Native American groups were aware of the region’s dramatic features. Since the national park’s creation, other faiths have also been inspired by its beauty, from Christians to New Age groups.
- Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Rhodes College
On Flag Day, a historian of religions in America explains how the Pledge of Allegiance, which honors the American flag, is part of American civil religion.
Though progressive politics at the turn of the 20th century called for the protection of America’s national parks, it did so for the enjoyment of white people.
The idea of Manifest Destiny inspired Americans to push west, leading to the creation of the first national parks. But those beliefs spelled removal for many Native American groups.
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