Pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton returns to one of his most popular topics, Christianity and world religions. This new, fully updated book and Bible study explores four major world religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism—and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. He deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, such as: Why are there so many different religions? How should Christians view other religions? How is God at work in other religions? What is the fate of those who earnestly pursue God through other religions? In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbors, and find positive ways to share the gospel. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. Explore four major world religions with Adam Hamilton! Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report named Hamilton’s congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and he preached at the National Prayer Service as part of the presidential inauguration festivities in 2013. Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of The Walk, Simon Peter, Creed, Half Truths, The Call, The Journey, The Way, 24 Hours That Changed the World, John, Revival, Not a Silent Night, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong, and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White , all published by Abingdon Press. Learn more about Adam Hamilton at AdamHamilton.com. Christianity and World Religions Leader Guide Revised Edition Questions We Ask About Other Faiths By Adam Hamilton, Alex Joyner Abingdon Press Copyright © 2018 Abingdon Press All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-5018-7335-5 Contents To the Leader, 1. The Wise Men, 2. Hinduism, 3. Buddhism, 4. Judaism, 5. Islam, 6. Christianity, CHAPTER 1 The Wise Men Planning the Session Session Goals As a result of conversations and activities connected with this session, group members should be able to: • articulate the value of studying other religions as a means of understanding our neighbors; • define what a theology of religions is and the questions it seeks to answer; • identify three different perspectives on other religions: religious pluralism, Christian exclusivism, and Christian inclusivism; and • point to biblical resources for understanding other religions. Scriptural Foundation After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We've seen his star in the east, and we've come to honor him." ... [Herod] sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search carefully for the child. ..." They went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-2, 8a, 9-11) Special Preparation • If the participants in your group are not familiar with one another, provide materials for name tags. • Have Bibles available for those who may not bring them. • Provide paper, pens, and pencils for participants. • Provide a means for showing the DVD (e.g., TV/DVD player) and cue Session 1: The Wise Men. • Arrange your seating in a circle or semicircle so that all participants can see one another. • Prepare a large sheet of paper in the following way and post it in a visible location in your meeting area: First, write "A Theology of Religions Answers ..." across the top of the sheet. Next, write the following questions from the study book below: * Why are there so many different religions? * What is the relationship between these religions? * How does God look at people of other religions? * What is the eternal fate of those who practice a religion other than the one I follow? • Write "Why Study Other Religions?" at the top of a second large sheet of paper and post it in another visible area of the room. • Have additional large sheets of blank paper and markers available. • Find various objects (at least two) for a drawing exercise (take care that the objects are hidden from group members). The objects should be unusually shaped or textured. Read through the exercise titled "Draw an Object to Experience 'Feeling the Elephant'" below to visualize what might be needed. Two suggestions are a simple child's toy (e.g., a wo