they believe in the spirit realm, the unseen.  Which is where God resides, in the unseen, in spirit.

You can be spiritual, but not religious.  In other words, freedom to search out God or Spirit for yourself instead of following someone else's recipe, doctrine or belief system/religion.  :)