I remember chatting with someone who had embraced an American Indian philosophy. He excitedly explained sweat lodges and their symbolism. He proceeded to claim the trees and the animals are our brothers.
On the one hand, he expressed a suspicion of Europeans and their religion because of the historical record. On the other hand, he tried to be magnanimous by claiming that both of us were working for people’s betterment and healing. He accepted me as being on a different path toward the same goal.
How popular is the idea the religious systems are different but equal? As we dialogued, a number of thoughts and questions cascaded through my mind. A couple of these were:
“I wonder how my fellow Christians would respond to him?”
“How can I show this person, who is obviously sincere, that true Christianity is not just another philosophy of life among equals?”
Since the Bible makes bold claims, perhaps a starting point might be to ask, "Are you open to understanding what the Bible teaches about this?" If the answer is "yes," the crucifixion of Jesus would be one good starting place.
The Bible claims Jesus died for all people. Why? Everybody has sinned and needs to be spiritually healed, that is forgiven. The Bible also asserts Jesus’ death redeems people from sin’s condemnation thus making salvation possible.
Thus Jesus’ story cannot be contained within a tiny box on a shelf as one more equal among many. It confronts each of us. To use the apostles’ language, "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12) NLT.
Each of us must choose whether or not to accept these claims. It would be foolish to make that decision before considering whether or not these claims possess the teeth of truth. Whether I might like it or not, does the Bible outline how things really are?
If Jesus rose from the dead, then we have the answer to whether these teachings are true. For if God was at work not only in Christ dying for us but also in raising him up from the grave to exalt him to his right hand, then the gospel’s message reveals reality!
Multiple lines of evidence reveal Jesus did not remain in the grave, but rather rose from the dead after his crucifixion. The gospel is not one spiritual and ethical teaching among equals within the world. The gospel reveals good news for our lives. How we respond to it will yield future consequences outside of our control.
As Paul taught, God is calling all people to repent (Acts 17:30). What will matter for my American Indian friend, and for all other people one day, is whether they have trusted in the good news about Jesus by obeying the gospel.
Underlined phrases are links to resources.
- A Starting Point: The Passion of the Christ - 2026-02-11
- Tolerance, Acceptance and Inclusion - 2026-01-14
- Believe: Sometimes A Synecdoche - 2026-01-07