Wenger's review - Book Report/Review Example

The book also aims at explaining the consequences behind the move to accept concepts of religion by the natives. This theme is proven by Wenger’s move to analyze the works of the non-Indians history of the American religion. Prior to the completion of her work, she carried out research on the factors that shaped the religion both political and historical developments. From the sources- books, periodicals and newspapers- she indicates that all forms of religion are secret and contain their own practices that need to be respected.

Wenger (pp.16), argues that her work is chronologically organized so as allow readers grasp the concepts of the entire text. The introductory chapters- on e to three- clearly bring out the background information of 1920s Pueblo Indian Dance Controversy. In these chapters, the conflict between protestants and Catholics is clearly drawn, and the reasons behind the reformation of the church. A case in point is where Wenger aims at coming up with the answers, to what counts as religion and the interests of the Pueblo People.

In Chapter three for instance, Wenger gives an illustration of the move by the Pueblo People to recuperate their land and sovereignty. Yet another example is that of the explanation of the internal and external struggles by the Pueblo People, conflicts between the traditional and progressive groups and struggles based on the federal policies respectively. In the subsequent two chapters, Wenger analyzes the Circular 1665 on Indian Dancing and the move by the government to ban any other forms of worship by the Pueblo People.

The concluding chapter, chapter 6 highlights the changes that have shaped contemporary religion and the freedom of worship for the natives. Analysis of Content Wenger (pp.15) clearly indicates that she aims at differentiating various views that relate to religion and its varying forms. This book is clearly concurs with its theme by giving a full description of the religious practices of the Pueblo Indian people, as well as, the initiatives by the government to suppress the rights and freedom of the native persons.

She clearly indicates that the U.S government and Constitution does not cater for the needs of the natives. From her book, a clear history of US through to the late 1920s is vivid. The best audience of this book would be those persons that are interested the studies of the social, legal and historical background of the Pueblo People. The book would be suitable for the bachelor’s level. Generally, the book is well written and balances all concepts that relate to religion and the Pueblo People.

The purpose of the book is achieved, with the themes effectively organized to come up with a flow that makes it easy to grasp the major themes in the text. Strengths and weaknesses of the book The major strength of Wenger’s work is that it provides readers with an opportunity to have a clear understanding of the varying perspectives regarding the text ranging from individuals to organized groups of persons. This is a clear indication of the fact that Wenger took a great deal of her time to analyze all related concepts, which were later to be complied in her comprehensive book.

Secondly, another major strong point of the book lies in the fact that Wenger brings out the concepts of freedom of worship and secrecy of religion, which in the previous times, was regarded as a taboo and non debatable topic. A practical example is from the fact that, she analyses the beliefs and culture of the Pueblo People, in an attempt to understand their history and what can be described as