Tells the story of Hopi religious life. This book attempts to honor and do justice to the way in which the Hopi embody religious meaning through the living of their lives. It also includes material on shamanism, death, witchcraft, myth, tricksters, and kachina initiations.

"Religion and Hopi Life" tells the story of Hopi religious life in a way that makes sense to both Hopis and outsiders. In his interpretation of Hopi religion, John D. Loftin does not subject religious meaning to secular analysis. While not the Hopi's own story, his account attempts to honor and do justice to the way in which the Hopi embody religious meaning through the living of their lives. The second edition of this highly praised book keeps scholarly debates and theories to a minimum, except when they help illuminate the understanding of Hopi religious orientation and worldview. Several important studies of the Hopi have emerged since the book's first publication, and their findings have been incorporated.The book also includes new material on shamanism, death, witchcraft, myth, tricksters, and kachina initiations. This updated edition incorporates other minor corrections and additions to the text, and revises and expands the footnotes and the annotated bibliography. John D. Loftin is a lawyer and has taught at Elon University, Guilford College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Preface to the Second EditionIntroductionPart I. Work and RitualOne. A Religious Practicality
Two. A Sacred Society
Three. The Utility of Prayer Part II. Dominance and ReligionFour. Contact and Change
Five. Compartmentalization and Prophecy
Six. Sacred and HumanPostscript, 2003Notes
Annotated Bibliography
Index of Hopi Terms
Subject and Name Index