Introduction
Biblical spirituality reveals the Christians’ convictions, anchored in their journey, and follows them as long as their faith remains strong and they seek salvation. Indigenous spirituality enshrines principles similar to those found in biblical spirituality, but it is unique in its relationship to culture and the interpretation of the Gospel. Indigenous peoples have developed the 7 Sacred Teachings, which enable them to understand Scripture through their unique cultural experiences.
Description of 7 Sacred Teachings
The 7 Sacred Teachings include love, wisdom, respect, truth, humility, honesty, and courage. Each element was designed to carry the group’s beliefs through generations, proudly honoring them to develop moral respect for every living thing. According to Page (2020), these teachings enable indigenous peoples to live in harmony with the Creator, as humans derive their knowledge from nature, which was created by the Creator. Only by understanding nature and considering its characteristics can one live in harmony with God, follow his teachings, and develop virtue.
It is inescapable to remember that the 7 Sacred Teachings are not direct guidance but specify what behavior would be morally right in the current environment. According to Page (2019), Scripture teaches that one should not be overly confident in one’s worldview, as it can disrupt one’s relationship with others and with God. However, it is the environment in which the 7 Sacred Teachings can be found that should serve as a guide in the world and on the Christian path.
Comparison of Biblical and 7 Sacred Teachings
Comparing the 7 Sacred Teachings as part of both indigenous and biblical spirituality, several parallels and similarities can be observed. First, the doctrine of God is similar to the Indigenous doctrine. It is noticeable that the Doctrine of God also teaches relationships between people, the concept of grace, and what approximates benchmark moral behavior. The similarity of the doctrine as a basis for spirituality will facilitate the development of a genuine, lasting relationship with indigenous peoples, as both sides acknowledge their shared faith.
Second, biblical spirituality equally recognizes the sensual aspect of religious beliefs. The 7 Sacred Teachings recognize the value of feelings such as love that bind each person in a community (Sojourners, 2008). The similarity in recognizing the value of love as a binding aspect of the community will facilitate progress, foster a unified approach to faith, and integrate the Teachings into everyday life. In addition, the Gospel emphasizes the value of respect, honesty, and humility as distinctly human principles. 7 Sacred Teachings look for these in God’s creations – in nature – so this interpretation will allow Christian beliefs to expand.
Finally, indigenous and biblical doctrines share a similar recognition of the value of experiences that teach us how to follow and uphold the principles of faith. Scripture teaches humility and repentance as the path to enlightenment, while the 7 Sacred Teachings reveal that these acts will only be possible after understanding the nature of things. The experience becomes the individual’s guide, revealing how to behave in the future based on the events experienced (Page, 2019).
Indigenous people have studied the Gospel, understood it within the context of their culture and experiences with settlers, and integrated it into their everyday lives (Sojourners, 2008). The Doctrine of God’s value is recognized in indigenous and biblical spirituality. Therefore, the recognized need for dialogue between cultures will allow reconciliation and preservation of beliefs.
Conclusion
Consequently, the 7 Sacred Teachings and the tenets of biblical spirituality have similar components to learning reconciliation in the context of beliefs. Like the Doctrines of God, indigenous peoples have created essential aspects of relationships that have become the standard for dialogue. Within the framework of sensory experience, the Bible and Sacred Teachings point to love as the foundation that can move society toward mutual respect and morality. Ultimately, both spiritualities acknowledge the experience as a crucial element in spiritual growth.
References
Page, C. (2019). We never see thing as they are. In Looking beyond the horizon, September, p. 16.
Page, C. (2020). Everything I ever needed to learn I learned in a Piti: Part 2. In Looking beyond the horizon, p. 14.
Sojourners. (2008). Indigenous theologians discuss Christianity from a Native perspective [Video]. YouTube. Web.