Indigenous Religions

Religions of the World

by Ann Marie B. Bahr, Martin E. Marty

Provides an introduction to various native religions in the world, discussing the belief systems of indigenous peoples currently living in India, Africa, Australia, the Arctic region, and some areas of South and Central America.

Genres: Religion

186 pages, Library Binding

First published March 31, 2005

Reviews

[Christine Pugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a brief overview of the religion and culture of various indigenous groups of people, including the Adavasi of India, the Inuit of Northern regions, and the Aboriginees of Australia, among others. Each chapter focuses on a specific culture and is relatively short. I found that the book offered only a cursory overview of each cultural group, which makes sense as it is intended for a general lay audience rather than scholars (in both Religious Studies and other fields). Although it is titled Indigenous Religions, it actually presents the religious and cultural worldview of each group as an integrated whole. The book glossed over the differences within native groups while stressing the differences between native groups and European colonizers. It should also be noted that North American Native cultures are not mentioned at all; I do not understand why. All in all, this was a worthwhile book, especially for laypersons with only casual interest, but anyone substantially interested in the subject matter should plan on further study.