How Did Religion Influence North American Culture

The two most paramount differences existent among the customs and lifestyles of the indigenous societies of North America and the societies found in Europe, are the influence of religion upon their lives and the role gender played in affecting their society.
One crucial difference among the European and North American societies, is the role religion played in shaping the customs and lifestyles within them. The varying differences among the religions of these societies affected the way they viewed themselves, which in turn influenced the manner in which they conducted their society. An example of this can be seen through the animistic based gods that the Native Americans worshipped. The elemental nature of their gods changed the way they viewed …show more content…
Most Europeans felt an innate desire to prove their religion was better than others. One reason that they believed their religion had to be the most popular was due to the constant reformations of religions occurring in Europe. As more and more religions became developed, competition began to grow between them, often times these religious competitions mirroring and causing competitions on the national level (this can be seen through the England-Spain competition after the English Reformation). This competition among the religions to gain the most followers led to the creation of many missions in the New World. These views contradicted the views of the Native Americans, who were generally more accepting of other religions. An example of their respect of other religions is displayed, through Christopher Columbus’ first encounter with the Native Americans. The Native Americans did not prevent him from constructing a cross, and praying to his God. The Native Americans also did not hold religious persecutions either, a practice that had become all too familiar in Europe, or forceful religious conversions, even on the defeated tribes and captured prisoners from tribal wars. An example of this religious persecution in Europe, was used by Queen Mary of England, who was deemed “Bloody Mary” due to the number of individuals she had …show more content…
In Native American tribes, the gender separation among men and women were not as prominent as those established in Europe. Many men and women had interchangeable jobs, the most notable of which includes farming. Women held great political power within the society as well, and often times female leaders were elected alongside male leaders, to represent both sexes as they would determine the effectiveness of rules to be set in the community. Women also held the political power while the men were away hunting or fighting, passing down their rule to the females of the tribe. These advanced ideals of gender equality visible in the Native American societies, that empowered women with more political and family power, were not shared by the European societies. The Europeans in the 16th century viewed women as homemakers and mothers alone. Not often could women rise to power alone, unless they were to inherit it. The stereotypes surrounding the genders were accepted quickly by the European society without many in this time period questioning them. Despite the large gender separation in Europe, in Native American tribes, women successfully played important roles in society, holding great responsibility at the family and community