Theology in the Raw The Religious History of the Land Now Called "America": Dr. Thomas Tweed
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Jul 3, 2025 Dr. Thomas Tweed, a renowned historian and professor at Notre Dame, explores America's intricate religious landscape. He discusses the ancient religious practices uncovered through archaeology, revealing complex belief systems of indigenous cultures. Tweed addresses the biases of written history against the objective insights of artifacts. The conversation also touches on the cultural clashes during colonization and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices for reconciliation. Finally, he reflects on the ideals of independence alongside the critical examination of American history.
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Earliest American Religious Evidence
- The earliest evidence of religion in the Americas dates to about 11,000 years ago in central Texas at the Horn Shelter site.
- Ritual burials there indicate shamanistic practices and a careful commemoration of revered individuals.
Ancient Human Arrival in Americas
- Humans were present across the Americas by at least 13,000 years ago, with footprints dating back as early as 22,000 years ago.
- Migration likely followed a Pacific coastal route rather than just the Beringian land bridge ice corridor.
Shift from Foraging to Farming Religion
- Early religious practices among foraging communities centered on mobile ritual spaces related to birth, death, and communal celebrations.
- The shift to farming enabled sedentary ritual centers and priests overseeing ceremonies tied to crops and fertility.