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<h1>Inuit Religion</h1>
<h3>Modern Inuit Religion</h3>
<p>
There are two main religions practiced in the modern Inuit
culture: Shamanism and Christianity. Since the arrival of
missionaries, the majority of Inuits have converted to Christianity.
</p>
<h3>Effects of Religion on Modern Inuit Culture</h3>
<p>
Because of their heritage, modern Inuit are more likely to show a high
reverance for nature, so, when communicating in their culture, it would
be wise to show a strong respect for nature.
</p>
<p>
Another effect of their religion is that stories are used to teach
lessons to children, which shows that the Inuit have some elements
of a high-context culture, which will not approach an issue head-on,
but will make their point indirectly.
</p>
<p>
The use of stories in teaching children beliefs also implies that it
would be acceptable to use religion as proof when persuading someone.
This is also shown by their very strong ties to religion, such as the
people becoming ill because one or more of their souls have been lost.
</p>
<h3>Worship of Nature</h3>
<p>
The Inuit religion has a very complex system of nature worship.
Both men and animals have souls, and all are spiritually connected.
In the religion, the universe is at harmony with its elements, and
the powers of nature possess a neutral position towards man. The Inuit
believe that if evil, such as bad hunting, bad weather, or illness
happens, the source is likely to be found in people's bad behavior.
The Inuit do not have sacred buildings, nature is sacred, and the Inuit
are children of nature. However, to the Inuit, life is not a paradise,
man's capability to do evil represents a constant threat to harmony.
</p>
<h3>Beliefs</h3>
<p>
Beliefs ensure that values are practiced, followed, honored, and passed
on. There are beliefs that are told to children to ensure that they
follow a strict code of conduct. For example, children are told that
throwing sand near water will create rain. This story is told to teach the
belief that you do not harm another, and that you show respect. The logic
goes like this: Most children enjoy playing near water, and there is
usually sand near water. If a child threw sand in the air, it was very
likely that another child would get sand in their eyes, their hair,
and on their body. This story helps to build up the belief that you do
not harm another and show respect.
</p>
<p class="centeredImg">
<img src="images/general/iws_inart500.jpg" alt="Inuit Amulets" />
<br />
Inuit Amulets (source:
<a href="http://www.civilization.ca/tresors/art_inuit/images/inart500.jpg">
http://www.civilization.ca/
</a>)
</p>
<h4>Resources Used</h4>
<ul class="resources">
<li>
<a href="http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/inu/eft/index.htm">
http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/inu/eft/index.htm
</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.eastgreenland.com/database.asp?lang=eng&num=604">
http://www.eastgreenland.com/database.asp?lang=eng&num=604
</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://nnlm.gov/pnr/ethnomed/inupiaq.html">
http://nnlm.gov/pnr/ethnomed/inupiaq.html
</a>
</li>
</ul>
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