Respect for culture and religious beliefs is essential in the maintenance of peaceful coexistence. In fact, lack thereof would result in the emergence of personal differences and violence among different societies. With this in mind, it is worth acknowledging the fact that the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 was intentioned to uphold the religious values of the native Indian community. Aside from the fact that this religion was not documented in any form and is somewhat believed to be a form of culture, the act proposed a lot of changes to the betterment of the lives of the people during that period (Crawford and Suzanne 192). For starters, this community was granted freedom and autonomy to conduct their religious practices within the United States. Precisely, they were granted access to religious sites as well as hunting and fishing rights. As much as this might not seem to reflect the common aspects of a religion, it is essential to note that the latter is more of a culture and means of life other than religious doctrines.
What areas of modern Native culture did the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 impact the most?
The mostly impacted aspect of modern culture that was affected by this act is association and religious practice. Initially, this community faced some opposition from rapid civilization and the incorporation of multiple federal laws. As such, their movement was limited since they could not cross borders without permit. Aside from that, they lacked the freedom to hunt and fish from their preferred locations since the authorities dispensed in such locations ensured that they did not infiltrate any regions without a legal permit (Crawford and Suzanne 183). Aside from that, some of their anticipated projects could not be facilitated due to the lack of the federal government’s permit. Nonetheless, the enactment of this act proved to be resourceful to the native Indian communities since they were granted a permit to hunt and fish in their preferred locations. Moreover, the act granted them freedom and autonomy to practice within the United States as long as they did not interfere in other people’s affairs.
How did the AIRFA and the civil rights movement contribute towards an institutionalized Native religion?
The civil rights movement played had a great impact in the betterment of the situation before and after the enactment of this act. It is worth mentioning that the movements protested against discrimination of their minority group within the United States. Their argument was that the community was based in the nation for more than a century and was among its earliest inhibitors. As such, they advocated permit to conduct their regular ceremonies and religious practices without interference from the authorities or the federal government. Through these protest the civil rights movement raised the concerns of the community before the enactment of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Aside from that, their continuous efforts to pursue the rights of the native Indians led to the realization of the provisions speculated in the act made in 1978 (Crawford and Suzanne 126).
Can anyone practice the standard institutional Native religion of America?
Freedom of religion is a legally protected right in the United States. Precisely, the constitution under the first amendment right prohibits the federal government from formulating laws that favor or disregard any religion within the nation. As such engaging in standard institutional religion within the nation is legal and would not be castigated by any party. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that the constitution guarantees protection and freedom of worship only if the parties involved do not interfere with other people’s operations or threaten their survival. Consequently, one is justified to claim that anyone has a right to practice institutional native religion in the United States.
Works cited
Crawford O'Brien, Suzanne J. Religion and Healing In Native America. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Publishers, 2008. Print.
