In the modern world, the word “Medicine” generally means synthesized chemical pills with Greek names in plastic bottles. But indigenous cultures use the word “Medicine” more broadly, it can mean a song, a story, an embrace, or a spiritual gathering. We’ll look at some of the ways in which a ritual can be medicinal.j. Snodgrass … Continue reading Good Medicine

As maple sap rises in late winter, we’ll explore some indigenous traditions about trees and maple syrup. john Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children. On … Continue reading “Thanks to the Maple”

A look at sacred cows in Viking myth, Hindu Religion, and the American midwest.john Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children.

When the Indigenous Peoples of Western New York celebrate the Midwinter festival, the gathering begins with a communal thanksgiving to the elements and forces of nature that support life on earth.John Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly … Continue reading The Words That Come Before All

Many religious traditions center on a lifelong struggle against fear and temptation, and even without religion we all strive for a positive sense of self. The struggle can be difficult, but it helps us to develop our strengths, accept our limitations, and understand our role in relation to the world around us.

An exploration of utterances like “bless you” and “excuse me” – should these be classified as prayer, manners or magic? Have their meanings changed over time? And what value do these phrases have in the modern world?