CONCEPT
Religion was one of the driving forces behind much of Idaho's settlement.
Religious settlers faced unique challenges and discrimination as they
tried to find their place in the state. Religious Settlers looks
at their stories and the role of religion in Idaho's history today.
STUDENT OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES
After viewing Religious Settlers, students will be able to:
- Understand why religion played an important role in the development
of Idaho's history.
- Understand why certain religious settlers came into conflict with
other settlers and how that changed the course of Idaho history.
- Understand what some religious groups are contributing to today's
society.
- Be aware of the diversity of religion in Idaho, including the idea
of a "church of nature."
VIDEO SUMMARY
The
Mission of the Sacred Heart at Cataldo is the oldest standing building
in Idaho, an appropriate place to begin exploring Religious Settlers.
The host, Phyllis Edmondson, tells students that religion played an important
part in the development of the state.
The video continues with the Native American story of the vision of the
Black Robes and the first missionaries in the state, the Whitmans and
the Spauldings. About the same time, Father Pierre Jean De Smet founded
the mission at Cataldo. The video looks at De Smet's work and the expansion
of religion into the Boise basin.
The video explores the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints in Idaho, and how the conflicts between Mormons and non Mormons,
especially the issue of polygamy, shaped the state's history.
Religious organizations are making a positive contribution to the world
and the video shows a few examples. It also reviews the decline of membership
in organized religion and the number of Idahoans who take part in the
"Church of Nature" as described by Bishop Sylvester Treinen.
PREPARATION EXERCISES
(Before Viewing)
- Have students list some religious reasons why people came to Idaho.
- Locate on an Idaho map various missions and communities founded by
religious groups.
- Prepare a list of all the different religions found in Idaho.
QUESTIONS FROM VIDEO
(During Viewing)
- Can you imagine never seeing a book or newspaper before or never
being able to write anything down?
VOCABULARY
Mission - A place where missionaries work
Missionary - A person whose job it is to teach religious
beliefs
Polygamy - Having more than one wife
Test Oath - A statement an individual must agree to before
being allowed to vote
Vision - A dream of what may be the future
FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONS
(After Viewing)
- Why would Native Americans be interested in learning more about the
religion of the white people? Why would missionaries want to settle in Idaho?
- How did the coming of missionaries affect the lives of Native Americans?
- Why did Mormons face discrimination in the early history of Idaho?
- What is the "Church of Nature" that Bishop Treinen talked
about?
- Why do religious settlers of today reach out to help others?
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
- Make a list of ways religious groups make the world better, i.e.,
encourage music, help the needy, etc.
- Discuss why religious groups faced discrimination. Discuss why others,
i.e., minorities, seniors, women, faced discrimination.
- Have students research and write a report about life at a mission.
- Have students volunteer some time to help someone else in need.
SPECIAL PROJECT
Color a Stained Glass Window.
Select one of the symbols of Idaho and draw it on the window or create
something entirely different.
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