Unit 1 Test Review: Aboriginal Spirituality
1. Ninian Smart Traits of Religion
Complete the charts below using ONE (1) example for each trait.
AUSTRALIAN
NORTH AMERICAN
ABORIGINE
ABORIGINALS
RELIGIOUS
EXPERIENCE
(idea of God)
RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS
(what must one believe)
SACRED STORIES
(sacred books or stories)
SACRED SYMBOLS AND
RITUALS
COMMUNITY OF FAITH
(how is it organized)
MORALITY
(how must one act in this
religion)
2. Origin and Development of Religion
Define the following terms:
Animism
Naturism
Polytheism
Monotheism
Shamanism
Agnosticism
Totemism
Atheism
3. Religious Pluralism
Define religious pluralism. How it is evident in Canadian society?
4. Myths
Identify and describe the five types of myths.
5. Colonialism
Describe the details of colonialism for BOTH the Australian and North American Aboriginals.
**Be sure to discuss the Aborigine Act and the Indian Act, AND the concept of assimilation.**
6. North American Aboriginal Rituals/Ceremonies
Describe the details and meaning for each of the following rituals/ceremonies:
Vision quest
Sweat Lodge
Sun dance
Potlatch
Smudging Ceremony
Harvest Feast
7. The Role of the Shaman
Who are they? What are their responsibilities within the Aboriginal community?
TEST FORMAT:
 MATCHING
 NINIAN SMART TRAIT CHART X 1
 SHORT ANSWER X 3
 SITE PASSAGE & QUESTIONS
TEST DATE: ______________________