Indian Spirit

by Michael Oren Fitzgerald (Editor), Judith Fitzgerald (Editor), Thomas Yellowtail (introduction)

This fully revised and expanded second edition of "Indian Spirit," the bestselling Native American Indian picture-and-quote book, features a new foreword by Shoshone Sun Dance Chief James Trosper.

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

166 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2002

Reviews

[Elisabeth Zguta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great informative short book with brief statements from various Native American leaders and some rare photographs of them in their cultural dress. The statements all revolved around the Great Spirit and their thoughts about religion. I found it very inspirational, and learned a few things too. It was a good insight to see how the original inhabitants viewed the Europeans and their religion. Easy to read, well laid out, and beautifully illustrated.

[Lisa Scheuplein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am about half through this sweet little gem. I love to see how the white man is viewed from the Indian perspective. I love to see how they humbly viewed the white man's God only to see a confused view as there were so many different flavors of churches and viewpoints to the "right" way to God. To the Indian, religion is like a wheel with spokes. All spokes lead to the center of the wheel, which is God. How you get to God is up to you, but it is all the same God. Beautiful.

Also, the Indian lived their relationship to God. God and Laws were very important. He watched how the white men kept religion and law behind him to use when it suited him...rather than living it. The whites did not listen and thus missed the opportunity to learn from Indians...and judged Indians to be like animals. Nothing could be further from the truth...

[Joel Schaefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book is a collection of photographs and quotations from Native Americans. It provides some insight to the spiritual philosophy and the sense of community that Native Americans held. Some of the observations provide insight into the hypocritical nature of the White Man, and their relationship to their laws and religions. This book can be read slowly - taking in a section at a time and then reflecting on it.

[John Ulferts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only we listened to the teachings of indigenous people, our nation and our world would be so much better off. Powerful Native quotes and historic pictures teach how much we have lost and what we must do to regain it. Native people understood the sacredness of the natural world and of our four legged brothers. We have a lot to learn about how to treat animals.

[Althea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful book, that made me reflect on our society in new ways. It was fascinating to read about Native Americans and their deep spiritual connection to the Great Spirit that dwells in all natural things.
Full of heart, wisdom, compassion and truth ❤️

[Sophia Hawes-Tingey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the spiritual quotes. The downside is that the photographs didn't line up with the quotes.

[Stella Raasch · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I continue on my journey through life, I like to keep an open mind about different religious perspectives and practices. I grew up being told that there is only one correct, absolute religious path to follow. But the more that I learn and question such things, I am no longer able to believe that. This book is a compilation of poems, stories and pictures that provide insight into different Native American Indian tribes cultural and religious beliefs. What I enjoyed most about this book is the people's pure appreciation for nature - something that extends beyond any degree that non-indigenous people can understand. To them, nature is their religion. And, they appear closer to "God" than any person I have ever come across in my walk through life thus far.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent photo selections, not the stuff you see all over. Very easy read with some excellent prayers & blessings, as well as what other readers have mentioned in getting a perspective on religious issues from the tribal perspective. Makes me wish my comparative religion class in university would have included some Native American information, as it is striking how similar the basic tenants are to the other major world religions.

[John Branney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little book with wisdom and perspective of Native Americans who witnessed the invasion of the Europeans. The Native Americans were treated harshly by the white settlers and uprooted from land they lived on for over 11,000 years.

Even though it is too late what we did to Native Americans, we can at least read their wisdom and learn from it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fitzgeralds chronicle a remarkable collection of Indian prayers and mores of days gone by. I read comparing their way of life to ours in the early days of settling this country which gave me a lot to think about

[Angela Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book filled with the philosophies of various Indian Chiefs, it highlights their way of life and what they based their ethos on that being "the great spirit"
Life for them was very simple yet they were happy, indeed there is a lesson for modernity to learn from these wise people.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very different than what I had expected. I had thought that i would be an analysis of Native American beliefs but it was more of a compilation of these beliefs. Interesting nonetheless.

[Jenette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a greater respect for Native Americans and greater insight to the Book Of Mormon.

[Liz Fichera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a special book. Simple yet profound spiritual wisdom from 19th century Native American leaders. I loved every page.

[Sherrie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Very interesting to read how the Native American practiced their religion. And how they were urged to change to another.

[Bunny Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me quite a bit to think about to be honest.

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.