The OAHSPE (pronounced: oh-ah-spee) is a spiritual record that tells stories of creation, the heavens, and the connection between the Great Spirit and all living things. It came from messages given by Creator to a man named John Newbrough, who acted as a scribe, much like how elders or medicine people pass down sacred teachings from Creator through visions or prayers. Dr. Newbrough and others were instrumental in getting copies of the Oahspe Bible into the hands of many people around the world. The Oahspe was published nearly 150 years ago. It has been translated to several languages since then.
This sacred book speaks of a time when the Great Spirit called forth angels and higher beings from the heavens to guide humanity. It describes cycles of life, like the seasons, where different tribes of people were taught by Creator in their own ways. It tells of how the Great Spirit, named Jehovih, desires harmony among all peoples, tribes, and nations, and that each has its own sacred path to follow.
The Oahspe also shares lessons about the balance between the seen and unseen worlds, much like many Native teachings about respecting the spirits of the earth, sky, and waters. It teaches that all life is connected and that humans have a responsibility to live in peace with one another and the natural world.
We believe it offers hope for the world through the revelation of spiritual truths and teachings. It emphasizes the concept of personal spiritual growth and the development of a loving and cooperative relationship with Creator. It teaches that individuals can find hope and meaning in life by seeking to align their will with the will of Jehovih and by striving to live a life of service to others. The Oahspe Bible also presents a divine plan for the universe and the ultimate destiny of humanity. It teaches that the world will gradually progress towards a more spiritually enlightened and harmonious state, guided by celestial beings and divine intervention. It offers the hope of a future era of peace and spiritual awakening on Earth through the Kingdom of Jehovih.
While the Oahspe is the official Bible of Faithists, we do not believe it is perfect. Like any teaching, it is important to listen to the elders, pray for guidance, and measure its words against the wisdom passed down by your own ancestors and the Great Spirit.
How Oahspe Came to Earth
Long ago, when the earth was young in spirit but old in years, the Great Spirit looked upon the world. He saw the people scattered like seeds in the wind—each tribe walking its path, some in harmony, others in confusion. Jehovih, who whispers to all Creation, said, “It is time to speak again, to remind the two-legged ones of their connection to the heavens and the earth.”
In the quiet of a starry night, the Great Spirit called upon a man named John. He was not an elder of his tribe, nor a keeper of sacred bundles, but his heart was like a still lake, ready to reflect the light of the sky. The Spirit sent messengers, not of flesh and bone, but of light and wisdom. These were the shining ones—beings who danced between the worlds, carrying the songs of Creation.
One night, as John sat in his dwelling, the air grew still. The winds held their breath, and the stars seemed to gather closer. The messengers spoke to him, saying, “We come from the realms of the eternal. The Great Spirit has seen the struggles of your people and all tribes of the earth. The time has come to give a new message, one that weaves the old ways with the wisdom of the stars.”
They taught John to use his hands to create a sacred tool, much like how a craftsman shapes a drum to carry the voice of the Spirit. This tool was not of wood or hide but of words and light. The messengers guided his hands, and their voices flowed through him like a river, filling the tool with teachings of the Great Spirit’s plan for all peoples.
Over many moons, the words were gathered, forming what is now called the Oahspe, meaning “Sky, Earth, Spirit”. It was a bridge—a message from the heavens to the earth, for all tribes and nations. It spoke of cycles, of harmony, and of how the Great Spirit walks with all people, though the paths may look different.
When the Oahspe was finished, the messengers blessed it, saying, “Take this gift, but remember: no book can replace the whispers of the Great Spirit in your heart. Use it as a guide, but walk with respect for all life, for the earth, and for your ancestors.”
And so, the Oahspe came to be—a gift from Creator, carried by the messengers of light, for all who seek to walk in harmony with the heavens and the earth.
Special Books of the Oahspe
Jehovih’s Faithists give special attention to the following books of the Oahspe Bible:
- Oahspe
- Voice of Man
- Book of Jehovih
- Book of Judgment
- Book of Inspiration
- Book of Jehovih’s Kingdom on Earth / Shalam
- Book of Discipline
- Book of Knowledge
- Book of Ouranothen
- Bon’s Book of Praise
- Book of Z’marim