7. The Holy People in Navajo sacred narratives do not act as _____ when they teach; it is as often by what they do wrong as by what they do right.
Answer: D
The Holy People in Navajo sacred narratives do not act as paragons when they teach.
In Navajo sacred narratives, the Holy People serve as complex figures who impart lessons through both their mistakes and successes, rather than embodying idealized moral perfection.
A) agents
While the Holy People can be seen as agents of teaching, they do not strictly conform to a role that only involves delivering messages or directives. Their actions illustrate that learning can occur through a spectrum of experiences, not just through ideal behavior.
B) arbiters
The term arbiters suggests a role of judgment or decision-making, which does not fully encapsulate the teaching method of the Holy People. They influence understanding through relatable narratives rather than through a formal adjudicative process.
C) defenders
Defenders imply a role that would protect or uphold certain ideals. However, the teachings of the Holy People include their own failures, indicating that they do not merely defend an infallible standard but rather reflect on their shortcomings.
D) paragons
The Holy People do not act as paragons because they do not represent flawless models of behavior. Instead, their teachings often stem from their imperfections, suggesting that wisdom can arise from failure as well as success.
E) ethicists
Although the Holy People convey ethical lessons, the term ethicists implies a structured and formal approach to morality. Their teachings are more nuanced and diverse, showcasing a broader range of human experience rather than strict ethical guidelines.
F) exemplars
Exemplars would suggest that the Holy People are perfect examples to be followed. However, their narratives reveal that they learn and grow from their mistakes, indicating that they do not serve solely as flawless role models.
Conclusion
The Holy People in Navajo sacred narratives are not paragons because they teach valuable lessons through their imperfections, demonstrating that moral guidance can emerge from both successes and failures. All other options fail to grasp the essence of their role, which is grounded in the complexity of human experience rather than an unattainable ideal.