DRS Friesen

The dawning of the twenty-first century has witnessed a more global philosophical outlook among North Americans. A healthy curiosity has motivated investigations into wider parameters of philosophical thought, including Aboriginal spirituality. This book not only offers an in-depth look at First Nations’ theology, but parallels its key themes with Old Testament Hebraic thought, which comprises the roots of Christianity. The first chapters of the book outline the common tribal histories of North American Aboriginals and Old Testament Jews. Key doctrines central to both Aboriginal and Biblical theology are then compared and contrasted in language readily understood by the layman. These include the doctrine of God, anthropology, epistemology, soteriology, deontology and eschatology. Parallels in the way spiritual leadership is viewed by Aboriginal Peoples, Hebrews, and Christians are drawn, and the final chapter features a special case study of the Stoney (Nakoda Sioux) Nation.  

Calgary writer, Education professor and minister John W. Friesen argues that Native spirituality and Biblical theology actually have a lot in common….Friesen should know — an ordained minister in the All Tribes Presbytry of the All Native Circle Conference in the United Church of Canada, he found himself an active participant in Native ceremonies like the sweatlodge and sweetgrass. Participating in their ceremonies always did something for me spiritually. I went in with an open mind and was always blessed, he says.

–Paula E. Kirman, Prairie Books Now, Summer 2001