Discuss and explain how Judaism has adapted to the modern world. In this discussion, you should make sure to discuss the diversity of different expressions/forms of Judaism in the modern world.

Religions of the World

Similarities with Native American and African religions.
In today’s world, there is a plethora of religions all over the globe and there are many ways in which religions practice their faiths using symbols, rituals and myths. However, ancient native American and African religions have many similar beliefs and practices even though they are located on two different continents and have had no physical or social connections for millennia. There are many variations of both native American and African religions based on different geographic locations within each continent, and they vary greatly in size from great empires to small tribes. Each religion has some of its
own beliefs, however, the major concepts of native American and African religions remain common.

These religions believe in a High God, praying and sacrificing to lesser gods and spirits, fearing andconsidering the dead as sacred, and life after death. Most native American and African religions believe in a High God but are also polytheistic (believe in many gods). The High God is considered a force of its own and can ultimately control the universe. However, this High God has been considered by native American religions to stay isolated from lesser gods, spirits, animals and humans and chooses to stay distinct with little interaction with the universe. The High God is not a personality, but rather a divine or sacred power that is revealed in humans, nature, and the spirit world.” (Ch. 2.1).

Similarly, many African religions believe that the High God is also isolated and “…that he has little contact with the world and its daily operation, although he may be appealed to at times of great crisis.” (Ch. 3.1). Additionally, some African religions believe that prayer and sacrifice to lesser gods and spirits is the way to connect to the High God because they are much closer to him. Lesser gods and spirits are more important in daily life of most native American and African religions because they are closer to humankind and affect it directly. For example, Native American religions
base Earth Mother as a symbol of “…the heart of nature… who provides bounty of the Earth” (Ch. 2.1).

Essentially, they believe that Earth Mother is composed of spirits of natural beings including animals,plants and rocks which have feelings and supernatural powers. They take great care to preserve and respect these natural spirits by only using natural resources that are essential for survival. Respectingthese spirits ensures balance between humankind and nature. Similarly, many African religions believe
that the High God “…oversees a pantheon of less powerful—and more accessible—deities. Alsocommonplace is the veneration of ancestors as spirits that continue to affect the daily lives of the
living.” (Ch. 3).Sacrifice and rituals also play important roles in native American and African religions. “
Some rituals,such as the Sun Dance of the native peoples of the Great Plains, require self-torment or sacrifice. This is seen as a way of acquiring the spiritual power necessary for human survival.” (Ch. 2.3). While the Sun Dance is a celebration ritual for hot climate months, self-torment and sacrifice are also important to achieve this spiritual power. Many native Americans also believe that “…trees, rocks, rivers, plants, and animals are… spiritually alive. The spirits that exist in nature have the power to help or harm. Therefore, the believer offers some form of worship to these spirits.” (Ch. 2.2). Similarly, many Africans believe “The Earth, the sky, and the waters… to contain spiritual or life forces similar to that of humankind. These forces can be beneficial or harmful. In either case they are subject to prayer, flattery, and sacrifice. Because they have a direct influence on human life, African people try to understand the spirits and seek their favor.” (Ch. 3.1).
Another important belief of native American and African religions is fear of the dead, however, not
death itself. “Native Americans tend to fear the dead and handle them with great care lest they return
and somehow trouble the living.” (Ch. 2.4). Similarly, many Africans believe that their dead ancestors
have supernatural powers and that they “… take an active interest in the well-being of those who live in
this world.” (Ch. 3.1). They are also believed to be unpredictable, make rash decisions and cause natural
disasters, sickness and death. Therefore, it is very important not to offend the dead and to take great
care in pleasing them.

In conclusion, there is a vast array of commonalities between most native American and African religions. Many believe in the High God as an ultimate force which is isolated from the rest of the universe that the High God has created. Lesser deities and spirits are worshiped in extent because they have a closer connection and ultimately play an active role in matters of life of humankind. Lastly, they believe that the dead may haunt them and that they have supernatural powers which can cause natural disasters. With such diverse geographic locations and no social interaction for millennia in ancient past,it is surprising that so many similarities exist between native American and African religion.