Are There any Native American Legends of Jesus Christ Visiting Them in North America After His Death on the Cross?

Often, intriguing claims surface about Native American legends that suggest the presence of Jesus Christ or stories inspired by him in the Americas long before the arrival of Europeans. However, such claims often face criticism from religious scholars and historians. Let's explore this topic.

Historical Context and Skepticism

The notion that Native American legends include accounts of Jesus Christ visiting North America has been entertained by some, but not universally accepted by scholars. Critics argue against the idea by pointing out that it assumes the presence of Jewish people in America, which was impossible given the lack of navigation technology to cross the Atlantic during that time.

Furthermore, such claims often attribute divine visitations to a God that would not approve of human sacrifices, which were common in some Native American cultures. As Glen Larson explained in his 1978 TV series Battlestar Galactica, the God of Israel would not condone such practices.

Unique Legends and Religious Claims

One less controversial claim involves the existence of tribes that believe in a white bearded God who visited their ancestors. According to L. Taylor Hansen's book He Walked the Americas, these legends are found among various Native American tribes and are outlined in detail in her research. These accounts often include promises of a future return from this divine figure.

Hansen's findings are significant because she initially conducted her research before discovering the Book of Mormon and subsequently became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ (Latter-day Saint Church).

Documentation and Detail

Hansen's book and research provide detailed documentation of various Native American legends. For instance, she describes an account from the Cherokee people of teachers sent by the Divine, beliefs in the Book of Mormon, and various biblical teachings. Some of these legends even describe specific events and miracles witnessed by ancestors.

Several other legends Hansen documented include:

Jesus Christ and a violin contest The Virgin of Guadalupe A white bearded God leaving a promise to return The establishment of a priesthood with 12 disciples Changes in temple worship Miracles and marks in hands

Further Research and Verification

Milton R. Hunter and Thomas S. Ferguson's work, Ancient America and the Book of Mormon, also provides extensive documentation of native beliefs and teachings that align with biblical stories. Their research includes:

The creation and the great flood The closed ark and the tower of Babel Fasting and baptism practices Unique temple worship Specific miracles and marks

These documented accounts offer valuable insights into what some Native American tribes believed and how they interwove biblical narratives into their own cultural narratives. However, it is important to approach such claims with a critical eye and consider the context and potential biases of the researchers and their claims.

Conclusion

The presence of Jesus Christ in Native American legends is an interesting and often controversial topic. While some scholars support the idea based on documented accounts and cultural practices, others remain skeptical given the historical and religious context. Further research and open-minded scholarship can help us better understand these cultural intersections and their significance.

References:

Hansen, L. Taylor. He Walked the Americas. [Publication details] Hunter, Milton R. and Thomas S. Ferguson. Ancient America and the Book of Mormon. [Publication details] Warren, [Author], and Ferguson, Thomas S. The Messiah in Ancient America. [Publication details] Wirth, [Author]. A Challenge to the Critics. [Publication details] West, [Author]. The Trial of the Stick of Joseph. [Publication details] Hunter, Milton R. Archaeology and the Book of Mormon. [Publication details] Hunter, Milton R. and Ferguson, Thomas S. Ancient America and the Book of Mormon. [Publication details]