Native American spirituality will be the theme of an adult education series beginning Sunday at St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church.
I'm a professor of philosophy and religious studies at Pima Community College and I will be facilitating the series Sundays through May 20 in the Church Center, 4625 E. River Road. Lectures begin at 10:45 a.m.
The series will begin by focusing on the role of nature, time and space in the Native worldview. I will discuss the importance of the cardinal directions and the movement of the stars and planets in determining the seasons for planting and harvesting.
I'll also go over crucial ceremonies in the Native life cycle, as well as the importance of living within the community. Origin stories, special customs and the importance of the individual's "path of life" will also be taken up as significant aspects of Native spirituality.
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I will rely heavily on the material in my book, "Native American Worldviews," published by Humanity Books (Prometheus) in 2002, as well as several years of exploration at various reservations, such as the Navajo, the Iroquois, the Crow and the Lummi.
On May 20 the special guest for the class will be Kelvin Yazzie, a Navajo artist and also a professor at Pima Community College, who will share his life story and vision. In addition to being a popular teacher, Yazzie is a well-known potter and painter in Tucson.
The series is free and open to the public. For more information call St. Francis church at 299-9063.
To contribute a story, go online to azstarnet.com/foothills
