Nature in Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nature in Religion - Essay Example Each one has their own specific historic development, which was influenced by events in world history. In terms of indigenous cultures such as Native Americans, they developed very differently compared to their other religious counterparts. They were extremely influenced by nature and the elements, which preceded the need of a shaman, compared to a priest or another spiritual leader. Shamans were important because they helped keep tradition and rituals alive and passed down the spiritual knowledge through the other members of the tribe. Like stated previously, the Native Americans’ in particular placed a great deal of spiritual and religious influence in nature. This is because many of the traditions and rituals reside in the themes of nature. Myths, such as the creation stories, result from themes in nature such as the cycles of the seasons, which undergo in the climate. Many tribes also use features such as reincarnation, which influenced by nature, shows that when we die, w e are born into a cycle of rebirthing where we come back as another creature. Shamans were also used to communicate with nature and the spirits of the world and animals. These would be invoked for good fortune for healing, for bountiful harvest and for other ceremonies (Matthews, 2008).