We live in a troubled world with many difficult problems. People are unhappy, many even desperate, disputes including those with government, go unresolved, there is a shortage of effective leadership, resources are declining, we are not prepared for the Creator's return, and much more.

I am convinced that to make progress with these challenges, we must apply spiritual principles much more than we have. After studying and practicing Christian and traditional Native teachings, perhaps I have developed some insights that could be useful. I make no claim of perfection-- if you search, you will find errors. Still, these insights are presented hoping that they will do some good.

Your tribal and/or Christian teachings are a start

Many tribes and churches have good teachings and traditions. We are to learn from them. But there is more knowledge to be acquired. A teaching of the book Seven Arrows by Hyemeyohsts Storm, is that though we are to learn from our Elders, we must also keep an open mind and seek new knowledge, for there is more to learn.

This website presents my understandings on major challenges. The most important topics are on becoming happy, and on being effective and acceptable to our Creator (Geeche Manitou to the Ojibway). These topics are in most papers, but especially in Teaching On Developing..... and Basic Truths Behind Christ's Teachings.   Also  covered are: the future, prophecy, resource management, handling disputes such as with government, leadership, basic spiritual truth, surviving hard times, creation, the atonement, etc. Each article is written so that it can be used independently of others.

One understanding that we frequently are short on is how much the Creator (the Great Spirit, Jesus Christ, depending on what you call Him) loves us. We are His creation!  His greatest desire is our happiness. He is all wise. His teachings are the road to happiness and joy. Thus, I present some experiences with His teachings.

Another inadequately treated topic is that the Creator soon comes to live with the Native people and others that seek to live His teachings. But first we must be sufficiently prepared. There are things that need to be understood and practiced in preparation for His arrival, things that can bring us happiness.

Should there appear to be a difference between what you have been taught and what is advocated here, examine matters closely. Perhaps when you explore deeply, the apparent differences will disappear or not be important. Remember, deep matters are often conveyed in poetry or symbolism. Differences in symbolism and poetic imagery, are not necessarily important, only the deep meaning is important.

We can gain by learning more. Though you have your own traditional and/or Christian teachings, don't ignore those of other tribes-- you may acquire additional knowledge. For instance, the Iroquois had two very inspired teachers Deganawida and Handsome Lake. Versions of their teachings are contained in Traditional Teachings* and The Code of Handsome Lake, The Senca Prophet. ** And the Hopi have much to teach.

What can be gained?

Understanding and practicing your traditional and Christian teachings, and the ones in this booklet, should help you in the following ways:

1) You are better prepared for the return of the Creator.

2) Your understanding of traditional and Christian teachings should increase.

3) You develop abilities to: love, forgive, have patience, experience happiness, and handle challenges. As you improve, you become acceptable to the Creator.

4) You will more fully appreciate and understand the Creation and the Great Spirit's ways.

5) You will have the Creator's spirit to guide and protect you.

6) As you progress, you will be a more effective leader, better handle disputes and all challenges.

How to test the truth of all teachings

The Creator does not leave us without means of knowing the truths that lead to happiness, inner peace and being effective. To learn whether a teaching is such a truth, we must sincerely desire to know. We will have this desire if we accept that the Creator is all wise and seeks our happiness.

---------------------------

*North American Indian Traveling College, RR # 3, Cornwall Island, Ontario, Canada K6H 5R7 (613) 932-9452
**By A.C. Parker, Iroqrafts Ltd., RR # 2, Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada N0A 1M0

---------------------------

There are several ways the Creator can reveal if something is of Him and/or is correct:

1) Your conscience will tell you whether or not an action, doing something, etc. is right.

2) When it comes to principles, beliefs and teachings, you can ask the Creator whether it is true, correct. If it is of the Great Spirit, you will feel calm and peaceful about it. If it is evil, you will feel confusion and tend to forget it. At times, you can have a very strong impression, perhaps a warm feeling, even a burning of the bosom. It may be so strong, you shed tears-- you know it is of a loving Creator.

3) But the Creator in many circumstances, requires that we live or practice a principle or teaching before we learn of its' truthfulness. After the trail, strong proof comes with understanding.

4) Some people hear or feel a still, small voice whispering that it is correct, or giving instruction or understanding (this is called inspiration or revelation)*

5) If something is of God, the memory of it will be pleasant, even beautiful.

Confirmation of a truth can be delayed until you are ready to accept a witness of its' correctness. If you are not sincere, there will be no witness.

Be cautious of teachings, experiences or persons that generate great excitement. Unless there is a peaceful feeling with this excitement, the experience or teaching does not likely reflect a greater truth. For example, there are preachers who can excite but do not teach the truth. An extreme example is the patriotic feelings that were generated by Hitler. Thus, when there is excitement, especially when it is frenzied, be cautious. Dancing to rock music can excite one but is not a truth of the Creator. Witness the frenzy at rock concerts.

---------------------------------------------

* Sometimes Native people get confirmation through visions or dreams. But not all of them are from the Creator. If it is from the Creator, you will feel peaceful. You will remember the experience with much fondness.

---------------------------------------------

The most important message of this website

Though this website has articles on many topics, the most important teachings relate to:

1) Developing trust in and love for the Creator (this is faith): This is so that you will seek to learn and live His ways and will develop a personal and direct relationship with Him so He can guide and help you.

2) You are willing to change to live His way: Christians call this repentance, discarding your less desirable ways for better ones. As you better yourself, you will be prepared for the future, including the Creator's return. Also, you will deal effectively with life's challenges, will more successfully interact with natural resources, handle disputes to a more satisfactory conclusion, be a better leader and example, etc.