Emile Durkheim and Sigmund Freud have radically different views on Native American culture. Freud, a psychologist, believes "that our task to civilization is to defend us against nature." He thinks that there are superior powers in nature like fate that inflict undetermined influences upon society (Freud). On the other hand, Durkheim a sociologist believes "religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to scared things." He initiates community wholeness and individuality intermingled into social structures. As a result, Durkheim and Freud have opposing views on individual social interaction among Native Americans.

An important source in understanding Native American religion is Emile Durkheim. As shown in this religion, Durkheim analyzed initiation rites that consisted of long ceremonies that would take a person from the profane world into the world of the scared (Durkheim). Since the idea of entering the sacred world was such a special occasion, proper rituals were enacted. The Native Americans focused extensively on rituals in joining a specific culture or tribe, involving the whole community and bringing everyone together throughout the area

Another reason that Durkheim aids in the study of Native American Religions is his belief that there is an affiliation with the earth. He would agree that the relationship with the earth is crucial to the Native Americans. The earth and everything that exists upon the earth is alive and filled with spiritual activity (Hunter). Natives do not kill animals on the earth unless the animal consents to be prey. If one kills the animal without its permission, the balance of unity is thrown off course (Hunter). Durkheim views this animism as being a good relationship to the earth. The Natives think of things such as rocks and trees as animate objects even though they lack animate qualities. Native Americans believe that animals are our brothers. They even imitate the animals with articles of clothing, such as feathers representing people who become birds. It gives them the ability of flight in their dreams (Hunter). According to Durkheim, this links the earth and animals and brings a faith community like Native Americans closer. Clearly, Durkheim agrees with Native American traditions, because of their initiation rites, their view on the sacred, the effervescence they receive, and their deep-rooted connection with the earth.

Hunter, Susan. "Native Traditions = Methods of Seeking Life." Religion 101. Miami University. 13 Sept. 1999.

Freud also believes that impersonal destinies cannot be approached and that they should remain untouched for reasons of taboo. During the Ghost Dance, shaman, teachers of various skills and practices made predictions for the future (Hunter). The shamans were prophets that looked at the past and present situations and then made forecasts for the future (Hunter). Freud would disagree with Natives making these predictions, because they might be struck with an omen or something unwanted.

Besides explaining initiation rites and sacredness, Durkheim helps one understand Native American Religion through his explanations of the corrobbori and effervescent rituals. He explains that when a gathering (corrobbori), took place, a f

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