A Biblical Look at Native Spiritualism

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“… Before his conversion, Cliff was actively seeking spiritual truth in other religions including Native spirituality. His own experience as well as his many hours of research have helped make this material extensive and detailed, with straightforward Biblical answers throughout.”      Rev. Garry Engler

 

“There are very few books on the market today that look at Native spirituality from a Christian perspective. Cliff Schaefer has written one of them. As a Native that has been brought up in the fear and confusion of Native religion and as a Native that has been saved and set free by the blood of Christ, he is well qualified. It seems that Native people have an unusual ability to see into the spirit world – things such as feathers and dream catchers have great significance. This is not fear or ignorant superstition, but rather an ability to see into the realm of angels and demons that God has created. Jesus is not the “White man’s God” as some would say, but rather “God”. Cliff points the only way to God through Jesus Christ. This book should be read by both Christian and non-Christian alike.”      Jim Forsyth

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Every culture in the world is experiencing a revival of their old spiritual beliefs and thus turning away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some who read this document will have the saving truth revealed to them, others will be set free from the oppression and fear that Native Spiritualism so often brings, and others will only harden their hearts. In John 8:31, 32 Jesus was talking to the Jews who believed Him. He said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The teachings of Jesus are available to the gentiles (us) today as they have been for nearly 2,000 years and that same truth is still setting people free. Free from sin and everlasting hellfire, free from fear and free from demonic possession & oppression.

 

Many Native people have turned to Native Religion as a means of getting in touch with their roots or because of deep hurts that they have received in the past at the hands of one religious organization or another. We’ve all heard the horror stories about the residential schools. It’s in places like these that Native people have received a distorted view of Christianity. This is also where they have learned to hate Christianity with a passion.

 

Some church organizations have compromised the Gospel of Jesus Christ by accepting all that Native Spirituality has to offer. Don’t be led astray! 1 John 3:7a says, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.” People need to realize that in this day and age not all churches do what is good and righteous in the sight of God. There is no compromising the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. I can’t emphasize this point enough.

 

In this document I’m going to compare God’s Word and some aspects of Native Spiritualism. Hopefully it will inspire someone to seek out the truth. In Luke 11:9, 10 Jesus says "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” If you have been involved or are currently involved (partly or fully) in Native Spiritualism, then I would strongly encourage you to keep reading this document because Satan doesn’t want you to read this. If you become “born again” then Satan and His demons will no longer have control over your life and you will inherit all the blessings and promises that God has for you. 

 

 

DEFINITIONS:

1. Animism: (àn¹e-mîz´em) noun

1. The attribution of conscious life to natural objects or to nature itself.

2. The belief in the existence of spiritual beings that are separable or separate from      bodies.

3. The hypothesis holding that an immaterial force animates the universe.

2. Chant: (chànt) noun

    1.    Music:

1. A short, simple melody in which a number of syllables or words are sung on or intoned to the same note.

2. A canticle or prayer sung or intoned in this manner.

3. A song or melody.

verb: chant-ed, chant-ing, chants verb, transitive
Music: To sing or intone to a chant: chant a prayer.

verb: intransitive
To speak monotonously.

3. Culture:

the civilization of a given people or nation at a given time; it’s customs, arts, conveniences, etc.

4. Cult:

By its primary dictionary definition, the term cult means a system of religious beliefs or rituals. It is based on a farming term in Latin meaning cultivation. Sociologists and anthropologists sometimes use the term cult to describe religious structure or belief patterns with meanings (usually non-pejorative) unique to their disciplines. In modern usage, the term cult is often used by the general public to describe any religious group they view as strange or dangerous. Thus, cult can describe religious leaders or organizations that employ abusive, manipulative, or illegal control over their followers’ lives. In addition to these usages, Christians generally have a doctrinal component to their use of the word. Cult in this sense, is a counterfeit or serious deviation from the doctrines of classical Christianity. Watchman Fellowship usually uses the term cult with a Christian or doctrinal definition in mind. In  most cases the group claims to be Christian, but because of their aberrant beliefs on central doctrines of the faith (God, Jesus, and salvation), the organization is not considered by Watchman Fellowship to be part of orthodox, biblical Christianity.

5. Curse: (kûrs) noun

1.  An appeal or prayer for evil or misfortune to befall someone or something.

2.  The evil or misfortune that comes in or as if in response to such an appeal: bewailed the curse of ill health.

6. Deity: (dê¹î-tê) noun  plural de-i-ties

1. A god or goddess.

2. The essential nature or condition of being a god; divinity.

Deity–God. Used with the
7. Demonic:

1. of evil spirits; caused by evil spirits

2. influenced by a guiding spirit; inspired

8. Demon:

1. an evil spirit; devil; fiend

2. a very wicked or cruel person

3. an evil influence: the demon of greed ruined the misers happiness

4. an attendant or guiding spirit

5. a person who has great energy or vigor

6. in Greek mythology, an inferior or minor god; in Christian writings an evil                 spirit .

9. Familiar: ‘owb {obe} {Hebrew}

1. one who evokes the dead

2. one that has a familiar spirit

10. Familiar:

1. companion

2. a spirit held to attend and serve or guard a person

11. Fetish: (feht´ihsh)

A Fetish is an inanimate object believed to possess some magical power. The fetish may be a natural thing, such as a stone, a feather, a shell, or the claw of an animal, or it may be artificial, such as carvings in wood. The power of the fetish is thought to derive its efficacy from one of two sources. In some cases the object is said to have a will of its own; in others the source of power comes from the belief that a god dwells within the object and has transformed it into an instrument of his desires. Closely related to the idea of the power of a fetish is the notion of taboo. Here the power within the fetish is thought to be so strong that it is extremely dangerous and may be handled only by special individuals, if at all. Any object of irrational or superstitious devotion may be called a fetish.

12. Hardness of the Heart:

A stubborn attitude that leads a person to reject God’s will. The Bible speaks of the attitude both as stemming from the human heart and from God’s action.

13. Heaven: (hèv¹en) noun

2. a. Often Heaven. The abode of God, the angels, and the souls of those who are granted salvation.

    b. An eternal state of communion with God; everlasting bliss.

14. Homage: (hòm¹îj, òm¹-) noun

2. Special honor or respect shown or expressed publicly.

15. Invocation: (în´ve-kâ¹shen) noun

1. The act or an instance of invoking, especially an appeal to a higher power for assistance.

2. A prayer or other formula used in invoking, as at the opening of a religious service.

3. a. The act of conjuring up a spirit by incantation. b. An incantation used in conjuring.

16. Magic: (màj¹îk) noun

1. The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural.

2. a. The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature.  b. The charms, spells, and                rituals so used.

17. Medicine man: noun

1. A shaman, especially a Native American shaman.

2. A hawker of brews and potions among the audience in a medicine show.

18. Native American Spirituality:

The religious beliefs, practices and rituals associated with Native Americans. Early Native American beliefs, though diverse, often shared common religious ideas. Many believed in a "Great Spirit," that nature in all of its forms possessed spirits, and that all life was interconnected. Seasons and moons often were viewed as marking times of evocation for spirits and prosperity. New Age beliefs have been promoting a revival of Native American spirituality seeing obvious parallels with their views. 

19. Necromancer: darash {daw-rash’} {Hebrew}

To resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require

1a2b – of heathen gods, necromancers

20. Necromancy: (nèk¹re-màn´sê) noun

1. The practice of supposedly communicating with the spirits of the dead in order       to predict the future.

2. Black magic; sorcery.

21. New Age:

New Age is a recent and developing belief system in North America encompassing thousands of autonomous (and sometime contradictory) beliefs, organizations, and events. Generally the New Age borrows its theology from pantheistic Eastern religions and its practices from 19th century Western occultism. The term "New Age" is used herein as an umbrella term to describe organizations which seem to exhibit one or more of the following beliefs: (1) All is one, all reality is part of the whole; (2) Everything is God and God is everything; (3) Man is God or a part of God; (4) Man never dies, but continues to live through reincarnation; (5) Man can create his own reality and/or values through transformed consciousness or altered states of consciousness.

22. Occult:

The term, "occult" come from the Latin occultus or "hidden." Generally the word is used of secret or mysterious supernatural powers or magical, religious rituals. The word "occult" in this publication is used to describe any attempt to gain supernatural power or knowledge apart from the God of the Bible. Generally it refers to witchcraft, satanism, neo-paganism, or various forms of Psychic discernment (astrology, séances, palm reading, etc.).

23. Offer: (ô¹fer, òf¹er) verb  of×fered, of×fer×ing, of×fers verb, transitive

To present as an act of worship: offer up prayers.

24. Oppression: (e-prèsh¹en) noun

 3. A feeling of being heavily weighed down in mind or body.

25. Pan- prefix:

      2. Pan-. Involving all of or the union of a specified group: Pan-Hellenic.

26. Possession: (pe-zèsh¹en) noun Abbr. poss.

7. The state of being dominated by or as if by evil spirits or by an obsession.

27. Potion: (po¹shen) noun

 liquid dose, especially one of medicinal, magic, or poisonous content.

28. Prophet:

Reception and declaration of a word from the Lord through a direct prompting of the Holy Spirit and the human instrument thereof.

29. Propitiation: (pro-pîsh´ê-â¹shen) noun

1. The act of propitiating.

2. Something that propitiates, especially a conciliatory offering to a god.

30. Shaman: (shä¹men, shâ¹-) noun

A member of certain tribal societies who acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible spirit world and who practices magic or sorcery for purposes of healing, divination, and control over natural events.

31. Sorcery: (sôr¹se-rê) noun

Use of supernatural power over others through the assistance of spirits; witchcraft.

32. Sorcerer: magos: {mag’- os} {Greek}

1a. – the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians, and others  to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters        of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers, etc.

1c – a false prophet and sorcerer

33. Sorcerer:

a man who supposedly practices magic with the aid of evil spirits; magician

34. Spiritualism: (spîr¹î-ch¡-e-lîz´em) noun

1.  a. The belief that the dead communicate with the living, as through a   medium.

         The practices or doctrines of those holding such a belief.

35.  Spiritism:

Specifically the belief found in many primitive Cultures that inanimate objects, plants and/or animals are possessed by spirits (good or evil) which must be appeased through Occult practices. More generally, the term can refer to any alleged contact with spirits through Occult techniques

36. syncretism: (sîng¹krî-tîz´em, sîn¹-) noun

1. Reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous.

2. Linguistics. The merging of two or more originally different inflectional forms.

37. Traditionalism: (tre-dîsh¹e-ne-lîz´em) noun

Adherence to tradition, especially in cultural or religious practice.

38. Witchcraft: (wîch¹kràft´) noun

1. Magic; sorcery.

2. Wicca.

3. A magical or irresistible influence, attraction, or charm.

39. Wizard: yidd@‘oniy {yid-deh-o-nee’} {Hebrew}

1. a knower of all, one who has a familiar spirit

2. a familiar spirit, soothsayer, necromancer (meton)

40. Wizard: (wîz¹erd) noun

One who practices magic; a sorcerer or magician.

41. Worship: (wûr¹shîp) noun

1. a. The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred                   object. 

     b. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love                    is  expressed.

1. To participate in religious rites of worship.

2. To perform an act of worship.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HOLY?¹

“A characteristic unique to God’s nature which becomes the goal for human moral character. The idea of "holy" is important for an understanding of God, of worship, and of the people of God in the Bible. Holy has four distinct meanings. First is "to be set apart." This applies to places where God is present, like the Temple and the tabernacle, and to things and persons related to those holy places or to God Himself. Next, it means to be "perfect, transcendent, or spiritually pure, evoking adoration and reverence." This applies primarily to God, but secondarily to saints or godly people. Next, it means something or someone who evokes "veneration or awe, being frightening beyond belief." This is clearly the application to God and is the primary meaning of "holy." It is continued in the last definition, "filled with superhuman and potential fatal power." This speaks of God, but also of places or things or persons which have been set apart by God’s presence. A saint is a holy person. To be sanctified is to be made holy.”

WHAT IS A SAINT?²

A saint is simply someone who asks Jesus to forgive them of sin and who names Jesus as Lord. In the Book of Revelation, however, where the word saints, occurs more times than in any other single book (13 times), the meaning is further defined. Saints not only name Jesus as Lord, but they are faithful and true witnesses for Jesus.

WHAT IS PAN INDIANISM?³

“Pan Indianism is a recent and growing movement which encourages a return to traditional beliefs, and seeks to create a common Native religion.” 

WHAT IS A BORN AGAIN INDIAN?⁴

A born again Indian is an individual who is new to Indian ways and beliefs. They are usually pretty zealous to learn about the old spiritual ways and tend to be angry about past histories. They tend to look upon Christianity as the white man’s way of controlling people. (This isn’t referring to an Indian who becomes a “Born Again Christian.”) Note: Born Again Indians can also be non-Native.

WHAT ARE MEDICINE PEOPLE?⁵

Spiritual leader, group leader, Medicine man, Medicine person, and Medicine woman are some of the names given to medicine people. These people are much more than just priestly healers. The can best be defined as priest, physician (healer), astrologer, seer (one who sees or predicts events of the future), interpreter of dreams, sorcerer, shaman, wizard, wise man, teacher, necromancer, a knower (possessing confidential information), and one who has a familiar spirit.

WILL MEDICINE PEOPLE GO TO HEAVEN?⁶

Revelation 22:15 says, “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

Romans 1:25 says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen.”

The scriptures are clear on this matter. These people will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

WHAT DO MEDICINE PEOPLE DO?⁷

Medicine people instruct others in the old Native spiritual ways. They make love potions. They make potions and perform certain rituals for good luck in gambling, hunting and trapping. They also cast spells and perform certain rituals to cast on someone to have bad luck in gambling, hunting and trapping. They make potions and perform certain rituals to be cast against someone to make them ill, to kill, to cripple or injure. They call upon the spirits and send them against someone to cause fear and anxiety. They call upon the spirits for healing. They make potions to cure diseases. They create medicine bags for individuals for protection from evil spirits. They create medicine bags to give the individual physical power as well as political power. They call on familiar spirits to foretell the future. They call upon the spirits for every need and situation that confronts them. (NOTE: Some of the things mentioned above do not apply to all medicine people)

All the ceremonies that the Medicine people do are accompanied by chanting, drumming, dancing and the pipe ceremony or any combination of these. The drumming ,chanting, dancing and pipe ceremony are used to call upon the spirits.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO PRACTICE MAGIC ARTS?⁸

In Revelation 21:8 it tells us that the “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

ARE THERE GOOD MEDICINE PEOPLE?⁹

Not all Medicine people practice sending curses or doing evil against their fellow man. Some actually stick to the healing side of Native Spiritualism. These people often mix Christianity with their cures and pray in the name of Jesus. However, if these people use charms, call upon animal spirits, or use spells for the cure of diseases and illnesses, then they are offensive to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). However one must be careful in this day and age. 2 Timothy 3:12,13 says “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” And in Matthew 7:15 we read "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves”

DO WE NEED TO GO TO A MEDICINE PERSON FOR HEALING?¹⁰

No! There is healing in the name of Jesus. In the Book of Acts the Apostles Peter and John encountered a man by the well called “beautiful” who had been crippled from birth. We read in Acts 3:6 Peter said "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." And in Acts 3:7 we read “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.”

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN POTIONS OR MEDICINE BAGS?¹¹

Different combinations of these items are used to create medicine bags and potions. Medicine people use feathers from many types of birds (the eagle being the most important), bear claws, bear gall, otter nose, fish gall, different animal bones, intestines, fat, skulls and fur, bats, fresh water clams, dried birds, frogs, snakes, turtles, many different plants and herb’s, many different roots, bark from willows and trees, dried dog feces, certain rocks and salt. These are just a few that are known. There are other ingredients that are kept very secret and known only to the most powerful of Medicine people.

WHAT IS A MEDICINE BUNDLE?¹²

“Medicine Bundles were the focus of most Plains Indian rituals. A bundle might be a few feathers wrapped in skin or a multitude of objects such as animal skins, roots, or stone pipes inside a rawhide bag. Every article had significance and called for a special song whenever its owner exposed it to light. Songs and a sacred myth belonged to the bundle itself. Fixed rules of inheritance governed the sale of a particular bundle. Formal transfer was a solemn ceremony and the new owner had to learn the significance of all objects in the bundle, details of visions to which they owed their origins, and songs that established their validity. Feasts were given for bundles by both owners and non-owners.” 

DO WE NEED POTIONS, MEDICINE BAGS AND MEDICINE BUNDLES?¹³

No! We don’t need potions or medicine bags for protection, strength, or anything else. As followers of Jesus we get our protection from Him. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says “But the Lord (Jesus) is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

WHAT ARE FLAGS?¹⁴

Flags are 2 square meters of 100% cotton which the Medicine person prays over in a pipe ceremony and then are placed in trees in secluded out of the way places as an offering to the spirits, for healing, for good luck or to put a curse on someone. Before the white traders came to this country, tanned hides were used. Flags come in four major colors. Blue, Red, White, and Black. Each color represents one of the four thunders. Each thunder represents one of the four directions.

DO WE NEED TO USE FLAGS AS AN OFFERING?¹⁵

No! In Romans 12:1 the scriptures tell us to “to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS CURSES ARE PUT ON PEOPLE?¹⁶

Medicine people can put a curse on someone by speaking to the intended victim, by staring, by touching or brushing up against the victim, by taking a personal effect or hair and praying over them, by hanging flags, by putting raven feathers and medicine bags on your property or in your house. Sometimes innocent bystanders are cursed by getting in the way of a curse being cast.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE PUTS A CURSE ON YOU?¹⁷

James 4:7 tells us to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” As Christians we have the power of Jesus Christ to break the bonds of oppression which curses may bring. We don’t have that power unless we accept Jesus into our hearts and lives. It is so important that we take up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) on a daily basis so that we don’t become oppressed. God’s Word tells us that we are His children, and that His Spirit dwells within us and is greater and more mighty then men or devils that dwell in the world (1 John 4:4).

HOW DO MEDICINE PEOPLE CLEANSE THEMSELVES SPIRITUALLY?¹⁸

Medicine people use a variety of things to cleanse themselves spiritually. They may use sweet grass, sage, pine needles, the stalks of a variety of grass called “Raven Stick”, fungus growths that are found on rotting stumps and kenekenik (dried red willow bark). They light one or more of these ingredients and bathe themselves in the smoke.

WHY DO THEY DO THIS CEREMONY?¹⁹

They do this ceremony for three reasons;

1. To remove any bad spirits that have become attached to them.

2. For spiritual protection against bad spirits.

3. As an offering to the Creator. Medicine people also use the sweat lodge ceremony to spiritually cleanse themselves.

HOW CAN WE DEAL WITH DEMON OPPRESSION AND POSSESSION (BAD SPIRITS)?²⁰

We can bind and rebuke, and cast them out in the mighty name of Jesus (only works if we become a “Born Again Christian.”)

Matthew 7:22 “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?”

Jesus gave these instructions to His apostles in Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

Demons flee when commanded to “go in the name of Jesus.” Mark 9:38,39 "’Teacher,’ said John, ‘we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said. ‘No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me,’"

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES AGAINST DEMONIC ATTACK (BAD SPIRITS?²¹

Once we become “Born Again” we can protect ourselves by putting on the whole armor of God

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:11-18

WHAT KIND OF AN OFFERING ARE WE SUPPOSED TO MAKE TO GOD (CREATOR)²²

Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

HOW CAN WE BECOME SPIRITUALLY CLEAN?²³

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Meaning that when we accept Christ as Lord of our lives all our sins of the past are forgiven and wiped away and we become a new creation. We become holy in the sight of God and therefore we are able to enter into His very presence when we pray. If we should happen to sin after we have accepted Christ we can continue to cleanse ourselves from sin by asking God to forgive us in the name of Jesus.

1 John 1:9 tell us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus is the way to the Father and the Father hears our prayers only when we have been cleansed from all sin and unrighteousness. In John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

WHAT ARE THE SWEAT LODGE CEREMONIES USED FOR?²⁴

The sweat lodge ceremonies are used in a variety of different ways. They can be used to heal the sick, to receive a new name, to be cleansed spiritually or used as an offering to the spirits. These ceremonies are done in total darkness. The Medicine person chants and prays repetitious prayers and animal spirits are called upon. The pipe ceremony usually accompanies the sweat lodge ceremony.

WHAT DOES A SWEAT LODGE LOOK LIKE?²⁵

“A sweat lodge is typically a small structure made of a frame of saplings, covered with skins, canvas or blanket. A depression is dug in the centre into which hot rocks are positioned. Water is thrown on the rocks to create steam. A small flap opening is used to regulate the temperature. As many as a dozen people can be accommodated in some lodges.”

DO WE NEED TO GO TO A SWEAT LODGE TO HEAL THE SICK?²⁶

No! By faith in the name of Jesus, people are healed. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that bring healing to the sick (Acts 3:16). By this same faith in the name of Jesus are demons cast out and strongholds destroyed. Isaiah 53:5 “by His stripes we are healed.”

DO WE NEED TO GO TO THE SWEAT LODGE TO RECEIVE A NEW NAME²⁷

No! Jesus will give us a new name. In Revelations 2:17 it says “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”

DO WE NEED TO GO TO A SWEAT LODGE TO BECOME CLEANSED SPIRITUALLY?²⁸

No! 1 John 1:9 tell us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

DO WE NEED TO GO TO A SWEAT LODGE AS AN OFFERING TO THE SPIRITS?²⁹

No! Ephesians 5:20 says “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Always offer up praises of thanksgiving to God the Father for all things that we receive and give thanks in the mighty name of Jesus.

WHAT ELSE HAPPENS IN THE SWEAT LODGE?³⁰

“Spirits may be encouraged to occupy the Shaman’s body during public lodge ceremonies. Drum beating and chanting aid this process. The spirits are then asked to depart and perform the needed acts. Other times, Shamans enter into a trance and traverse the underworld or go great distances in this world to seek lost possessions or healing.”

SHOULD WE SEEK OUT MEDICINE PEOPLE FOR HELP³¹

No! 1 Samuel 28:7 says “Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.” (KJV) We read in 1 Chronicles 10:13 that one of the reasons that king Saul paid with his life was because he sought out a person who had a “familiar spirit.” “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;” (KJV)

1 Timothy 4:1 says “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

God has given us clear instruction not to seek the aid of people who are in touch with spirits (and that would include any Medicine person). Seeing into the future, talking to the dead, are not of God and the knowledge to do these things come from the teachings of the demons.

WHAT IS THE DRUM USED FOR?³²

If a person is sick the drum is used to call upon the spirits for healing. If a person is well the drum is beaten to ask the spirits for continued good health. If the hunting is good the drum is beaten to offer thanks to the spirits. If someone dies the drum is beaten to prevent the spirit of the departed from returning to torment the living. The drum is a spiritual tool (which is dedicated and consecrated), used to call upon the spirits for whatever the need may be. It’s believed that the drum, when beaten, represents the heartbeat of  “Mother Earth.”

WHO ARE WE SUPPOSED TO CALL UPON TO FULFILL OUR NEEDS³³

If a person is sick we call upon the name of Jesus for healing in His name. We pray to God the Father and ask Him for continued health in the name of Jesus. We give thanks to God the Father in the name of Jesus if the hunting is good. If a Christian dies, we know he or she is with Jesus.

WHAT ARE SONGS AND CHANTS USED FOR?³⁴

Every time the spirits granted power to someone they would also give the individual a new song (chant). When the power was being used, the individual would chant this new song. Songs are usually given in a vision. The new song belonged to the one who had the vision and could not be sung by anyone else unless the right had been transferred. Certain secular songs could be sung by anyone such as those used in gambling, secular dancing, and in distributing gifts. Songs are the means of proving that past contact had been made with the spirits. Songs are used for calling and making present contact with them. Songs are used for healing, war, secular dancing, gambling, distributing gifts, casting spells or curses, and in any serious undertaking.

WHAT SONG DO WE SING?³⁵

Psalms 40:3,4 says “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.”

WHAT SONG WILL WE SING?³⁶

Revelation 14:3 “And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.”

HOW DO MEDICINE PEOPLE PRAY?³⁷

A major part of every ceremony is devoted to speaking to the spirits. Prayers are lengthy, repetitious and detailed. Those calling on the spirits would call their attention to certain circumstances and would say or imply that the spirits are obligated to do as they were told.

DO WE NEED TO GO TO MEDICINE PEOPLE FOR PRAYER?³⁸

No! In Leviticus 19:31 it says "’Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”

SHOULD OUR PRAYERS BE REPEATED OVER AND OVER AGAIN DURING OUR PRAYER TIME?³⁹

Matthew 6:7 says “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (KJV)

WHAT KIND OF OFFERINGS DO MEDICINE PEOPLE USE?⁴⁰

There are many different things that are offered to the spirits. Here are some of the known ones. Tobacco, pipe offering, whiskey, pieces of trade cloth one meter square (flags), willow sticks pointed on one end and painted (usually strung together with a sinew cord in a bundle of one hundred), guns, clothing, money, pieces of skin cut from the arms and thighs, a finger hacked off at the joint, sweet grass, food, self torture such as hanging from a pole in the center of a sun dance lodge (hanging from ropes attached to bones inserted into the chest or back muscles), and dog sacrifices. All offerings are consecrated (to make or declare sacred) before being given. A preliminary pipe is smoked and held toward the power to whom the offering is made. The purpose of the offering is to secure health, wealth, success against an advisory, political power, to fulfill a promise previously given, or to enforce a curse. The purpose of the offering is repeated over and over.

WHAT IS "PAYING THE EARTH?”⁴¹

Whenever Native spiritualists are about to go out on the land to hunt or if they should take anything from the ground (roots, plants, herb’s) they make an offering to “Mother Earth” which is known as “paying the earth.” The offering is usually tobacco.

WHAT IS "PAYING THE WATER?”⁴²

Native spiritualists often make an offering to the spirit of the water when traveling by boat. They ask for a safe journey and toss money, food, or tobacco, or rifle bullets, into the water before the journey starts. This is called “paying the water.”

WHAT IS "PAYING THE FIRE?”⁴³

When a hunt is successful, pieces of choice meats (and or fat), are burnt as an offering giving thanks to the spirits for a good hunt.

When feasts are held, an offering of food is gathered from each individual attending the feast to “pay the fire.” It’s burnt as an offering to the spirits.

DO WE NEED TO MAKE MATERIAL OFFERINGS?⁴⁴

No! We are under a new covenant. In Hebrews 9:15 “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance–now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”

SHOULD WE CUT OURSELVES AND MARK OUR BODIES?⁴⁵

Leviticus 19:28 says "’Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” Should we make sacrifices and offerings of this sort?

1 Corinthians 10:20 says “No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.”

WHAT KING OF OFFERINGS SHOULD WE MAKE?⁴⁶

In Romans 12:1 the scriptures tell us to “to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Hebrews 13:15 says “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

1 Peter 2:5 says “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

God isn’t concerned with offerings of material, smoke or flesh of any kind. He wants us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to Him, and if we do His will, God will hear our prayers and pour out His blessings upon us.

WHAT ARE THUNDER SPIRITS?⁴⁷

Thunder spirit powers are called upon more than any other power and is a multiple power residing in the four directions. Each direction is associated with a different color and cloth (flags) of that color are offered to the thunderers. The chief of the thunders resides above, to the east is the red thunder, to the south is the white thunder, to the west is blue thunder, to the north is black thunder. Each direction also has a different animal spirit. Each of the four directions also have a special meaning associated with it. They are as follows;

EAST – The place of new beginnings, rebirth, childhood, new light.

SOUTH – The place of youth, of action, the place habitual thinking seeks embodiment.

WEST – The darkening place, the place of the bear, where self evaluation is carried out, the place of the vision quest.

NORTH – The place of wisdom, clear knowledge of self, the place of Elder hood where lessons learned become clear, the jumping off into the spirit world place.

HOW DO WE HAVE A NEW BEGINNING?⁴⁸

When we become Born Again Believers in Christ Jesus.

HOW SHOULD WE THINK?⁴⁹

In Romans 12:2 It tells us “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

HOW SHOULD WE EVALUATE OURSELVES?⁵⁰

By Bible standards.

HOW DO WE ENTER THE SUPERNATURAL REALM?⁵¹

1. By accepting Jesus into our life.

2. By reading the Bible, these words are life.

(Note: The four directions could mean other things depending on what teaching is being followed.)

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THESE AND OTHER SPIRITS?⁵²

Timothy 4:1 it tells us that “The (Holy) Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."

DO MEDICINE PEOPLE RECEIVE AN OFFERING?⁵³

Medicine people are always paid with money or gifts. The more money and the more expensive the gift, then all the more powerful the medicine will be. The strength of the medicine depends on how good the gift is. 

WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD SAY ABOUT GREED?⁵⁴

In Romans 1:29-32 it says “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

Ephesians 5:3 says “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”

HOW IS MEDICINE POWER PASSED ON?⁵⁵

When the medicine person dies, his or her power is passed unto his apprentice. That power may also be passed onto a family member knowingly or unknowingly.

DO MEDICINE PEOPLE KNOW THE POWER OF GOD?⁵⁶

Either they don’t or they deny it. Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God."

HOW CAN WE HAVE THE POWER OF GOD IN OUR LIVES?⁵⁷

All we have to do is believe in Jesus. In Romans 1:16 Paul the Apostle said “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

WHAT IS PEYOTE?⁵⁸

Peyote (pâ-otê) also peyotl (-otl) noun

“1. A spineless, dome-shaped cactus (Lophophora williamsii) Native to Mexico and the southwest United States, having button-like tubercles that are chewed fresh or dry as a narcotic drug by certain Native American peoples. Also called mescal.”

WHAT IS THE NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH?⁵⁹

“Native American Church, religious cult of NAVAHO and others, blending Christian fundamentalism with peyotism, a Native American religion that began (c.1890) among KIOWA and honored PEYOTE as a sacramental food. Peyotists of many tribes founded the Native American Church in 1918. The Navaho Tribal Council banned it in 1940 as a threat to both Native Navaho culture and Christianized Navahos, but the cult flourished covertly until the council relented in 1967. Up to 80% of the Navahos in the SW are now practicing members. By the 1970s some states had changed their laws to allow the religious use of peyote.”

There has been a great deal of opposition from Christian groups, from governments, and, praise God, even from the elders within some tribes.

SHOULD WE CONTAMINATE OUR BODIES WITH DRUGS⁶⁰

No! In 1 Corinthians 6:19 ,20 it tells us “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

IS THE USE OF THE PEYOTE SACRAMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE?⁶¹

No! 1 Corinthians 10:21 says “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”

WHAT IS THE CHURCH?⁶²

The Church is the whole body of Christians, which represents the body of Christ.

CAN MEDICINE PEOPLE HEAL AND PERFORM MIRACLES?⁶³

The answer to this question is yes they can. Healings are usually done in a sweat lodge with the aid of the spirits. At other times healings are done with the aid of potions that have been prayed over, and the spirits are invoked to intercede on the patient’s behalf.

CAN “SPIRITS,” OR RATHER, DEMONS PERFORM MIRACLES?⁶⁴

In the book of Revelation chapter 16 verse 14 it talks about demons in the last days just shortly before the return of Christ; “They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.” These demons will even fool those who are in power positions and turn them from the things of God. This is clearly happening right now in this day and age.

WHO CREATED THE WORLD?⁶⁵

Medicine people and traditionalists believe that the creator “is responsible for the creation of the world and is recognized in religious ritual and prayers.”

THE BIBLE TELLS US IN GENESIS 1:1⁶⁶

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” “From ancient times persons have had a keen interest in the origin of the universe. Stories or fragments of stories about creation have survived in the literature of several ancient nations. Biblical writers may reflect an awareness of these extra-biblical accounts, but their consistent testimony is that Israel’s God was the Creator.”

WHO IS THE CREATOR?⁶⁷

According to Native Spiritualists the Creator “is one responsible for all of creation and is recognized in religious ritual and prayers.” Also known as “Grandfather,” “Great Spirit,” “Manitou,” “Creator,” “Jesus,” “God,” etc. Some Native Religions cannot decide whether God is a He or She.

WHO CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH?⁶⁸

The Bible clearly tell us in Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

IS GOD A “HE” OR A “SHE”?⁶⁹

The Bible clearly states that God is a He. In Deuteronomy 4:35 it says “Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightiest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.” (KJV)

THE NAMES OF GOD:70 

• Adon (or Adonai) This is a title of authority and honor. It can be translated "Lord."

• El-Berith "God of the Covenant"

• El-Elyon "The Most High God" or "The Exalted One"

• Elohim – This name suggests that there is a mystery to the Creator-God which humankind cannot fully fathom.

• El-Olam "God of Eternity" or "God the Everlasting One"

• El-Roi "God who Sees me" or "God of Vision"

• El-Shaddai "God of the Mountains" or "The Almighty God."

• Fortress (Ps. 18:2; Nah. 1:7) God is a defense against the foe.

• Refiner (Mal. 3:3) God is purifier.

• Refuge (Ps. 9:9; Jer. 17:17) God is a haven from the enemy.

• Rock (Deut. 32:18; Ps. 19:14; Isa. 26:4) God is strong and permanent. Yahweh is sometimes identified as

• "The Rock of Israel."

• Shield (Gen. 15:1; Ps. 84:11) God is protection.

• Sun (Ps. 84:11) God is the source of light and life.

• Yahweh-Jireh "The Lord will Provide"

• Yahweh-Mekaddesh "The Lord Sanctifies"

• Yahweh-Nissi "The Lord is my Banner"

• Yahweh-Rohi "The Lord is my Shepherd"

• Yahweh-Sabaoth "The Lord of Hosts"

• Yahweh-Shalom "The Lord is Peace" .

• Yahweh-Shammah "The Lord is There"

• Yahweh-Tsidkenu "The Lord is Our Righteousness"God the Father In the Old Testament, the word father is used for God to describe the close kinship that He enjoys with His worshipers.

Father is the distinguishing title for God in the New Testament.

"Abba," a term of affection that approximates our word Daddy,

IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH ACCORDING TO NATIVE RELIGIONS?⁷¹

“In general, Native religions have no precise belief about life after death. Some believe in reincarnation, with a person being reborn either as a human or animal after death. Others believe that humans return as ghosts, or that people go to an other world. Others believe that nothing definitely can be known  about one’s fate after this life. Combinations of belief are common.”

WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE?⁷²

“The quality of life including the promise of resurrection which God gives to those who believe in Christ. This important term in the New Testament is emphasized in the Gospel of John, but also appears in the other Gospels and in Paul’s writings. Eternal life in the New Testament eliminates the boundary line of death. Death is still a foe, but the one who has eternal life already experiences the kind of existence that will never end.”

Romans 2:7 says “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he (God) will give eternal life.”

IF WE DIE AS CHRISTIAN TODAY, WHERE WOULD WE GO?⁷³

All “Born Again” believers goes to be with Jesus after he/she dies.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus was dying on the cross, he turned to one of the criminals in Luke 23:43 and said "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

In John 6:51 Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

WHAT KING OF BODIES WILL WE HAVE?⁷⁴

God will give us a new heavenly body. In 1 Corinthians 15:40 It says “There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.”

In 1 Corinthians 15:44 it says “it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.”

1 Corinthians 15:52 "in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

WHERE DO THE UNSAVED (WICKED) GO WHEN THEY DIE?⁷⁵

The unsaved (those who are not “Born Again,”), wicked will await judgment in Hades (New Testament – Greek), Sheol (Old Testament – Hebrew), or, in other words, Hell.

In Luke Chapter 16, verses 19 to 31, Jesus gives the parable about the rich man and the poor man. Notice where the wicked rich man ends up!

Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ "But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ "He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ "Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ "’No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ "He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’"

WHAT IS PURGATORY?⁷⁶

There are many Natives who have been exposed to the Roman Catholic doctrine of Purgatory. To be quite frank, this place does not exist! Purgatory became an official article of faith between the years 1438-39 and 1545-1563 A.D. The main support for this teaching stems from the writings found in second Maccabees chapter 12:39-45 of the Apocrypha.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PURGATORY?⁷⁷

There are no scriptures found in the Bible that refer to a place known as purgatory.

Hebrews 9:27 "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,"

To say that someone could be prayed into paradise after death is not a Biblical doctrine. The destiny of each individual is determined during this lifetime. The New Testament clearly states as to where the saved and the unsaved go after death. This life is the only probationary period spoken of. When we die, the probation period comes to an end, and then the judgment follows and we are judged according to the deeds done in the body. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” No amount of prayer will save the wicked or unsaved from the flames of Hell after they are dead. Prayers are wasted on the dead when they should be used on the living. So you see, there is life after death, but it’s our choice where we choose to spend eternity, in heaven or in eternal hellfire. Any purging for our sins has been taken care of on the cross.

WHAT IS A VISION QUEST?⁷⁸

“Young boys before or at puberty are encouraged to enter into a period of fasting, meditation and physical challenge. Girls are not usually eligible for a quest. He separates himself from the tribe and go to a wilderness area. The goal is to receive a vision that will guide his development for the rest of his life. They also seek to acquire a guardian spirit who will be close and supportive for their lifetime.”

Psalms 106:37 “They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.”

SHOULD WE SEEK AFTER SPIRITS?⁷⁹

No! Leviticus 19:31 “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” (KJV)

WHO IS OUR GUIDE?⁸⁰

The Holy Spirit is our guide. In John 16:13 it says “But when he (the Holy Spirit), the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

DO NATIVE RELIGIONS HAVE A SACRED TEXT?⁸¹

No, Native religions do not have a written text. “Native traditions have been preserved as an oral tradition, not in written form. As a result, traditions are often updated and changed as a result of dreams and visions.”

WHY DOES THE BIBLE EXIST?⁸²

“The answer has to do with the transmission of the gospel down through the generations. Once God had revealed Himself and His plan of salvation to Israel and to the believers surrounding Jesus, the question arose how this truth would be passed along to posterity without its suffering distortion from later interpreters. The only obvious answer to this question was written documentation. It would be necessary to secure the revelation in a fixed, written, and authentic form so that the truth would not be lost in the transmission. Both from a human and a divine standpoint, then, a Bible was required to be the vehicle of transmission of the gospel, conveying the revelation intact to succeeding generations.”

God’s Word (the Bible) is never changed or updated.

WERE THERE ANY NATIVE PROPHETS?⁸³

“The Abramic Religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) trace their development through a series of patriarchs and prophets. Native religions do not have corresponding ancient revered persons in their background. There have been a few prophets among the Natives – the most famous being Handsome Lake in the Iroquois Confederacy. However, they appeared after the European invasion.”

WHAT MAKES A PROPHET?⁸⁴

1. An essential mark of a prophet was a call from God. Attempting to prophesy without such a commission was false prophecy (Jer. 14:14).

2. Prophets received a word from God through many means–direct declarations, visions, dreams, or an appearance of God.

3. Prophets spoke the word of God.

4. Prophets relayed God’s message by deed as well as by word.

5. The prophets also performed miracles which confirmed their message.

6. Prophets also conveyed the word of God by writing (Isa. 8:1; Ezek. 43:11).

7. Prophets were to minister to their people.

8. Throughout Israel’s history genuine prophets had fantastic experiences.

9. The true prophet must be loyal to the biblical faith directing one to worship God alone (Deut. 13:1-3).

10. The words of a true prophet must come to pass (Deut. 18:22; Jer. 42:1-6; Ezek.   33:30­33).

11. Agreement with previous prophets’ words (Jer. 28:8)

12. Have a good character (Mic. 3:11)

13. A willingness to suffer because of faithfulness (1 Kings 22:27-28;  Jer. 8:3-13).

If someone is said to have been or claims to be a prophet and doesn’t come under all of these guidelines, then he or she isn’t a prophet of God.

WHAT ARE HUNTING CEREMONIES?⁸⁵

“These involve the ritual treatment of a bear or other animal after its killing during a successful hunt. The goal is to appease its spirit and convince other animals to be willing to be killed in the future.”  It is believed that failing to do this ritual or leaving out any part of the ritual will cause the animals spirit to become angry, thus resulting in bad luck in hunting.

In the Bible it mentions the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Lord, the spirit in a human, stubborn spirit, lying spirit, unclean or foul spirits. Satan is called the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is at work in those who are disobedient (Eph. 2:2). Nowhere in the Bible do we find any references to the spirits of animals.

CAN SATAN COME IN DIFFERENT FORMS?⁸⁶

We know that Satan can take the form of an animal such as the serpent in Genesis 3:1 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden?"’"

Scripture also tells us that he appears as an Angel of light in 2 Corinthians 11:14. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

We see that Satan has no problem taking on different forms. Satan and his demons would have no problem speaking through animals or taking on the          form of animal spirits. He couldn’t have found a better way to fool mankind. North American Indians aren’t the only race of people on this earth that believe in animal spirits.

DOES NATIVE ART OR NATIVE JEWELRY ATTRACT SPIRITS?⁸⁷

The answer is Yes. Most native artists receive their inspiration from the “spirits” and therefore they pray before the creation of the artwork or jewelry and they give thanks and dedicate it after it’s creation. Most uninformed Christians see nothing wrong with owning elaborately painted drums, Dream Catchers, Eagle feathers or some types of silver jewelry, rock jewelry or paintings and drawings. These items cannot be possessed by demons, but they certainly can attract them, and attracting demons into ones home can lead to spiritual oppression. This type of Jewelry and Art also tends to offend Christians who have come out of that sort of background and who know what the spiritual implications are.

SHOULD WE HAVE SUCH THINGS IN OUR HOUSE OR IN OUR POSSESSION?⁸⁸

No! Not if it’s going to offend or cause our brother or sister to fall.

Romans 14:21 says, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:32 says, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God"

In the Apostle Paul’s time, in Ephesus, a number of people had scrolls (books) on sorcery (magic). When they came Christians they burned them all. It says that the cost of the books was 50,000 drachmas (silver). At today’s prices that would be a small fortune. No matter how expensive the jewelry or art work is, destroy it by burning it. Why should it be burned you might ask? Firstly, once it’s burned it’s gone forever. Secondly, burning is a sign that you are totally rejecting it and it’s hold over your life. Thirdly, burning it is a sign that you are making a commitment to God and His people.

Acts 19:19 says, “A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.”

ARE THERE MORE WAYS THAN ONE TO REACH GOD?⁸⁹

Traditionalists believe that the Creator uses whatever works to draw people to Himself. If the sweat lodge draws them closer to him, then it is a good thing. For those who see no spiritual value in the sweat lodge, then it is best that they stay away from it. If sitting in a church is their preferred way of reaching the Creator, then it is good. They believe that each culture has their own way of reaching the Creator and that each way is good. Some also say that it is foolish and arrogant to think that the Creator only worked through one race of people (referring to the Israelites).

In Deuteronomy 7:6 it talks about the Israelites as being God’s chosen people. “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”

As for there being many ways to God, Jesus said that there was but one way to God the Father and that way is through Him; John 14:6 “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

SHOULD WE WORSHIP GOD IN TRADITIONAL WAYS?⁹⁰

Many Christian Native people are torn over the issues that surround this question. Why can’t we use a drum, chant and dance before God in our traditional ways? We can’t because the drum, chanting and traditional dances were given to our ancestors by the “spirits”. We can’t worship God with the same drum beat, chants and dances that were used to call upon demons and worship idols.

HOW SHOULD WE WORSHIP?⁹¹

In John 4:24 it says “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

WHAT IS THE PIPE CEREMONY?⁹²

Out of all the elements, tobacco is the best means by which the spirits are attracted. In the days of old, women were not allowed to partake of this ceremony. Once the spirits had been attracted, they then smoked in the company with those gathered and having done so, they were obligated to listen to the requests and to agree to them. This ceremony is also performed as an offering to the spirits.

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST?⁹³

Jesus Christ is the Son of God:

Mark 1:1 "The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

Jesus is the Word:

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) was God."

John 1:14 "The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Revelation 19:13 "He (Jesus) is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God."

Jesus is the Lamb of God:

John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and the only way to God the Father:

John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the Bread of Life:

John 6:35 "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

Jesus is the Gate:

John 10:9 "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."

Jesus is the Good Shepherd:

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Jesus is the True Vine:

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

Jesus is the Miracle Worker:

Mark 6:2 "When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. ‘Where did this man get these things?’ they asked. ‘What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!’"

Jesus the Healer:

Matthew 15:30 "Great crowds came to Him (Jesus), bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he (Jesus) healed them."

Jesus the Prince of Peace:

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Jesus the New and Living Way:

Hebrews 10:19, 20 “ Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,”

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life:

John 11:25, 26 "Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’"

Jesus is Eternal:

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

John 8:58 "’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”

Revelation 21:6 "He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life."

John 17:5 "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Jesus is all powerful:

Matthew 28:18 "Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’"

Mark 2:10 "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic,"

John 14:13, 14 "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

Jesus knows everything:

John 2:24 "But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men."

Colossians 2:2, 3 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Matthew 9:4 "Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?"

Matthew 17:27 "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

Jesus is everywhere:

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’"

Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords:

1 Timothy 6:14, 15 "to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time–God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,"

Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith:

Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

“Christ is the way to God. His way of being in the world was a way of obedience, faithfulness, and service. The earliest Christians saw who He was in what He did. In the great deed of the cross they saw the salvation of the world. The inspired writers offered no physical descriptions of the earthly Jesus. The functional way the New Testament portrays Him is found in the statement that He was a man ‘who went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38). The good that He did came into dramatic conflict with the evil all mankind has done. This conflict saw Him crucified, but a Roman soldier saw in this crucified One (the) Son of God (Mark 15:39). God did not ‘suffer thine Holy One to see corruption’ (Acts 2:27). With the one shattering new act since creation, God raised Jesus from the dead.”

WHO DOES THE WORLD THINK JESUS IS?⁹⁴

Some people think that Jesus was nothing more than a prophet and teacher. They don’t believe that He is God. Others teach that He is nothing more than an angel.

Scripture tell us that Jesus is better than the prophets:

Hebrews 1:1, 2 “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.”

Scripture tell us that Jesus is superior to the Angels:

Hebrews 1:3-5 “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’? Or again, ‘I will be his Father, and he will be my Son?’”

WHAT ARE ANCESTRAL SPIRITS?⁹⁵

These are spirits that are passed down through the family generations. Somewhere in the family’s past, someone may have practiced Indian medicine or practiced some kind of black art having to do with the Occult (hidden things, secret things, mystic arts, magic). Perhaps a family member fell under a curse where the spirits sent against him/her took root in their lives. Perhaps medicine powers were passed down unknowingly to a family member.

These are some of the ancestral spirits that can be passed down through the generations:

Spirit of lust, spirit of fornication, spirit of anger, spirit of drunkenness, spirit of lying, controlling spirit, spirit of laziness, spirit of fear, spirit of pride, spirit of depression, medicine spirit, spirit of suicide, spirit of greed, spirit of murder, deceiving spirit, familiar spirits,

Have you ever noticed that where a spirit of lust is evident in a father or mother, that it also becomes evident in the sons and daughters. Have you ever noticed that where a spirit of anger is evident in the father or mother, that it is also evident in the children. Have you ever noticed that where someone in a family has committed suicide, that others follow in the same path. Have you ever noticed that where there is a spirit of drunkenness in a family, that the sons or daughters also fall under this affliction. The only way to defeat ancestral spirits is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life and to renounce all ancestral spirits and to turn totally away from all other things that may cause you to fall back to where you once were.

John 8:31, 32 "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’"

We may not be Jews, but this same truth holds true for us today. Jesus still has the power that sets the captives free. There is power in His mighty name to cast out demons, too heal the sick, to break the bonds of oppression, and to cleanse us from every sin we ever committed in our lives. We just need to come to Him.

WHY DO PEOPLE EAT AT GRAVE SITES?⁹⁶

In some Native communities it’s common practice to have a community picnic at the graveyard at least once a year. Everyone packs a lunch and they sit and eat near the graves of loved ones that have passed on. They do this because they believe that it makes the spirits happy.

When people are traveling on the river systems or lakes, they usually stop close to an area where someone had been buried long ago. They then proceed to make a fire, and when it’s time to eat, they would offer food to the fire as an offering to the dead. Normally, they would not sleep in that area.

All saved and unsaved go to the grave when they die, at least their bodies do. But their spirits either go to paradise or to hell. These are the waiting places. The spirits of the believers will be joined with their bodies when the rapture occurs and given a new body. This is the “first resurrection” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” The spirits of the unsaved will be joined with their bodies at the “second resurrection” when they appear before God at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”

God is in control of the living and the dead.

Romans 14:9 “For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”

Luke 16:26 says “And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” Those in paradise cannot go into hell and those in hell cannot go into paradise. Nor can the dead come back to earth to converse with the living or the living with the dead. The dead cannot hear what we have to say to them, nor can they receive prayers or offerings. They are totally separated from us in their place of waiting. Prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers asking for a specific need should only be directed to God alone and to no one else. To direct our prayers to someone other than God would mean that our faith is in someone else other than God. Remember, our God is a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 says “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” If you direct your prayers to someone who is dead (Saints, Virgin Mary, loved ones and friends) and ask for their help then that would be considered consulting the dead. Speaking to the dead is strictly forbidden by God! Deuteronomy 18:10-12 "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.”

WHAT IS ANCESTOR WORSHIP?⁹⁷

“Ancestor worship  ritualized propitiation and invocation of dead kin. Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to dwell in the natural world and have the power to influence the fortune and fate of the living. Ancestor worship has been found in various parts of the world and in diverse cultures. It was a minor cult among the Romans (see manes). The practice reached its highest elaboration in W Africa and in the ancient Chinese veneration of ancestors. It is also well developed in the Japanese Shinto cult and among the peoples of Melanesia. See apotheosis; totem. See J. G. Frazer, The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead (3 vol., 1913-24, repr.1968).”

“Manes (may´neez)  in Roman religion, spirits of the dead. Originally, they were called di manes, a collective divinity of the dead. Manes could also refer to the realm of the dead and, later, to the individual souls of the dead. Eventually, the Romans placated the manes with offerings at the graves of the dead. In later times, when the family tomb was introduced into burial custom, the di manes were identified with the di parentes, the ancestors of the family, and as such watched over the welfare of the family along with the lares and penates.”

WHO SHOULD WE PRAY FOR?⁹⁸

Jesus says to pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

We should pray for one another.

Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Note: Paul isn’t talking about dead Saints.)

We should pray for the sick.

James 5:14 "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."

Pray for the unsaved.

Note: Scripture doesn’t say anything about the dead praying for the living or the living praying for the dead.

WHO SHOULD WE PRAY TO?⁹⁹

We should pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. We can also pray to each person of the Godhead according to the need. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit exist eternally in three persons. These three are one God, having the same nature and attributes, and are worthy of the same worship, confidence, and obedience. We do not serve three Gods! We serve one God in three persons.

Isaiah 44:6 "This is what the LORD says– Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God."

Jesus said in Revelation 1:8 "’I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’"

Matthew 3:16, 17 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’"

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

2 Corinthians 13:14 “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

WHAT IS THE SHAKING TENT?¹⁰⁰

“Shaking Tent rite was widespread among the OJIBWA, MONTAGNAIS – NASKAPI, CREE, Penobscot and ABENAKI and involved the shamanistic use of a special cylindrical lodge or tent. A SHAMAN, paid by a client, would construct his tent and enter it at dark. Singing and drumming summoned the shaman’s spirit helpers, whose arrival was signified by animal cries and the shaking tent. These spirit helpers were used in curing and also in antisorcery”

God absolutely forbids us to call upon any spirit other than the Holy Spirit. To do so means eternal damnation.

In Deuteronomy 18:10,11 God says, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”

Revelation 21:8 says, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

WHAT IS THE SUN DANCE?¹⁰¹

“Sun Dance, an annual Plains Indian culture ceremony given at midsummer when bands and tribes congregated at a predetermined location. The Sun Dance was forbidden under the Indian Act of 1885, but this ban was generally ignored and dropped from the Indian Act of 1951. The ceremony was arranged by an individual either as a request for supernatural aid or in response to a vision. Among the BLACKFOOT and SARCEE, women took the initiative. Following 4 days of preliminary ritual, the Sun Dance lasted another 4 days and focused on erecting the sacred dance pole and sacred lodge. On the final day several dances took place. The Sun-Gaze Dances symbolized capture, torture, captivity and escape, and involved self-torture. Dancers enjoyed prestige from that time on. The Sun Dance was an emotional experience and an opportunity to renew kinship ties, arrange marriages and exchange property.”

WHERE DO WE GET OUR SUPERNATURAL AID FROM?¹⁰²

We get our supernatural aid from Jesus. We can speak in other tongues, we can cast out demons, we can heal, we can prophesy. All this is possible with the supernatural aid of our mighty and awesome God.

Acts 2:4 “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Mark 16:17 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”

Matthew 10:7,8 “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive        out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

1 Corinthians 14:1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”

Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

WHAT DO THESE ANIMAL SPIRITS REPRESENT?¹⁰³

(Note: This list does not contain all the animal spirits. There are many. many more)

• The Spirit of the Bear – Anger, Destruction, Greed, Fear

• The Spirit of the Eagle – Power, Pride, Haughtiness

• The Spirit of the Loon – Depression, Suicide, Loneliness

• The Spirit of the Owl – Fear, Death

• The Spirit of the Raven – Fear, Death, Evil, Greed, Unclean spirit

• The Spirit of the Snake – Fornication, Deceiving, Unclean spirit

• The Spirit of the Caribou – Restlessness

• The Spirit of the Buffalo – Stubbornness, Dominance, Division

• The Spirit of the Weasel – Division, Anger, Cunning, Sly

• The Spirit of the Cat – Deceiving, Cunning, Sly

• The Spirit of the Wolverine – Anger, Destruction, Fear, Division

• The Spirit of the Otter – Deception, Cunning, sly

• The Spirit of the Crow – Fear, Death, Evil, Craftiness, Unclean spirit

• The Spirit of the Dog – Fornication, Anger, Unclean spirit

• The Spirit of the Fox – Deceiving, Cunning, Sly

• The Spirit of the Wolf – Destructive, Cunning, Sly, Fear

• The Spirit of the Musk-Ox – Stubbornness

• The Spirit of the Seal – Deceiving

• The Spirit of the Spider – Confusion

• The Spirit of the Turtle – Hindering Spirit

• The Spirit of the Beaver – Stubbornness, Restlessness

• The Spirit of the Bat – Death, Power, unclean spirit

• The Spirit of the Worm – Sickness, unclean spirit

   

CONCLUSION:

We as Native people are not brought into an unmerited, right relationship with God by performing ancient native rituals such as the sweat lodge ceremony, or the pipe ceremony etc. The Word of God tells us in Romans 5:1 that we have been justified (brought into a right relationship with God) through faith, and we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. There is absolutely nothing that we (man) can do to save himself. We need to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in order to become saved from our sins and saved from the judgment of God. If we don’t have Jesus in our lives, then we don’t have anything. In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. And in Romans 10:9-10 it says that if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

 

Satan is a very busy fellow for the simple reason that he knows that his time is short. I believe that Satan is keeping the native peoples under bondage by making his "demons" look like good spirits. The native people of long ago had spiritual leaders called Medicine men. These Medicine men had great powers that were given to them by the different animal spirits (demons) that inhabit the spirit realm (the Medicine men of today receive their powers from these same spirits). They would often call on these spirits for various reasons such as healing, strength, power, wealth, change of luck, to enforce a curse, or to see into the future. When a medicine man was asked to heal a sick or injured person, he would chant and pray to the "good spirits". what the native people of that time didn’t know (and many still don’t know today) is that the so called "good spirits and the bad spirits" come from the same source – Satan.

 

It’s more than possible for a Medicine man to actually heal someone. But what the one that’s getting the healing doesn’t know is that they have just fallen into bondage without realizing it. Many times the healing is only for a short time or they may not be healed at all. But because the individual is now in bondage, he/she keeps on coming back to the medicine man. The damage has been done. The individual has put all his faith into the medicine man’s powers, thus leaving Jesus Christ totally out of the picture. This is exactly what Satan wants to achieve. If Satan can separate man from God and keep man in bondage, then he has done his work well. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. All those who have fallen into the snare of Native Spiritualism are in the process of being devoured. Satan has great powers and the power to give a counterfeit healing is just one of them. It’s never to late to come to Christ. Many people have been snatched away from the jaws of that "roaring lion" and released from the bondage of Native Religion. In John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Native religion isn’t the way, Jesus is.

 

There are some Medicine men out there that actually stick to the healing side of things. These men often mix Christianity with native religion and pray in the name of Jesus. However, if these men use charms, call upon animal spirits, or use spells for the cure of diseases and illnesses, then they are offensive to God (Deuteronomy 18:12) and will receive their just reward in eternal hellfire.

 

I have a problem when it comes to paying homage to "Mother Earth" or "Grandfather Sun" and "Grandmother Moon" or my "Brother the Eagle". The Word of God calls this idol worship. In Deuteronomy 4:16-19 it says “so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars — all the heavenly array — do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshipping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.” There is a consequence for those who worship idols. In Exodus 20:5 it says "You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me". The children, and grand children, and the great grandchildren, and the great, great grand children of those involved in paying homage to (worshiping) the eagle, earth, sun, and moon will be punished for their idol worship and their hatred toward God. It can easily be said that many people involved in native religion hate the "White man’s Religion". Therefore, it stands to reason, that they hate the one true God. For this, God says, they will be punished.

 

The villages, small towns and reserves are the front lines where Christians battle daily against curses, spells and evil spirits sent against them from various sources. In Ephesians 6:12 it tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. In Ephesians 6:13 the apostle Paul gives us instruction as to what to do; “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:14-19 talks about the armor of God)

 

Many Native Christians think that it’s all right to mix Christianity and some of the old Native ways together. Some even claim to have had visions or dreams of combining the two ways. These visions and dreams are from the very pit of HELL. We are to "be pure and blameless until the day of Christ" Philippians 1:10. One sure way to remain pure and blameless is to steer clear of Indian Religion and anything else that could cause us to become separated from God (sin also separates us from God). It’s time to take the "cult" out of our "culture". It’s all right to keep the hunting, fishing and the living off the land (and some of our Native crafts) part of our culture alive but lets leave the spiritual part of it where it belongs, in the past. Sure, some may see Native Religion as a way to stay sober or to deal with their problems and that’s why they stick with it and recruit others to join them. These people don’t know that they are in bondage, and when faced with this truth they will deny the truth and continue in their path of destruction.

 

People in Native Spiritualism aren’t the only ones held in bondage. There are church organizations around the world that are also in bondage and they don’t realize it either, and when they too are faced with the truth they also deny it.

 

In the book of Hebrews chapter 10 verse 20 it tells us that Jesus Christ is the New and Living Way. Not the old Native Spiritual way or any other way for that matter.

 

If you have had any dealings with Medicine People, the Occult or any other spiritists, then you need to renounce these things in your life. These ties are binding and they can keep you under oppression. In order to break these ties you need to be Born Again. You need to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life. We don’t have the power that it takes to break these ties. The power to break these bonds can only come from Christ. You must consider your life and then turn away from everything that is contrary to what God wants. Turning away from selfishness and turning toward God is called repentance (Matthew 3:7-10;\ Acts 3:19). You must acknowledge that Jesus Christ died on the cross to forgive you of sin. You must take Him as your savior to cleanse you from sin – as the substitute that paid the price due for your sin (Romans 5:9-10 Titus 2:14). There is no Compromising the Gospel of Jesus Christ in any way shape or form. If God be God then Choose this day whom you will serve!

 

If you want to become born again say this prayer;

Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and that you were raised from the dead. I’m sorry for all my sins Lord, please forgive me. Come into my heart Lord Jesus I want you to be Lord of my life. Change my life Lord and help me to live as you want me to. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen.

 

Note: It’s very important for your Christian development that you seek Christian counseling as soon as possible, preferably a born again Pastor, who can disciple you and help you to grow in the Lord.

 

Say this prayer to break spiritual ties;

Heavenly Father, I come before you in the mighty name of Jesus. Father, I renounce all spiritual ties to Native Religion and every other black art that I knowingly or unknowingly participated in. I ask you Lord to break all these ties in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I want to live my life as you direct through your holy Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Note: If you find it difficult to say these prayers by yourself then have a Christian lead you in prayer.)

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Human Resources: 

• Active Native Spiritualists 

•  Former Native Spiritualists – One of whom is now a Pastor

• Former Medicine Woman & Pipe Carrier – Pastor Patricia Heibert

(All names are withheld by request.)

 

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (North American Edition) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. 

 

DEFINITIONS:

Definition numbers; 1, 2, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34 36,, 37, 38,  40, 41  As defined by – The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from InfoSoft International, Inc. All rights reserved.

Definition numbers; 9, 19, 32, 39 As defined By – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible – Copyright © 1880, by James Strong, Madison, N. J.

Definition numbers; 10 As defined by – Merriam –Webster Dictionary – p. 259, Copyright © 1974 by G. & C. Merriam Co.

Definition number; 11 As defined by – The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus Copyright © 1995 by McClelland & Stewart Inc. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright © 1993 by Columbia University Press. (On CD-ROM)

Definition numbers; 3, 7, 8, 33 As defined By – Dictionary of Canadian English – The Senior Dictionary – p. 1053, 308, 282,  Copyright © 1967  by W. J. Gage Limited.

Definition numbers; 12, 28  As defined by – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

Definition numbers; 4, 18, 21, 22, 35 As defined by – Index of Cults – Web Site –                               http://rampages.onramp.net/~watchman/cat95.htm

 

 

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HOLY?¹

Quote from – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

WHAT IS PAN INDIANISM?³

Quote from – Native American Spirituality –  Web Site –    http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHAT DOES A SWEAT LODGE LOOK LIKE?²⁵

Quote from – Native American Spirituality – Web Site –   http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHAT ELSE HAPPENS IN THE SWEAT LODGE?³⁰

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality –  Web Site – http//web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHAT IS PEYOTE?⁵⁸

As defined by – The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition copyright © 1992 by Houghton   Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from InfoSoft International, Inc. All rights reserved. (On CD-ROM)

WHAT IS THE NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH?⁵⁹

Quote from – The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia is licensed from Columbia University Press. Copyright © 1995 By Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. (On CD-ROM)

WHO CREATED THE WORLD?⁶⁵

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality –  Web Site –   http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

THE BIBLE TELLS US IN GENESIS 1:1:⁶⁶

Quote from – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

THE NAMES OF GOD:⁷⁰

Quote from – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH?⁷¹

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality –  Web Site – http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE?⁷²

Quote from – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

WHAT IS A VISION QUEST?⁷⁸

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality –  Web Site – http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

DO NATIVE RELIGIONS HAVE A SACRED TEXT?⁸¹

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality –  Web Site – http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHY DOES THE BIBLE EXIST?⁸²

Quote from – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and     Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

WERE THERE ANY NATIVE PROPHETS?⁸³

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality – Web Site – http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHAT MAKES A PROPHET?⁸⁴

Quote from – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc. The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and      Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

WHAT ARE HUNTING CEREMONIES?⁸⁵

Quote from –  Native American Spirituality –  Web Site – http://web.canlink.com/ocrt/nataspir.htm

WHO IS JESUS CHRIST  "Christ is the way to God…"⁹³

Quote from the – Holman Bible Dictionary – QuickVerse is a registered trademark of Parson’s Technology. Inc.The QuickVerse for Windows is Copyright © 1992-1994 by Craig Rairdin and Parsons Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

WHAT IS ANCESTOR WORSHIP?⁹⁷

Quote from – The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus © 1995  by McClelland & Stewart Inc. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright © 1993 by Columbia U49versity Press. (On CD-ROM)

WHAT IS ANCESTOR WORSHIP "Manes…"⁹⁷

Quote from – The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus © 1995  by McClelland & Stewart Inc. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright © 1993 by Columbia University Press. (On CD-ROM)

WHAT IS THE SHAKING  TENT?¹⁰⁰

Quote from – RENE R. GADACZ – The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus © 1995  by McClelland &    Stewart Inc. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition Copyright © 1993 by Columbia University Press. (On CD-ROM)

WHAT IS THE SUNDANCE?¹⁰¹

Quote from –  RENÉ R. GADACZ – The Canadian Encyclopedia Plus Copyright © 1995 by         McClelland & Stewart Inc. (On  CD-ROM)

For the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and for the salvation of those still entangled in the web of Native Spiritualism. 

Researched By Cliff Schaefer 96/97 

© Copyright Cliff Schaefer 1997
For Personal Use Only.  Any commercial use or publication without authorization is strictly prohibited.

 

“Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free” John 8:32

Prepared for those still seeking.