Paul Steinmetz, S.J., Ph.D. (1928-2021), served as a missionary among the Oglala Sioux for several decades. His innovations in ritual theology earned him the respect of the Oglala, who entrusted him with sacred knowledge. Steinmetz's recognition of the unity of religions has assisted the Lakota in imagining Lakota/Christian spirituality, fulfilling the Ghost Dance Messiah vision received by Black Elk in 1890.