Themes

In Joe Leaphorn's universe, there would appear to be no absolute truth. Religious beliefs that appear not only conflicting, but actually contradictory, are all considered equally valid. Father Ingles, a Catholic missionary priest of the Order of Saint Francis, can therefore speak with some authority on the subject of Zuni religious beliefs, and compare them accurately to Navajo beliefs, without appearing to condemn either system—which would appear to be in direct opposition to his own Catholic doctrine. Leaphorn, a Navajo, can learn about George Bowleg's desire to leave behind his Navajo culture for the Zuni tradition without any negative reaction—such matters are individual choices, regardless of the fact that it is Leaphorn's own chosen system that Bowlegs is rejecting. Leaphorn, in fact, treats religion almost dismissively at times, although he certainly believes some of the Navajo tradition himself. He is willing, for example, to...