Summary of the book, We Have a Dream, by Tisa Wenger
The book, We Have a Dream, is about how social scientists and Native Americans have prevented the expansion of local religions in America. The book brings together a broadened interaction between history of religion and research on the basis of colonialism, traditional religions as well as race. The focus of the book, which is on Pueblo Indians, was an intentional choice of the book because the community had attracted extra attention from students of cultural studies and missionaries. These interactions left behind high quality resources in form of stories.
The book appreciates Pueblos’ resources which have been preserved in history for years and what it means when they demand for freedom of religion. These are the key lessons of the book. The book also brings to the reader’s attention the challenges which Native Americans meet in their endeavor to have the freedom of religion. In addition, the book demonstrates how biased religion freedom values are in America.
Native Americans do not understand that freedom of religion is based on individual on the conscience of an individual and is totally different from all other areas of life. The book shows the consequence of failing to prevent the government from undermining formal traditions.
Other arguments like securitization and secularism are also present in the book. They show how Christianity, more so, Protestants, have been successful in stamping their authority in affairs of Indians.
In conclusion, the book represents a good text with an objective analysis of minority religions in the world and how their existence is threatened by non recognition by the government and dominance by majority religions.
