I asked him why the Plains People of the American Midwest who
followed the buffalo herds did not also have a religion that
sanctioned "the strongest male takes all." Why did the Lakota
People develop a religion that was more respectful of other people
and the earth. My professor's answer was that the Plains People
did not have the horse until late in their history. That some how
walking with the herds made them more respectful of others and the
land. He said that when they did get the horse, their religion
changed to be more like the Caucasians!
Is he right! I would appreciate enlightenment on this issue. I
would appreciate any references that I might read and bring to my
professor to show him what is the true situation. Personally I
believe that it was the dependance on war and domination that
characterized the Caucasian People and shaped the changes in their
religion. Herding people or people whose livelihoods are tied up
with the behavior of great herds are not naturally war like or
"winner-take-all-like." Any help you can give me would be
appreciated.