Teachings from the American Earth: Indian Religion and Philosophy

by Dennis Tedlock (Editor), Barbara Tedlock (Editor)

"A much needed book. It not only provides the proper orientation to its material, but its humanistic approach is more perceptive and illuminating than technical scholarship." ―Theodore H. Gaster, Columbia University This collection of writings is from authors who are either Indians who have tried to make themselves heard, or whites who have tried to hear Indians. The first part of the book emphasizes the practical and includes Isaac Tens's "Career of the Medicine Man". The second section concentrates on the theoretical and contains Benjamin Lee Whorf's "American Indian Model of the Universe" and chapters on Indian metaphysics, among other things. In addition to an introductory essay on the Indian's stance towards reality, the editors have contributed chapters entitled "The Clown's Way" and "An American Indian View of Death".

Genres: Native American, Anthropology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, History

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Dennis Ernest Tedlock was the McNulty Professor of English and Research Professor of Anthropology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He received his Ph.D. in 1968 from Tulane University.

Reviews

[S Shah]

I took this one down from the shelf yesterday to reference something I'd quoted from a long time ago. I found myself reading and taking further notes from the final chapter, pp. 248-270, which, I don't think I ever finished. The last bookmark, of five, is on page 118. I guess that makes 140 pages total. I should probably count this is one of my "stalled" books, though I was actually quite impressed by it when I was reading it years ago. Not sure what stopped me. It's pretty interesting, if, perhaps, terminologically, slightly dated to 1975. It's difficult to do this sort of writing without sounding somewhat aloof. Scientifically, a certain objective distance from the subject is required, while at the same time the development of an intimate relationship with the representatives of one's subject is also necessary. It was curious to read some complete contradictions to the practices of other cultures, but also some very striking similarities in overall concepts to yet others. This not being narrative fiction I think it's safe to conclude with one of the last lines of the text, a Zuni vision of the possible apocalypse.
"At the end... our tools and utensils and everything we have made will rise against us; the stars will fall and we will all be boiled by a hot rain." (270)

[Veronika Pohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teachings from the American Earth by Dennis Tedlock is an insightful and thought-provoking collection that offers a deep understanding of Native American religious and philosophical traditions. I read it as required reading for a Native American religions class, and it provided a rich exploration of indigenous spirituality, values, and worldviews.

The text presents a variety of voices and perspectives, making it a valuable resource for learning about the diversity within Native American belief systems. The essays and teachings contained within the book are engaging, and while some sections can be dense, the overall content is rewarding and enlightening. It's a great resource for students and anyone interested in delving into Native American religion and philosophy.

[Nanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthology of essays by different native authors. Some of the authors seemed to contradict their own opinion, which tells me they may not be too sure in the position they are taking. It was interesting to read nonetheless.

[Kathleen Gear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthropologists, Dennis and Barbara Tedlock, give a great overview of Native American spiritual traditions in this book.

[Pixie Alexander]

Well done compilation.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to reread this anthology. Recommended!