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There is a legend from South America that states a man in a white robe walked in either Chile or Peru preaching the same things as the Christ, and at about the same time period as he was in Israel! Some people believe that it was Him!
Jim

I have many Native friends and most of them are Christians. While some hold onto the old ways many have converted to Christianity. My 8th grandfather was John Eliot Apostle to the New England Indians. He was an ancestor from my Dad's side of the family. He is in all of the history books and is especially noted for translating the Bible into the Algonquin language. He had many converts and there is suspicion that some of his children may have married into the tribe. I do know from writings that he especially loved the Native people.

In the beginning, when the white man tried to convert the Indian people, so many of them misled and confused them. I have a book that was edited by Michael Oren Fitzgerald and he compiled many writings from many Native elders, chiefs and warriors. Several of the writings were in regards to the "white man's religion." He quoted Spotted Tail, Brule Lakota as saying the following:

"I am bothered what to believe. Some years ago a good man, as I think, came to us. He talked me out of all my old faith, and after awhile, thinking that he must know more of these matters than an ignorant Indian, I joined his church. and became a Methodist. After awhile he went away, another man came and talked and I became a Presbyterian. Now another one has come, and wants me to be an Episcopalian. All these people tell different stories, and each wants me to believe that his special way is the only way to be good and save my soul. I have about made up my mind that either they all lie, or that they don't know anymore about it than I did at first.I have always believed in the Great Spirit and worshiped him in my own way. These people don't seem to want to change my belief in the Great Spirit, but to change my way of talking to him. White men have education and books, and ought to know exactly what to do, but hardly any two of them agree on what should be done." End of quote.

I also heard that Jesus appeared before many tribes, but there is no account of it that can be verified that I'm aware of. I believe that while Jesus may not have appeared to anyone except those living in the times and area in which He lived, the Bible does say He commanded His disciples to go forth into the world and preach the Good News to all nations. Being that I also believe that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh, nothing is impossible for Him to do, as He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and even stayed with them for awhile before ascending to heaven, so it is possible that the years of his life that were not mentioned in the Bible that He could have been elsewhere, because there are no accounts of him through his adolescent years until he was about 30.

I also believe that many white men might have meant well in trying to convert the Native Americans, but they should have focused on the 'reason' Jesus came here and not all the rules and regulations that so many of them incorporated into their different religions. It is no wonder so many of the ancestors were confused. I enjoy discussing matters like this and of course everyone is free to believe the way they want to and have their own opinions, and as long as arguments don't ensue we should all be able to discuss this intelligently without anyone being offended. Wado for your post.

This is a good discussion indeed. I especially related to CheTan's quote of Spotted Tail, as that sums up what many of my ancestors responses were. Too many ways of worship basically. I also believe that the intentions of Christians were good, however the need for the majority of them to change the "savage or heathens" was destructive. I am not aware of any attempts of the Christains to try and understand the Tribal People and their beliefs and that was the mistake. In order to understand one another we need to listen to each other; and respect and accept the differences.

I strongly believe that all people are striving for the same end, and the values of honesty, decency, respect and peace are values we all want in our journey. I believe Jesus lived as did the Holy People of the Tribes here. He was a Prophet to bring a message from the Creator. The many Tribes of this country all had Holy People ( still do ) who are considered Prophets, Guides, Predictors who have distinct and unique relationship with the Creator. A common universal belief amongst Tribes is the Sacred Circle. This symbol is a meaningful tool, which provides the people a direction in life to journey the good road and it offers lessons in life. ( much like the bible for christians ).

I have Native relatives who are Christians. This is their choice, which I respect and accept. I for one was raised in the old and ancient traditions of my people, and I do my best to carry this forth as I believe that is what my ancestors wanted for us. It is a complex world, because people are complex. Those differences can be harmful as history has shown us. I believe we can live with those differences without harm and fear, but I am an idealist and I am always hopeful with my faith.

Thanks so much for your all your thoughtful responses. I'll be soaking them all in and looking forward to more comments on this subject.

Interesting Subject. Respect for all your thoughts, this I will have to think more on.

There have been many times in history when religion was used to conquer and debase native peoples all over the world. While Christianity has many denominations (and unfortunately there are also some cults that pass themselves off as Christian) most would agree that the most important point is one's own personal relationship with God. I think the modern "Church" (and by that I mean all Christian believers, not a building or denomination) has made a tremendous effort to understand and not condemn people's cultures and languages. The bible says in 1st John 2:9 "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness." When I say I am a Christian I mean I am forgiven, not perfect; born again and endeavoring to live by the Word.

I believe it's whats in the heart and what you feel inside. That all children are God's children. In John 4:24 it states God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.