Refer to the following Ninian Smart’s Dimensions: 1. Doctrinal Dimension (creeds, central beliefs, nature of the divine etc.), 2. Mythological Dimension (sacred texts, creation stories, stories of Abraham, Jesus, Muhammad, etc.), 3. Ethical Dimension (moral laws etc.).
When comparing the Abrahamic faiths to Indigenous Spirituality, many differences can be outlined because of different belief origins and their different approach to faith. As the Abrahamic faiths all believe in God, Indigenous Spirituality believes in the Great Spirit, who is the Creator of all things, just as how we view God. Overall, beliefs pertaining to Indigenous Spirituality are very connected to nature and how the Great Spirit lives in all things in nature. The First Nations are very in tune with the messages and teaching they can learn from their doctrine, nature and the Great Spirit.
When discussing the Mythological Dimension, differences can also be found here too. Sacred texts in the Abrahamic faiths include literature as seen in the Bible, Tanakh, and Qur’an. However, this isn’t the same in First Nation beliefs as they use the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is not literature but symbolic of spiritual teachings as most lessons are taught by word of mouth. Creation stories have similar origins as all include the story of Abraham’s covenant in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. In Indigenous Spirituality, creation stories may differ due to tribes.
Moral laws in the Ethical Dimension for Indigenous Spirituality are very community based including the moral teaching that everything is shared, and everyone is included. Whereas in the Abrahamic faiths, moral laws can be community based, but they also are very personally oriented and an individual can thrive independently