But why haven't these two groups merged?

The longer I study Latter Day Saint (LDS) and traditional Native teachings, the more I become aware that they are one. Only the outward practices are somewhat different. As each group develops their higher potential, prophecy states that LDS people and Natives will fully come together and be one.

The common beliefs include:

1) We both know that there is a Great Spirit.

2) We understand that everything is spiritual and eternal (lives forever in the spirit world).

3) We are to live spiritual truths and not in a carnal way. Spiritually minded people live these truths: love (charity), humility, respect, gratitude, morally, faith in the ways of the Creator, sharing, etc. Carnally minded people often seek power, popularity or wealth, lust after the flesh, can be proud, etc..

4) We are to honour and respect all of Nature, including taking only what is needed, wasting nothing and expressing gratitude for what we harvest.

5) We are to express gratitude for all things and realize our dependence on the Creator.

6) We are to live in peace and harmony with no contention.

7) We are to seek the deep spiritual teachings of the Native ancestors, such as those in the

Book of Mormon (Natives, except for the Hopi, have lost many of these teachings and some have had them replaced by other beliefs).

The LDS Church is growing rapidly in Central and South America where the Indian people realize that the teachings in the Book of Mormon are those of their ancestors. But why is the coming together of LDS and Indian people slow in Canada and the United States? There are a number of contributing factors:

1) The Lord has not yet poured out His spirit on the Natives so they unite with the Saints.

2) Perhaps too few LDS people are adequately living the teachings to warrant the respect of the Indian people-- when the number increases, the Indian people will notice.

3) Some LDS people work for corporations that cheat the Natives of their land and rights.

4) Too many LDS people still focus on money and worldly wealth instead of spiritual wealth.

5) Natives have lost important teachings and ceremonies, such as Temple covenants. However, the Lord has not forgotten them-- He has provided great spiritual leaders, such as, Deganawida, Handsome Lake, Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph, etc.  And He will yet provide  Little  White  Buffalo,  White  Buffalo  and the  root or  rod of Jesse (see the prophecy of future native spiritual leaders).

6) A large number of Natives have problems with drugs, alcohol, crime, teenage sex. etc.they are not ready for the more demanding commitments of their ancient ancestors.

7) There is a difference in what is emphasized by LD Saints and Natives:

- LDS people focus on developing as their Creator, Jesus Christ, teaches them in the Bible and Book of Mormon but most have not paid sufficient attention as to how Man should respect all the spirits in Nature though this is in the teachings.

- Native people greatly revere the Creator but many have forgotten that He is Jesus Christ (some see Him in visions), and though they work hard on personal development, they do not have the specific teachings of their ancient ancestors (some know that these old teachings will come to them from non-Natives (such as through the Book of Mormon)). The Indian people excel in teaching how to relate one to one with our brothers and sisters in Nature (the plants, animals, rocks, water, etc.).

A critical point is that we need to live what both groups emphasize.

As conditions continue to deteriorate as stated by LDS and Indian prophecy, LDS people and Natives in Canada and the United States, will come together. The Saints and Native people will build the New Jerusalem in North America (3 Nephi 21: 22-24) and the Great Lodge (Temple) for the Creator (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pottawatami Chief Sup-She).