The Four Vision Quests of Jesus

By: Steven Charleston

Narrated by: Kaipo Schwab

A unique look at Christian biblical interpretation and theology from the perspective of Native American tradition.

Steven Charleston's The Four Vision Quests of Jesus focuses on four specific experiences of Jesus as portrayed in the synoptic gospels. It examines each story as a “vision quest,” a universal spiritual phenomenon, but one of particular importance within North American indigenous communities.

Jesus’ experience in the wilderness is the first quest. It speaks to a foundational Native American value: the need to enter into the “we” rather than the “I.” The Transfiguration is the second quest, describing the Native theology of transcendent spirituality that impacts reality and shapes mission. Gethsemane is the third quest. It embodies the Native tradition of the holy men or women, who find their freedom through discipline and concerns for justice, compassion, and human dignity. Golgotha is the final quest. It represents the Native sacrament of sacrifice (e.g., the Sun Dance). The chapter on Golgotha is a discussion of kinship, balance, and harmony: all primary to Native tradition and integral to Christian thought.

This audiobook is masterfully read by Kaipo Schwab, and was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont. Audio engineering by Matthew Kulewicz, MPSE.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2015 Steven Charleston (P)2025 Echo Point Books & Media, LLC

The depth and importance of Native American culture and religion are written here like no other.

There is nothing to dislike about this book. I thought I had some knowledge of Native American history but I was wrong. I learned so much from this book.