The idea for this volume grew out of a dialogue carried on in meetings of the Native American Theological Forum held annually since 1993 by the National United Methodist Native Center, located at the Claremont School of Theology in California. Kidwell, Noley, and Tinker are professors interested in the construction of a Native American theology based on traditional categories such as creation, deity, Christology, sin and ethics, and eschatology.

Reading this thought-provoking volume one begins to realize the substantive contributions Native American spirituality can make to a Christian way of life. Two vibrant examples: their respect for community and the duties and responsibilities it entails and, equally important, their ideal of reverence — an honoring of earth, human beings, animals, and all creation. Both of these grow naturally out of an "all my relations" purview that affirms reciprocity as a key ingredient in ethical behavior.

One of the most fascinating chapters is on the importance of tricksters in Native American traditions. The authors posit Jesus as a trickster figure able to break down barriers between people, cross rigid boundaries, and set before individuals the healing powers of play.