Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Facilitator:
Rev. Jack Carter
Hayesville, NC
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Posted at:
WWW.BIBLICALTHEOLOGY.COM
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 1: Interfaith Witnessing
• God’s Purpose
• The Task of Witnessing
• The Territory for Personal Witness
• What is My Role?
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 1: Interfaith Witnessing
• God’s Purpose
• The Task of Witnessing
• The Territory for Personal Witness
• What is My Role?
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 1: Interfaith Witnessing
• God’s Purpose
• The Task of Witnessing
• The Territory for Personal Witness
• What is My Role?
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 1: Interfaith Witnessing
• God’s Purpose
• The Task of Witnessing
• The Territory for Personal Witness
• What is My Role?
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 2: World Religion Overview
• Tribalism
• Islam
• Hinduism & Buddhism
• Christian Cults
• Postmodernism
• Wicca
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 2: World Religion Overview
• Tribalism
• Islam
• Hinduism & Buddhism
• Christian Cults
• Postmodernism
• Wicca
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 2: World Religion Overview
• Tribalism
• Islam
• Hinduism & Buddhism
• Christian Cults
• Postmodernism
• Wicca
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 2: World Religion Overview
• Tribalism
• Islam
• Hinduism & Buddhism
• Christian Cults
• Postmodernism
• Wicca
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 2: World Religion Overview
• Tribalism
• Islam
• Hinduism & Buddhism
• Christian Cults
• Postmodernism
• Wicca
Getting to Know Your Neighbors
Witnessing to Cults &
World Religions at Home
Part 2: World Religion Overview
• Tribalism
• Islam
• Hinduism & Buddhism
• Christian Cults
• Postmodernism
• Wicca
Prayer…
What is God’s purpose for
mankind?
What is God’s purpose for
mankind?
•What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
.
•What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men.
•What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men.
It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the
gospel to the world.
•What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men.
It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the
gospel to the world.
From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His
church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His
sufficiency.
.
•What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men.
It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the
gospel to the world.
From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His
church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His
sufficiency.
The members of the church, those whom He has called out of
darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory.
•What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
The church is God's appointed agency for the salvation of men.
It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the
gospel to the world.
From the beginning it has been God's plan that through His
church shall be reflected to the world His fullness and His
sufficiency.
The members of the church, those whom He has called out of
darkness into His marvelous light, are to show forth His glory.
The church is the repository of the riches of the grace of Christ;
and through the church will eventually be made manifest, even to
"the principalities and powers in heavenly places," the final and
full display of the love of God.
Ephesians 3:10.
Ellen G. White.
What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
What is God’s purpose for the
Church?
… to bring all things … together…
What is God’s purpose YOU as a
member of His body?
How do we accomplish this?
God’s purpose is that we
would all be united in Him!
God’s purpose is that we
would all be united in Him!
It is not God’s intent that we would be divided into a
myriad of world religions that worship mythical deities
and worldly Philosophies
God’s purpose is that we
would all be united in Him!
It is not God’s intent that we would be divided into a
myriad of world religions that worship mythical deities
and worldly Philosophies
It is not God’s intent that His gospel would be perverted in
the establishment of cultic beliefs.
God’s purpose is that we
would all be united in Him!
It is not God’s intent that we would be divided into a
myriad of world religions that worship mythical deities
and worldly Philosophies
It is not God’s intent that His gospel would be perverted in
the establishment of cultic beliefs.
It is not God’s intent that His church would be divided into
exclusive denominations that denigrate one another.
What must we do to
be part of God’s
work of unity?
What must we do to
be part of God’s
work of unity?
Overcome the
barriers that
stand between
us and our
calling!
The task is clear:
Go
The task is clear:
Go
Make Disciples
The task is clear:
Go
Make Disciples
of All Peoples
The task is clear:
Go
Make Disciples
of All Peoples
Immerse them
in the
knowledge of
The Father
The task is clear:
Go
Make Disciples
of All Peoples
Immerse them
in the
knowledge of
The Father
The Son
The task is clear:
Go
Make Disciples
of All Peoples
Immerse them
in the
knowledge of
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
The task is clear:
Go
Make Disciples
of All Peoples
Immerse them
in the
knowledge of
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Teach obedience
Where do
we find the
resource to
engage this
task?
Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem, Judea, & Samaria is our
territory for personal witnessing.
Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem: This is where you live.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem: This is where you live.
Jerusalem starts in your own home, your own family.
Parents are morally responsible for the spiritual welfare of their
children.
Parents, it is not the responsibility of the church to bring your
children to salvation.
It is not the responsibility of the church to provide the spiritual
nurturing of your children. There is no scriptural basis for such
a thought.
Scripture is clear that God's plan is that parents lead their own
children to faith.
Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, 31:19, e.g.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem: This is where you live.
Jerusalem starts in your own home, your own family.
Parents are morally responsible for the spiritual welfare of their
children.
Parents, it is not the responsibility of the church to bring your
children to salvation.
It is not the responsibility of the church to provide the spiritual
nurturing of your children. There is no scriptural basis for such
a thought.
Scripture is clear that God's plan is that parents lead their own
children to faith.
Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, 31:19, e.g.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem: This is where you live.
Jerusalem starts in your own home, your own family.
Parents are morally responsible for the spiritual welfare of their
children.
Parents, it is not the responsibility of the church to bring your
children to salvation.
It is not the responsibility of the church to provide the spiritual
nurturing of your children. There is no scriptural basis for such
a thought.
Scripture is clear that God's plan is that parents lead their own
children to faith.
Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, 31:19, e.g.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem: This is where you live.
Jerusalem starts in your own home, your own family.
Parents are morally responsible for the spiritual welfare of their
children.
Parents, it is not the responsibility of the church to bring your
children to salvation.
It is not the responsibility of the church to provide the spiritual
nurturing of your children. There is no scriptural basis for such
a thought.
Scripture is clear that God's plan is that parents lead their own
children to faith.
Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, 31:19, e.g.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Jerusalem: This is where you live.
Jerusalem starts in your own home, your own family.
Parents are morally responsible for the spiritual welfare of their
children.
Parents, it is not the responsibility of the church to bring your
children to salvation.
It is not the responsibility of the church to provide the spiritual
nurturing of your children. There is no scriptural basis for such
a thought.
Scripture is clear that God's plan is that parents lead their own
children to faith.
Deut 4:10, 6:7, 11:19, 31:19, e.g.
Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Judea: This is where you commute.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Judea: This is where you commute.
This is the community of people with whom you interact on a
regular basis, your social community.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Judea: This is where you commute.
This is the community of people with whom you interact on a
regular basis, your social community.
Most of the people you meet in the community are still destined
for an eternity separated from God.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Judea: This is where you commute.
This is the community of people with whom you interact on a
regular basis, your social community.
Most of the people you meet in the community are still destined
for an eternity separated from God.
God has called on every believer to be active in the business of
making disciples in their local community.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Judea: This is where you commute.
This is the community of people with whom you interact on a
regular basis, your social community.
Most of the people you meet in the community are still destined
for an eternity separated from God.
God has called on every believer to be active in the business of
making disciples in their local community.
Those faithful who live in the community, led by the power of
the Holy Spirit, are the most effective witnesses for God.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Judea: This is where you commute.
This is the community of people with whom you interact on a
regular basis, your social community.
Most of the people you meet in the community are still destined
for an eternity separated from God.
God has called on every believer to be active in the business of
making disciples in their local community.
Those faithful who live in the community, led by the power of
the Holy Spirit, are the most effective witnesses for God.
If every believer was faithful to this mission, everyone in the
community would hear the truth and many would be saved.
Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
This is the alienated people within the geography of your community.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
This is the alienated people within the geography of your community.
Many people are surrounded by Christians, but never experience their love.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
This is the alienated people within the geography of your community.
Many people are surrounded by Christians, but never experience their love.
When Christians embrace one another and exclude those outside of their
cultural comfort zone, the church becomes a separate community in the same
way that Judea separated itself from Samaria.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
This is the alienated people within the geography of your community.
Many people are surrounded by Christians, but never experience their love.
When Christians embrace one another and exclude those outside of their
cultural comfort zone, the church becomes a separate community in the same
way that Judea separated itself from Samaria.
The barrier between people of faith and their local Samaria is simply a
stronghold of evil that is empowered by pride, ignorance, and bigotry, all
unholy spirits.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
This is the alienated people within the geography of your community.
Many people are surrounded by Christians, but never experience their love.
When Christians embrace one another and exclude those outside of their
cultural comfort zone, the church becomes a separate community in the same
way that Judea separated itself from Samaria.
The barrier between people of faith and their local Samaria is simply a
stronghold of evil that is empowered by pride, ignorance, and bigotry, all
unholy spirits.
The barrier that stands in front of Samaria can be toppled when we put away
those sins of pride and bigotry and develop relationships among the
Samarian community.
•Note the territory where we are to
make disciples:
Samaria: This is outside of your
comfort zone.
This is the alienated people within the geography of your community.
Many people are surrounded by Christians, but never experience their love.
When Christians embrace one another and exclude those outside of their
cultural comfort zone, the church becomes a separate community in the same
way that Judea separated itself from Samaria.
The barrier between people of faith and their local Samaria is simply a
stronghold of evil that is empowered by pride, ignorance, and bigotry, all
unholy spirits.
The barrier that stands in front of Samaria can be toppled when we put away
those sins of pride and bigotry and develop relationships among the
Samarian community.
When this takes place the barriers of ignorance fall and love flows.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
We live with the consequences of our sin, and many
times we express that sin to those who are closest
to us.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
We live with the consequences of our sin, and many
times we express that sin to those who are closest
to us.
A spirit of unforgiveness will foster ill will and
resentment that stands as a wall that will block any
attempt to penetrate it with the gospel.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
We live with the consequences of our sin, and many
times we express that sin to those who are closest
to us.
A spirit of unforgiveness will foster ill will and
resentment that stands as a wall that will block any
attempt to penetrate it with the gospel.
God is a God of reconciliation and His Spirit
encourages us to forgive one another as He forgave
us: unconditionally.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
We live with the consequences of our sin, and many
times we express that sin to those who are closest
to us.
A spirit of unforgiveness will foster ill will and
resentment that stands as a wall that will block any
attempt to penetrate it with the gospel.
God is a God of reconciliation and His Spirit
encourages us to forgive one another as He forgave
us: unconditionally.
God's love is demonstrated in unconditional
forgiveness.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
We live with the consequences of our sin, and many
times we express that sin to those who are closest
to us.
A spirit of unforgiveness will foster ill will and
resentment that stands as a wall that will block any
attempt to penetrate it with the gospel.
God is a God of reconciliation and His Spirit
encourages us to forgive one another as He forgave
us: unconditionally.
God's love is demonstrated in unconditional
forgiveness.
This would be a good place to start.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
They know your strengths and gifts, but they also know the location
of every chink in your spiritual armor.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
They know your strengths and gifts, but they also know the location
of every chink in your spiritual armor.
An unrighteous lifestyle or a pattern of inappropriate behavior
exposes one to frontal attack by others.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
They know your strengths and gifts, but they also know the location
of every chink in your spiritual armor.
An unrighteous lifestyle or a pattern of inappropriate behavior
exposes one to frontal attack by others.
Paul admonishes us to put on the breastplate of righteousness in
order to defeat satan's attacks in this area.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
They know your strengths and gifts, but they also know the location
of every chink in your spiritual armor.
An unrighteous lifestyle or a pattern of inappropriate behavior
exposes one to frontal attack by others.
Paul admonishes us to put on the breastplate of righteousness in
order to defeat satan's attacks in this area.
This may require the termination of some habits, behaviors, or
attitudes that are inappropriate for one who claims to love the
LORD.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
They know your strengths and gifts, but they also know the location
of every chink in your spiritual armor.
An unrighteous lifestyle or a pattern of inappropriate behavior
exposes one to frontal attack by others.
Paul admonishes us to put on the breastplate of righteousness in
order to defeat satan's attacks in this area.
This may require the termination of some habits, behaviors, or
attitudes that are inappropriate for one who claims to love the
LORD.
Identify the chinks in the armor, repent, and seek God's forgiveness.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
Your family knows you well.
They know your strengths and gifts, but they also know the location
of every chink in your spiritual armor.
An unrighteous lifestyle or a pattern of inappropriate behavior
exposes one to frontal attack by others.
Paul admonishes us to put on the breastplate of righteousness in
order to defeat satan's attacks in this area.
This may require the termination of some habits, behaviors, or
attitudes that are inappropriate for one who claims to love the
LORD.
Identify the chinks in the armor, repent, and seek God's forgiveness.
When your integrity is evident, the opportunity to share God's love is
regained.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
For this reason, scripture literally and frequently states that God hates pride.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
For this reason, scripture literally and frequently states that God hates pride.
There are no less than 110 biblical references to pride.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
For this reason, scripture literally and frequently states that God hates pride.
There are no less than 110 biblical references to pride.
Humility is found when we place the order of our relationships into the proper
perspective.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
For this reason, scripture literally and frequently states that God hates pride.
There are no less than 110 biblical references to pride.
Humility is found when we place the order of our relationships into the proper
perspective.
God is God, and we all stand before Him humiliated by our sinful state,
depending fully on His love and grace for our very survival.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
For this reason, scripture literally and frequently states that God hates pride.
There are no less than 110 biblical references to pride.
Humility is found when we place the order of our relationships into the proper
perspective.
God is God, and we all stand before Him humiliated by our sinful state,
depending fully on His love and grace for our very survival.
To stand with pride is to stand and shake your fist at the mighty God who
loves you enough to refrain from destroying you for your sinful behavior.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
• Strained family relationships.
• Lack of integrity.
• Pride.
This sinful world opposes faith, and teaches that faith is an expression of
weakness.
Pride places God in the co-pilot's chair, or leaves Him out of the loop of
authority entirely.
For this reason, scripture literally and frequently states that God hates pride.
There are no less than 110 biblical references to pride.
Humility is found when we place the order of our relationships into the proper
perspective.
God is God, and we all stand before Him humiliated by our sinful state,
depending fully on His love and grace for our very survival.
To stand with pride is to stand and shake your fist at the mighty God who
loves you enough to refrain from destroying you for your sinful behavior.
Pray to the LORD for forgiveness for this sin of pride and ask His help in
overcoming this destructive pattern of behavior.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Since your family knows you so well, such fears or
anxieties are natural.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Since your family knows you so well, such fears or
anxieties are natural.
However, this barrier is built on another unholy lie: you will
be rejected and ridiculed.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Since your family knows you so well, such fears or
anxieties are natural.
However, this barrier is built on another unholy lie: you will
be rejected and ridiculed.
The truth is that God is with you when you act in love, and
you will rarely be ridiculed.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Since your family knows you so well, such fears or
anxieties are natural.
However, this barrier is built on another unholy lie: you will
be rejected and ridiculed.
The truth is that God is with you when you act in love, and
you will rarely be ridiculed.
Though an individual may not respond to an expression of
God's love, people do respect others when they stand
on what they believe.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Lack of agape love.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Lack of agape love.
You simply do not love the individual enough to care about their
eternal destiny.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Lack of agape love.
You simply do not love the individual enough to care about their
eternal destiny.
Your love for others is predicated on your love of the LORD.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Lack of agape love.
You simply do not love the individual enough to care about their
eternal destiny.
Your love for others is predicated on your love of the LORD.
Take seriously God's desire that you would spend more time in
prayer and in the study of His Word.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Lack of agape love.
You simply do not love the individual enough to care about their
eternal destiny.
Your love for others is predicated on your love of the LORD.
Take seriously God's desire that you would spend more time in
prayer and in the study of His Word.
Allow your relationship with the LORD to grow and mature.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Jerusalem (Your family) ?
•
•
•
•
•
Strained family relationships.
Lack of integrity.
Pride.
Fear of ridicule or rejection.
Lack of agape love.
You simply do not love the individual enough to care about their
eternal destiny.
Your love for others is predicated on your love of the LORD.
Take seriously God's desire that you would spend more time in
prayer and in the study of His Word.
Allow your relationship with the LORD to grow and mature.
As it does, your love for others will blossom, and your
sensitivity to their need for the LORD will be more acute.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
If you relate to the lost community around you as if you are one of them, you
could fear that exposure of your faith would change your relationship with
them. They might think less of you.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
If you relate to the lost community around you as if you are one of them, you
could fear that exposure of your faith would change your relationship with
them. They might think less of you.
We can come up with a list of rationalizations that serve to keep our light
under the bushel, but every one of these is an unholy lie.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
If you relate to the lost community around you as if you are one of them, you
could fear that exposure of your faith would change your relationship with
them. They might think less of you.
We can come up with a list of rationalizations that serve to keep our light
under the bushel, but every one of these is an unholy lie.
Actually, the practice of hiding your faith makes you appear to be a hypocrite
as you show one face to the world an another face to the church.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
If you relate to the lost community around you as if you are one of them, you
could fear that exposure of your faith would change your relationship with
them. They might think less of you.
We can come up with a list of rationalizations that serve to keep our light
under the bushel, but every one of these is an unholy lie.
Actually, the practice of hiding your faith makes you appear to be a hypocrite
as you show one face to the world an another face to the church.
Openness about your faith may bring a small level of disdain from your
social community, but the rewards of your honesty and forthright
testimony are enormous.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
If you relate to the lost community around you as if you are one of them, you
could fear that exposure of your faith would change your relationship with
them. They might think less of you.
We can come up with a list of rationalizations that serve to keep our light
under the bushel, but every one of these is an unholy lie.
Actually, the practice of hiding your faith makes you appear to be a hypocrite
as you show one face to the world an another face to the church.
Openness about your faith may bring a small level of disdain from your
social community, but the rewards of your honesty and forthright
testimony are enormous.
Regardless of what the lost community thinks of your faith, your integrity is
intact when you shed such hypocrisy, and you will be known as one who
can be turned to in a time of need, a time that may lead you to ministry.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
Such feelings come when we draw our power from the wrong source.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
Such feelings come when we draw our power from the wrong source.
The world teaches us to be self-reliant, to tackle all of our problems using
our own strength, strategies, and tactics.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
Such feelings come when we draw our power from the wrong source.
The world teaches us to be self-reliant, to tackle all of our problems using
our own strength, strategies, and tactics.
However, when faced with an unholy opponent, we are inadequate for the
task.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
Such feelings come when we draw our power from the wrong source.
The world teaches us to be self-reliant, to tackle all of our problems using
our own strength, strategies, and tactics.
However, when faced with an unholy opponent, we are inadequate for the
task.
No person is intrinsically adequate to perform a holy task.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
Such feelings come when we draw our power from the wrong source.
The world teaches us to be self-reliant, to tackle all of our problems using
our own strength, strategies, and tactics.
However, when faced with an unholy opponent, we are inadequate for the
task.
No person is intrinsically adequate to perform a holy task.
But when we step out in faith and trust in the LORD, it is His power that
provides everything we need to complete the task.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
Such feelings come when we draw our power from the wrong source.
The world teaches us to be self-reliant, to tackle all of our problems using
our own strength, strategies, and tactics.
However, when faced with an unholy opponent, we are inadequate for the
task.
No person is intrinsically adequate to perform a holy task.
But when we step out in faith and trust in the LORD, it is His power that
provides everything we need to complete the task.
We can celebrate our inadequacies as we see God working in our lives
rather than use them as an excuse to keep God from working in and
through us.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
• Lack of agape love.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
• Lack of agape love.
This barrier seems to know no cultural or geographical
limitations.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Judea (Your social community) ?
• Fear of compromising your worldliness.
• Feelings of personal inadequacy for the task.
• Lack of agape love.
This barrier seems to know no cultural or geographical
limitations.
We can pray to the LORD that He will help us to love
people more.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
This is usually the biggest barrier, yet it is one of the easiest to
topple.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
This is usually the biggest barrier, yet it is one of the easiest to
topple.
Sin leads us to isolate ourselves from those who are different
than ourselves, teaching us to consider ourselves
better. Ignorance is simply "not knowing."
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
This is usually the biggest barrier, yet it is one of the easiest to
topple.
Sin leads us to isolate ourselves from those who are different
than ourselves, teaching us to consider ourselves
better. Ignorance is simply "not knowing."
Learn more about the alienated community and take the time to
pray for them.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
This is usually the biggest barrier, yet it is one of the easiest to
topple.
Sin leads us to isolate ourselves from those who are different
than ourselves, teaching us to consider ourselves
better. Ignorance is simply "not knowing."
Learn more about the alienated community and take the time to
pray for them.
Following prayer, step across the barrier and develop some real
relationships with those in the alienated community.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
This is usually the biggest barrier, yet it is one of the easiest to
topple.
Sin leads us to isolate ourselves from those who are different
than ourselves, teaching us to consider ourselves
better. Ignorance is simply "not knowing."
Learn more about the alienated community and take the time to
pray for them.
Following prayer, step across the barrier and develop some real
relationships with those in the alienated community.
Your sins of prejudice and bigotry cannot survive the
destruction of ignorance.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
It is easy to turn away from a stranger, particularly one
who does not have any idea of the potential for salvation
that a Spirit-led encounter would bring.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
It is easy to turn away from a stranger, particularly one
who does not have any idea of the potential for salvation
that a Spirit-led encounter would bring.
We may not realize the huge impact that salvation brings
to the stranger and be more concerned with protecting
our own comfort level.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
It is easy to turn away from a stranger, particularly one
who does not have any idea of the potential for salvation
that a Spirit-led encounter would bring.
We may not realize the huge impact that salvation brings
to the stranger and be more concerned with protecting
our own comfort level.
It takes some commitment to step outside that comfort
zone.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
It is easy to turn away from a stranger, particularly one
who does not have any idea of the potential for salvation
that a Spirit-led encounter would bring.
We may not realize the huge impact that salvation brings
to the stranger and be more concerned with protecting
our own comfort level.
It takes some commitment to step outside that comfort
zone.
Pray to the LORD for the commitment to the faith that will
help topple this barrier.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
• Preconceived expectations.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
• Preconceived expectations.
When going somewhere new, we should expect that things
will be different. Not worse; not better: different.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
• Preconceived expectations.
When going somewhere new, we should expect that things
will be different. Not worse; not better: different.
Relying on expectations can leave us inflexible and
unwilling to change our plans to meet the needs of the
situation.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
• Ignorance.
• Lack of commitment.
• Preconceived expectations.
When going somewhere new, we should expect that things
will be different. Not worse; not better: different.
Relying on expectations can leave us inflexible and
unwilling to change our plans to meet the needs of the
situation.
The mantra, "Be flexible," is commonly heard on the
mission field as a reminder that preconceptions can be a
great barrier.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
•
•
•
•
Ignorance.
Lack of commitment.
Preconceived expectations.
Lack of agape love.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
•
•
•
•
Ignorance.
Lack of commitment.
Preconceived expectations.
Lack of agape love.
We cannot seem to get away from this one, and it is a
greater barrier in Samaria than in any others since you
have already chosen to alienate this community by its
very definition.
What are some spiritual barriers in
Samaria (Your alienated community) ?
•
•
•
•
Ignorance.
Lack of commitment.
Preconceived expectations.
Lack of agape love.
We cannot seem to get away from this one, and it is a
greater barrier in Samaria than in any others since you
have already chosen to alienate this community by its
very definition.
It can be very difficult to love those who we have already
decided are unlovely.
Who might I share
the love of God
with?
Who might I share
the love of God
with?
• 15,000 unchurched people in Cherokee County,
NC.
• 5000 claim a church, but not active
• 1000 – 2000 people will come in the next few
years.
• These people represent a wide range of ethnic
and religions backgrounds
Who might I share
the love of God
with?
• 15,000 unchurched people in Cherokee County,
NC.
• 5000 claim a church, but not active
• 1000 – 2000 people will come in the next few
years.
• These people represent a wide range of ethnic
and religions backgrounds
Who might I share
the love of God
with?
• 15,000 unchurched people in Cherokee County,
NC.
• 5000 claim a church, but not active
• 1000 – 2000 people will come in the next few
years.
• These people represent a wide range of ethnic
and religions backgrounds
Who might I share
the love of God
with?
• 15,000 unchurched people in Cherokee County,
NC.
• 5000 claim a church, but not active
• 1000 – 2000 people will come in the next few
years.
• These people represent a wide range of ethnic
and religions backgrounds.
Does anyone recognize this?
Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
500 – 1,000 Construction Employees
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
500 – 1,000 Construction Employees
900 – 1,000 Employment positions
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
500 – 1,000 Construction Employees
900 – 1,000 Employment positions
2,000 – 3,000 Community Jobs
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
Will add more diversity to our community.
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
Will add more diversity to our community.
More ethnic groups.
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
Will add more diversity to our community.
More ethnic groups.
More religious affiliations.
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
Will add more diversity to our community.
More ethnic groups.
More religious affiliations.
More unchurched people.
•Cherokee River Casino & Hotel
Will add more diversity to our community.
More ethnic groups.
More religious affiliations.
More unchurched people.
Few will be visiting our churches.
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
• Other religious groups (non-Christian)
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
• Other religious groups (non-Christian)
• Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
• Other religious groups (non-Christian)
• Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
• Denominational Christians
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
•
•
•
•
Other religious groups (non-Christian)
Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
Denominational Christians
Unchurched:
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
•
•
•
•
Other religious groups (non-Christian)
Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
Denominational Christians
Unchurched:
– Seeking
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
•
•
•
•
Other religious groups (non-Christian)
Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
Denominational Christians
Unchurched:
– Seeking – Disinterested
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
•
•
•
•
Other religious groups (non-Christian)
Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
Denominational Christians
Unchurched:
– Seeking – Disinterested – Antagonistic
Who might I share the
love of God with?
Our constituents:
•
•
•
•
Other religious groups (non-Christian)
Christian Cultic groups (claim Christianity)
Denominational Christians
Unchurched:
– Seeking – Disinterested – Antagonistic
• Nones: No religious affiliation. 50%ya/25%ma
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
Source: Eigleheart, Glen (1984) Interfaith Witnessing: a Guide for Southern Baptists. Atlanta, GA: Home Mission Board
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
• “Interfaith” describes the arena.
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
• “Interfaith” describes the arena.
We live in a global village.
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
• “Interfaith” describes the arena.
We live in a global village.
We can relate to people of different language, skin color, value
systems and lifestyles.
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
• “Interfaith” describes the arena.
We live in a global village.
We can relate to people of different language, skin color, value
systems and lifestyles.
We must be aware of our surroundings and respond like Christ.
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
• “Interfaith” describes the arena.
We live in a global village.
We can relate to people of different language, skin color, value
systems and lifestyles.
We must be aware of our surroundings and respond like Christ.
• “Witness” is the action.
What is interfaith
witnessing?
• Interfaith witness is a lifestyle:
a way of seeing, understanding, and relating to people.
Every day. Everywhere.
• “Interfaith” describes the arena.
We live in a global village.
We can relate to people of different language, skin color, value
systems and lifestyles.
We must be aware of our surroundings and respond like Christ.
• “Witness” is the action.
You can establish relationships people whose faith is unlike yours.
Source: Eigleheart, Glen (1984) Interfaith Witnessing: a Guide for Southern Baptists. Atlanta, GA: Home Mission Board
What is my role?
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are not to judge.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? … All of us will stand
before God, to be judged by him (Rom 14:10, TEV).
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are not to judge.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? … All of us will stand
before God, to be judged by him (Rom 14:10, TEV).
• You are not to condemn or convict.
That is the role of the Holy Spirit
And when He (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convince the world of
sin, and of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8, TEV).
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
– Witness without compromising the truth
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
– Witness without compromising the truth
– Sow seed whenever possible
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
– Witness without compromising the truth
– Sow seed whenever possible
– Encourage in all things. Never discourage.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
– Witness without compromising the truth
– Sow seed whenever possible
– Encourage in all things. Never discourage.
Each one of us does the work the LORD gave him to do: I planted
the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the
plant grow (1 Cor. 3:5-6, TEV)
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
• Be Open.
– Witnessing is a two-way conversation.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
• Be Open.
– Witnessing is a two-way conversation.
– Learn the art of open listening.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
• Be Open.
– Witnessing is a two-way conversation.
– Learn the art of open listening.
– Be willing to run the risk of opening yourself to another
person and his/her beliefs.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
• Be Open.
• See people, not labels
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
• Be Open.
• See people, not labels
– She is not a ____ first and a person second, but a person
who identifies herself as a ____ in some areas of her life.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• You are to establish relationships.
• Be Open.
• See people, not labels
– She is not a ____ first and a person second, but a person
who identifies herself as a ____ in some areas of her life.
– Treat every person as a priceless individual, and friend.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
– Few people respond positively to a sword fight.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
– Few people respond positively to a sword fight.
– Faith is shared many ways without bringing doctrine into
the discussion.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
– Few people respond positively to a sword fight.
– Faith is shared many ways without bringing doctrine into
the discussion.
– The first step in faith sharing is LOVE sharing.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
– Affirm what you can in another’s faith. For example:
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
– Affirm what you can in another’s faith. For example:
– Complement a Mormon’s wholesome family life…
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
– Affirm what you can in another’s faith. For example:
– Complement a Mormon’s wholesome family life…
– Disagree with their belief that yours is a church ruled by
Satan.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
• Gauge where that person is in their commitment.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
• Gauge where that person is in their commitment.
– Church interaction is a good gauge for many beliefs.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
• Gauge where that person is in their commitment.
– Church interaction is a good gauge for many beliefs.
– Observance of holy days in the home is a good indicator for
Jews.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
• Gauge where that person is in their commitment.
• Meet the individual where they are.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
•
•
•
•
You are to establish relationships.
Be Open.
See people, not labels
Never argue or debate, just share your faith.
• Agree when you can, disagree when you must.
• Gauge where that person is in their commitment.
• Meet the individual where they are.
– Follow the example of Jesus in adapting His witness to the
situation of the people he talked to.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
– Show a genuine interest in the other person.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
– Show a genuine interest in the other person.
– Show a willingness to listen and learn their beliefs.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
– Show a genuine interest in the other person.
– Show a willingness to listen and learn their beliefs.
– Questions can serve to direct a discussion.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
– Open yourself to their questions; encourage questioning.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
– Open yourself to their questions; encourage questioning.
– Share your belief in response their questions whenever
possible. This gives them ownership of the discussion.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
– Open yourself to their questions; encourage questioning.
– Share your belief in response their questions whenever
possible. This gives them ownership of the discussion.
– Avoid sharing doctrine or belief without an initial inquiry on
their part.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
• Choose language meaningful to you both.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
• Choose language meaningful to you both.
– Avoid religious, or “Baptist” terms. Different groups define
these different ways.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
• Choose language meaningful to you both.
– Avoid religious, or “Baptist” terms. Different groups define
these different ways.
– Bahai says “I accept Jesus Christ,” but as a major prophet
in the line of Baha-ullah.
What is my role?
To be a witness:
Jesus said, “You will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem,
in all of Judea and Samaria … (Acts 1:8 TEV).
• Ask questions.
• Draw questions.
• Choose language meaningful to you both.
– Avoid religious, or “Baptist” terms. Different groups define
these different ways.
– Bahai says “I accept Jesus Christ,” but as a major prophet
in the line of Baha-ullah.
– Catholicism says, “I’m saved” having been baptized, “I’m
born again” again, in reference to the sacrament of
baptism, and “I take Jesus” in reference to the Mass.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
– Are you really a Christian?
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
– Are you really a Christian?
– Think through what your faith means to you.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
– Are you really a Christian?
– Think through what your faith means to you.
– What do you believe, and why?
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
–
–
–
–
Are you really a Christian?
Think through what your faith means to you.
What do you believe, and why?
Let your testimony be YOURS, not patterned after another.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
–
–
–
–
–
Are you really a Christian?
Think through what your faith means to you.
What do you believe, and why?
Let your testimony be YOURS, not patterned after another.
Write out what you believe in a form that could be read in
less than two minutes. Become familiar with its major
sequence and points.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
–
–
–
–
–
Are you really a Christian?
Think through what your faith means to you.
What do you believe, and why?
Let your testimony be YOURS, not patterned after another.
Write out what you believe in a form that could be read in
less than two minutes. Become familiar with its major
sequence and points.
– Be able to adapt it to the situation at hand by fitting it into
the needs of the other person.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
• Be brief.
– Limit your personal testimony to 60 to 90 seconds of the
overall discussion.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
• Be brief.
– Limit your personal testimony to 60 to 90 seconds of the
overall discussion.
– Remember, you are interested in the life and needs of the
other person, not yourself.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
• Be brief.
• Be current.
– People are not as interested in your life long ago as they
are in the here and now.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
• Be brief.
• Be current.
– People are not as interested in your life long ago as they
are in the here and now.
– Keep your testimony current and related to current events.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be genuine.
• Be brief.
• Be current.
– People are not as interested in your life long ago as they
are in the here and now.
– Keep your testimony current and related to current events.
– If possible, draw from examples learned from your
discussion up to this point.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
•
•
•
•
Be genuine.
Be brief.
Be current.
Be positive.
– Do not dwell on the things you don’t do.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
•
•
•
•
Be genuine.
Be brief.
Be current.
Be positive.
– Do not dwell on the things you don’t do.
– Do not discuss the things the other person believes and
does that you disagree with.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
•
•
•
•
Be genuine.
Be brief.
Be current.
Be positive.
– Do not dwell on the things you don’t do.
– Do not discuss the things the other person believes and
does that you disagree with.
– Stress the positive qualities of life lived in relationship with
God through Jesus, Christ.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Catholics: Stress forgiveness and freedom in Christ.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Catholics: Stress forgiveness and freedom in Christ.
– Sects: stress grace as a gift given, not earned; certainty of
salvation is seen as only in the future; stress the joyful assurance
of present and future salvation (Eph 2:8-10; Rom. 19:9-13).
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Catholics: Stress forgiveness and freedom in Christ.
– Sects: stress grace as a gift given, not earned; certainty of
salvation is seen as only in the future; stress the joyful assurance
of present and future salvation (Eph 2:8-10; Rom. 19:9-13).
– Tribals: Central issue is fear of spirits. Stress that God is the
strongest Spirit force in all the universe (1 John 4:4).
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Catholics: Stress forgiveness and freedom in Christ.
– Sects: stress grace as a gift given, not earned; certainty of
salvation is seen as only in the future; stress the joyful assurance
of present and future salvation (Eph 2:8-10; Rom. 19:9-13).
– Tribals: Central issue is fear of spirits. Stress that God is the
strongest Spirit force in all the universe (1 John 4:4).
– Hindi: stress eternal release from bondage granted to all who
believe; Jesus is the revelation from which all others are
measured.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Buddhists: Eternal life is available now, along with the assurance
of life everlasting as demonstrated in Jesus’ resurrection.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Buddhists: Eternal life is available now, along with the assurance
of life everlasting as demonstrated in Jesus’ resurrection.
– Muslims: The sovereign God has expressed His divine will in
Jesus and offers life to all through Him. Jesus is more than a
prophet; He is the divine Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah. His
death on the cross is not a sign of defeat, but of victory over evil.
What is my role?
Share your testimony.
To be effective, you testimony must:
• Be adapted to the listener.
Find the central issue, or need, of the groups you encounter. Examples:
– Buddhists: Eternal life is available now, along with the assurance
of life everlasting as demonstrated in Jesus’ resurrection.
– Muslims: The sovereign God has expressed His divine will in
Jesus and offers life to all through Him. Jesus is more than a
prophet; He is the divine Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah. His
death on the cross is not a sign of defeat, but of victory over evil.
– Jews: Jesus, God’s way of bringing liberation to all men, was
Jewish. Salvation is a Gift. Jesus is the Promised Messiah.
Source: Eigleheart, Glen (1984) Interfaith Witnessing: a Guide for Southern Baptists. Atlanta, GA: Home Mission Board
World Religions
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
At least 40% of the world’s population lives
in primitive conditions.
World Religions
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
At least 40% of the world’s population lives
in primitive conditions.
Many of these are counted in the statistics of
other faiths, but examination reveals that
they are still primarily those of tribal
religions.
World Religions
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
At least 40% of the world’s population lives
in primitive conditions.
Many of these are counted in the statistics of
other faiths, but examination reveals that
they are still primarily those of tribal
religions.
Tribal religions are not simple or stupid.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
At least 40% of the world’s population lives
in primitive conditions.
Many of these are counted in the statistics of
other faiths, but examination reveals that
they are still primarily those of tribal
religions.
Tribal religions are not simple or stupid.
They can be complex and directly address
the mysterious in the universe.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
– He makes no distinction between the religious and the
secular.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
– He makes no distinction between the religious and the
secular.
– His is a sacramental world.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
– Balance of things must be maintained
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
– Balance of things must be maintained
– If a deity is offended, something must be done to please it.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
– This idea is present among the remotest peoples over most
of the world.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
– This idea is present among the remotest peoples over most
of the world.
– There are many gods, but one god is above all
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
– This idea is present among the remotest peoples over most
of the world.
– There are many gods, but one god is above all
– In most cases, the High God is far removed from human
beings. Only the lesser gods are approachable.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
• Relates man to the tribe – both the living and the dead.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
• Relates man to the tribe – both the living and the dead.
– Ancestors are respected or worshiped.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
• Relates man to the tribe – both the living and the dead.
– Ancestors are respected or worshiped.
– The person is not seen as an individual apart form the tribe.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Religion for the Tribal Person
• Involves all of life.
• Helps him to apprehend the world around him and his own
experience as a unity.
• Is personal confrontation with a whole world that he sees as
teeming with life (note animism.)
• Gives him a sense of personal responsibility
• Has the concept of one High God
• Relates man to the tribe – both the living and the dead.
– Ancestors are respected or worshiped.
– The person is not seen as an individual apart form the tribe.
– He is in unity with himself, his ancestors, his clan, his
descendents, and his possessions.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
• MANA –
An unseen but powerful force in the world that manifests
itself mysteriously in certain objects to give them
uncommon excellence and power.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
• MANA – unseen but powerful force
• ANIMISM –
Belief in spiritual beings resident in persons, animals, or
things (trees, streams, rain, mountains). From the Latin
anima, meaning breath, life principle, soul.)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
• MANA – unseen but powerful force
• ANIMISM – objects have spirit
• MAGIC –
The control by a human being of a spirit being by means of an
incantation (spoken formula) or ritual (action); an attempt to use
other’s spiritual powers for one’s own ends.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO –
A Polynesian term denoting something or someone set apart,
consecrated, and therefore “out of bounds” to ordinary people.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO –
A Polynesian term denoting something or someone set apart,
consecrated, and therefore “out of bounds” to ordinary people.
One should avoid contact with these spirit-filled objects.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO –
A Polynesian term denoting something or someone set apart,
consecrated, and therefore “out of bounds” to ordinary people.
One should avoid contact with these spirit-filled objects.
Common taboos: dead bodies, blood, spittle, women in childbirth.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO – out of bounds
PURIFICATION RITES –
Rituals used to remove the pollution caused by taboo violations.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO – out of bounds
PURIFICATION RITES – rituals to remove taboo pollution
SACRIFICE
The attempt through giving up something of value to attain or
maintain a state of harmony with the spiritual powers.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO – out of bounds
PURIFICATION RITES – rituals to remove taboo pollution
SACRIFICE
The attempt through giving up something of value to attain or
maintain a state of harmony with the spiritual powers.
Goes beyond magic to the recognition that some spiritual powers
cannot be controlled, only entreated.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO – out of bounds
PURIFICATION RITES – rituals to remove taboo pollution
SACRIFICE – giving to entreat the spirits
TOTEMISM –
Association of the tribe with an animal (or plant) as a mark or
symbol of the social unity and identity of the tribe.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Terms to know…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MANA – unseen but powerful force
ANIMISM – objects have spirit
MAGIC – spirit control
TABOO – out of bounds
PURIFICATION RITES – rituals to remove taboo pollution
SACRIFICE – giving to entreat the spirits
TOTEMISM –
Association of the tribe with an animal (or plant) as a mark or
symbol of the social unity and identity of the tribe.
The tribe may admire the character of the animal, or the animal may
be the primary source of resource (food, power) for the tribe.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
– the evidence of the one High God,
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
– the evidence of the one High God,
– belief in the afterlife,
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
– the evidence of the one High God,
– belief in the afterlife,
– belief in the value of love and sacrifice,
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
–
–
–
–
the evidence of the one High God,
belief in the afterlife,
belief in the value of love and sacrifice,
problem of sin,
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
–
–
–
–
–
the evidence of the one High God,
belief in the afterlife,
belief in the value of love and sacrifice,
problem of sin,
unity of all things.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
– He feels surrounded by rules and spirits.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
– He feels surrounded by rules and spirits.
– Stress freedom from fear, forgiveness of sin, grace.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
• Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
• Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
– It focuses all of life on the One High God.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
• Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
– It focuses all of life on the One High God.
– Jesus is the conqueror of the demons and other forces of Evil.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
• Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
– It focuses all of life on the One High God.
– Jesus is the conqueror of the demons and other forces of Evil.
– Jesus sets man free from fear.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
• Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
–
–
–
–
It focuses all of life on the One High God.
Jesus is the conqueror of the demons and other forces of Evil.
Jesus sets man free from fear.
The Holy Spirit is the main help for the new Christian.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
• Affirm Common Doctrines.
• Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
• Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
–
–
–
–
–
It focuses all of life on the One High God.
Jesus is the conqueror of the demons and other forces of Evil.
Jesus sets man free from fear.
The Holy Spirit is the main help for the new Christian.
The Holy Spirit helps us live in freedom as individuals.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
•
•
•
•
Affirm Common Doctrines.
Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
The church is a global community that replaces tribal linkages
in a universal way.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
•
•
•
•
Affirm Common Doctrines.
Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
The church is a global community that replaces tribal linkages
in a universal way.
– Challenge for us: strong support needed for new members.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Tribalism: pre-literate religions
Christian Witness to Tribal Religionists
•
•
•
•
Affirm Common Doctrines.
Be aware that the tribal’s basic problem is fear.
Show that the Christian faith alleviates his fears.
The church is a global community that replaces tribal linkages
in a universal way.
– Challenge for us: strong support needed for new members.
– Challenge for us: need to stress global community of believers
over the local congregation. (Churches tend to be tribal!)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet
• Mohammad, born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, tribe of Quraysh.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet
• Mohammad, born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, tribe of Quraysh.
• At age 40 experienced a prophetic call in a mountain cave
north of Mecca.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet
• Mohammad, born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, tribe of Quraysh.
• At age 40 experienced a prophetic call in a mountain cave
north of Mecca.
• Mohammad called upon his immoral and polytheistic society
to worship one God, Allah.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet
• Mohammad, born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, tribe of Quraysh.
• At age 40 experienced a prophetic call in a mountain cave
north of Mecca.
• Mohammad called upon his immoral and polytheistic society
to worship one God, Allah.
• At age 52, Mohammad was asked to lead a group from Yathrib,
200 miles NE of Mecca. The name of the city was changed to
Medina (City of the Prophet): year one of the Muslim calendar.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet
• Mohammad, born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, tribe of Quraysh.
• At age 40 experienced a prophetic call in a mountain cave
north of Mecca.
• Mohammad called upon his immoral and polytheistic society
to worship one God, Allah.
• At age 52, Mohammad was asked to lead a group from Yathrib,
200 miles NE of Mecca. The name of the city was changed to
Medina (City of the Prophet): year one of the Muslim calendar.
• Mohammad later took Mecca by force, destroyed their idols,
and was unopposed as a conqueror.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet
• Mohammad, born in 570 A.D. in Mecca, tribe of Quraysh.
• At age 40 experienced a prophetic call in a mountain cave
north of Mecca.
• Mohammad called upon his immoral and polytheistic society
to worship one God, Allah.
• At age 52, Mohammad was asked to lead a group from Yathrib,
200 miles NE of Mecca. The name of the city was changed to
Medina (City of the Prophet): year one of the Muslim calendar.
• Mohammad later took Mecca by force, destroyed their idols,
and was unopposed as a conqueror.
• Mohammad died in battle at age 62.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet, Accomplishments
• Brought the many tribes of Arabia into one
community, the Ummah.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet, Accomplishments
• Brought the many tribes of Arabia into one
community, the Ummah.
• Brought people from polytheism to a radical
monotheism.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet, Accomplishments
• Brought the many tribes of Arabia into one
community, the Ummah.
• Brought people from polytheism to a radical
monotheism.
• Expanded laws on marriage and divorce and
provided care for widows and orphans.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet, Accomplishments
• Brought the many tribes of Arabia into one
community, the Ummah.
• Brought people from polytheism to a radical
monotheism.
• Expanded laws on marriage and divorce and
provided care for widows and orphans.
• Stopped the killing of infant daughters.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
1.6 – 2.0 Billion Adherents
The Prophet, Accomplishments
• Brought the many tribes of Arabia into one
community, the Ummah.
• Brought people from polytheism to a radical
monotheism.
• Expanded laws on marriage and divorce and
provided care for widows and orphans.
• Stopped the killing of infant daughters.
• Defined a fully established, highly developed religion
dealing with legal, social, and political impact on all
of life.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
The Unity of God
• Simple creed: “There is no god but God (Allah)”
– All inclusive.
– Rules out any speculation concerning Allah.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
The Unity of God
• Simple creed: “There is no god but God (Allah)”
– All inclusive.
– Rules out any speculation concerning Allah.
• Mohammad’s insistence enabled him to wipe out completely
any trace of polytheism/idolatry.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
The Unity of God
• Simple creed: “There is no god but God (Allah)”
– All inclusive.
– Rules out any speculation concerning Allah.
• Mohammad’s insistence enabled him to wipe out completely
any trace of polytheism/idolatry.
• Rejection of Christian Trinity: Koran Surah 112:1-4, “Say God
is unique. God is the source. He has not fathered anything.
Nor is He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him.”
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
• Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
• Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
• Divine messengers
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
• Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
• Divine messengers
• Guardians of heaven/men
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
•
•
•
•
Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
Divine messengers
Guardians of heaven/men
To sing praises of Allah
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
•
•
•
•
•
Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
Divine messengers
Guardians of heaven/men
To sing praises of Allah
Created from light.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
•
•
•
•
•
•
Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
Divine messengers
Guardians of heaven/men
To sing praises of Allah
Created from light.
Free from carnal desires.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
Divine messengers
Guardians of heaven/men
To sing praises of Allah
Created from light.
Free from carnal desires.
Gabriel – most important: gave Koran to Mohammed.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
Divine messengers
Guardians of heaven/men
To sing praises of Allah
Created from light.
Free from carnal desires.
Gabriel – most important: gave Koran to Mohammed.
Israfel – will announce day of judgment
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Angels
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Angels exist, but are not to be worshipped. They are:
Divine messengers
Guardians of heaven/men
To sing praises of Allah
Created from light.
Free from carnal desires.
Gabriel – most important: gave Koran to Mohammed.
Israfel – will announce day of judgment
Satan – a fallen angel.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah
• Many given by Allah through the ages.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah
• Many given by Allah through the ages.
• Old Testament revealed the will of Allah through the
prophets
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah
• Many given by Allah through the ages.
• Old Testament revealed the will of Allah through the
prophets
• The gospel, not the New Testament, revealed to
Jesus.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah
• Many given by Allah through the ages.
• Old Testament revealed the will of Allah through the
prophets
• The gospel, not the New Testament, revealed to
Jesus.
• Bible to be believed insofar as it has not been
corrupted.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Koran (Qur’an)
• Directly revealed word of Allah dictated to Mohammad by
Gabriel.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Koran (Qur’an)
• Directly revealed word of Allah dictated to Mohammad by
Gabriel.
• Preserved through oral recitation, written (by
amenuensis) on various forms, collected and deposited
with his successors.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Koran (Qur’an)
• Directly revealed word of Allah dictated to Mohammad by
Gabriel.
• Preserved through oral recitation, written (by
amenuensis) on various forms, collected and deposited
with his successors.
• A written, revised version was prepared in 651 A.D. under
orders from the third Caliph.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Koran (Qur’an)
• Directly revealed word of Allah dictated to Mohammad by
Gabriel.
• Preserved through oral recitation, written (by
amenuensis) on various forms, collected and deposited
with his successors.
• A written, revised version was prepared in 651 A.D. under
orders from the third Caliph.
• 114 surahs, (chapters), arranged after the first one from
the longest to the shortest.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Koran (Qur’an)
• Directly revealed word of Allah dictated to Mohammad by
Gabriel.
• Preserved through oral recitation, written (by
amenuensis) on various forms, collected and deposited
with his successors.
• A written, revised version was prepared in 651 A.D. under
orders from the third Caliph.
• 114 surahs, (chapters), arranged after the first one from
the longest to the shortest.
• Authority – above suspicion, only sacred book, authentic,
genuine.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Hadith
• Collections of sayings or doings of Mohammad,
originally the only criterion for guidance in all
matters of public and private interest.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Hadith
• Collections of sayings or doings of Mohammad,
originally the only criterion for guidance in all
matters of public and private interest.
• Second only to the Koran in esteem, but unlike the
Koran, subject to criticism as to authenticity and
value.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Books of Allah: the Hadith
• Collections of sayings or doings of Mohammad,
originally the only criterion for guidance in all
matters of public and private interest.
• Second only to the Koran in esteem, but unlike the
Koran, subject to criticism as to authenticity and
value.
• Each tradition has two parts – text and authority (the
chain of persons who passed on the stories.)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Jesus
• A messenger only, no more (Koran Surah 5:71, “So believe in
God and his messengers, and say not ‘three.’”)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Jesus
• A messenger only, no more (Koran Surah 5:71, “So believe in
God and his messengers, and say not ‘three.’”)
• Virgin birth accepted, a creation of God (Koran Surah 3:54,
“Lo, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam.
He created him out of dust.”
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Jesus
• A messenger only, no more (Koran Surah 5:71, “So believe in
God and his messengers, and say not ‘three.’”)
• Virgin birth accepted, a creation of God (Koran Surah 3:54,
“Lo, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam.
He created him out of dust.”
• Each tradition has two parts – text and authority (the chain of
persons who passed on the stories.)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Jesus
• A messenger only, no more (Koran Surah 5:71, “So believe in
God and his messengers, and say not ‘three.’”)
• Virgin birth accepted, a creation of God (Koran Surah 3:54,
“Lo, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam.
He created him out of dust.”
• Each tradition has two parts – text and authority (the chain of
persons who passed on the stories.)
• Not the Son of God (Koran Surah 23:91, “No son did God
beget, nor is there any god along with him.”)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Jesus
• A messenger only, no more (Koran Surah 5:71, “So believe in
God and his messengers, and say not ‘three.’”)
• Virgin birth accepted, a creation of God (Koran Surah 3:54,
“Lo, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam.
He created him out of dust.”
• Each tradition has two parts – text and authority (the chain of
persons who passed on the stories.)
• Not the Son of God (Koran Surah 23:91, “No son did God
beget, nor is there any god along with him.”)
• Not crucified (Koran Surah 4:156-158), story of substitution of
Judas on the cross.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Jesus
• Agreement with the Bible:
– Holiness of Jesus.
– Virgin birth (recognition of Mary).
– Mary pure.
– Jesus performed miracles.
Basic Muslim Beliefs
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Jesus
• Agreement with the Bible:
– Holiness of Jesus.
– Virgin birth (recognition of Mary).
– Mary pure.
– Jesus performed miracles.
• Disagreement with the Bible:
– Jesus is not the Son of God, or divine.
– Denies Trinity
– Denies Crucifixion
– Does not accept the idea of original sin for which Jesus
died.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Day of Judgment / Resurrection
• All men are accountable to God; will be judged
accordingly.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Day of Judgment / Resurrection
• All men are accountable to God; will be judged
accordingly.
• Muslims will enter Paradise; some purged first.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Day of Judgment / Resurrection
• All men are accountable to God; will be judged
accordingly.
• Muslims will enter Paradise; some purged first.
• Non-Muslims will be condemned; no intercession
effective.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Day of Judgment / Resurrection
• All men are accountable to God; will be judged
accordingly.
• Muslims will enter Paradise; some purged first.
• Non-Muslims will be condemned; no intercession
effective.
• Muslims believe in the existence of heaven and hell.
• Free will to choose
– The will of Allah
– Predestination – kismet (fate)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Five Pillars of the Faith: prescribed duties.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Five Pillars of the Faith: prescribed duties.
1. Recital of the creed
–
–
–
“I testify there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his Prophet.”
Repeated Daily
It is also a form of profession of faith.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Five Pillars of the Faith: prescribed duties.
1. Recital of the creed
2. Daily prayer
–
–
–
–
–
–
Must pray five stated times each day: dawn, midday, mid-afternoojn,
sunset, and two hours after sunset.
Must follow prescribed rituals of
Preparation – removal of shoes; washing of hands/feet
Postures (6 forms)
Prayer forms.
Muslims gather for communal Friday prayers in the mosque at noon.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Five Pillars of the Faith: prescribed duties.
1. Recital of the creed
2. Daily prayer
3. Fasting
–
–
–
–
Takes place during Ramadan, the ninth lunar month, according to the
Muslim calendar.
Required of all.
Takes place from dawn until sunset (enough light to distinguish a
white thread from a black one).
Exceptions – sick, travellers, young children, pregnant women,
mentally defective.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Five Pillars of the Faith: prescribed duties.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Recital of the creed
Daily prayer
Fasting
Almsgiving
–
–
–
A form of legal alms or charitable tax.
Equals 1/40th or 2.5% of total assets.
Used for charitable purposes.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Basic Muslim Beliefs
Five Pillars of the Faith: prescribed duties.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Recital of the creed
Daily prayer
Fasting
Almsgiving
Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
–
–
–
–
–
Required, if economically possible.
A woman must be with a man.
Performed in 12th month of lunar year and completed on the 10th day.
Currently, about two million “pilgrims” to Mecca each year.
Rituals include marching around the Ka’bah (an ancient meteorite),
animal sacrifices, and recalling events in the life of Mohammad.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
2. Christianity is also monotheistic.
–
Because of the Trinity, Muslims think Christians are guilty of shirk,
associating anything with God.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
2. Christianity is also monotheistic.
–
–
Because of the Trinity, Muslims think Christians are guilty of shirk,
associating anything with God.
Trinity is not Father, Son, and Mary as many Muslims think.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
2. Christianity is also monotheistic.
–
–
–
Because of the Trinity, Muslims think Christians are guilty of shirk,
associating anything with God.
Trinity is not Father, Son, and Mary as many Muslims think.
Trinity is not three gods.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
2. Christianity is also monotheistic.
–
–
–
–
Because of the Trinity, Muslims think Christians are guilty of shirk,
associating anything with God.
Trinity is not Father, Son, and Mary as many Muslims think.
Trinity is not three gods.
Earliest Christians were Jews who also hold to high monotheism.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
2. Christianity is also monotheistic.
–
–
–
–
–
Because of the Trinity, Muslims think Christians are guilty of shirk,
associating anything with God.
Trinity is not Father, Son, and Mary as many Muslims think.
Trinity is not three gods.
Earliest Christians were Jews who also hold to high monotheism.
We believe in ONE God, who has shown himself in three ways (1
John 5:7).
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
1. “Love them to death.”
–
–
To them, the crusades happened only yesterday. Much resentment
towards Christians.
Show them the love that is true Christianity
2. Christianity is also monotheistic.
–
–
–
–
–
–
Because of the Trinity, Muslims think Christians are guilty of shirk,
associating anything with God.
Trinity is not Father, Son, and Mary as many Muslims think.
Trinity is not three gods.
Earliest Christians were Jews who also hold to high monotheism.
We believe in ONE God, who has shown himself in three ways (1
John 5:7).
Don’t limit God by saying He is not sovereign enough to reveal
Himself as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit if He chooses to do so.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
To the Muslim, sin is forgetfulness; to the Christian sin is rebellion
against God.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
–
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
To the Muslim, sin is forgetfulness; to the Christian sin is rebellion
against God.
God does more than remind us of His will; He acts to bring us to
Himself.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
–
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
To the Muslim, sin is forgetfulness; to the Christian sin is rebellion
against God.
God does more than remind us of His will; He acts to bring us to
Himself.
4. The New Testament
–
is a valid record of God’s acts in Jesus
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
–
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
To the Muslim, sin is forgetfulness; to the Christian sin is rebellion
against God.
God does more than remind us of His will; He acts to bring us to
Himself.
4. The New Testament
–
–
is a valid record of God’s acts in Jesus
Most Muslims take the Koran as their source of information about
Jesus, believing the gospel was lost.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
–
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
To the Muslim, sin is forgetfulness; to the Christian sin is rebellion
against God.
God does more than remind us of His will; He acts to bring us to
Himself.
4. The New Testament
–
–
–
is a valid record of God’s acts in Jesus
Most Muslims take the Koran as their source of information about
Jesus, believing the gospel was lost.
Suggest that Muslims read Christian documents as valid records; they
don’t have to believe them, but to help them understand where the
Christian is coming from. Choose the gospel of John.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
3. Faith, not works, is the basis of salvation
–
–
–
The result of faith is assurance of peace and joy.
To the Muslim, sin is forgetfulness; to the Christian sin is rebellion
against God.
God does more than remind us of His will; He acts to bring us to
Himself.
4. The New Testament
–
–
–
–
is a valid record of God’s acts in Jesus
Most Muslims take the Koran as their source of information about
Jesus, believing the gospel was lost.
Suggest that Muslims read Christian documents as valid records; they
don’t have to believe them, but to help them understand where the
Christian is coming from. Choose the gospel of John.
Point out that the Koran mentions Jesus 93 times, and always in a
positive way.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
5. The Cross
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
Christian Witness
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
Point out that God is just, and would not let one man die for
another man.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
Point out that God is just, and would not let one man die for
another man.
God, being just, would not allow a Judas to be tortured and
hated.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
–
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
Point out that God is just, and would not let one man die for
another man.
God, being just, would not allow a Judas to be tortured and
hated.
The cross is where the mighty arm of God is revealed to all.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
–
–
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
Point out that God is just, and would not let one man die for
another man.
God, being just, would not allow a Judas to be tortured and
hated.
The cross is where the mighty arm of God is revealed to all.
The cross opened the door of salvation to all.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
Point out that God is just, and would not let one man die for
another man.
God, being just, would not allow a Judas to be tortured and
hated.
The cross is where the mighty arm of God is revealed to all.
The cross opened the door of salvation to all.
Christ chose to do this himself. (Col. 2:13-15.)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. The Cross
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
The mighty act of a Sovereign God.
According to Muslims, Jesus did not die on the cross. A
substitute (Judas) replaced him. They made this change so that
it would not give the impression that such a great “Prophet”
was “losing.”
Point out that God is just, and would not let one man die for
another man.
God, being just, would not allow a Judas to be tortured and
hated.
The cross is where the mighty arm of God is revealed to all.
The cross opened the door of salvation to all.
Christ chose to do this himself. (Col. 2:13-15.)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
6. Salvation
–
Is not a way to get around Allah’s rigid demands for holy living.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
6. Salvation
–
–
Is not a way to get around Allah’s rigid demands for holy living.
Salvation is the motive for holy living.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
6. Salvation
–
–
–
Is not a way to get around Allah’s rigid demands for holy living.
Salvation is the motive for holy living.
Salvation is offered to all who put their faith and trust in God.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
6. Salvation
–
–
–
–
Is not a way to get around Allah’s rigid demands for holy living.
Salvation is the motive for holy living.
Salvation is offered to all who put their faith and trust in God.
God promised to forgive the sin of those who trust in Him.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
6. Salvation
–
–
–
–
–
Is not a way to get around Allah’s rigid demands for holy living.
Salvation is the motive for holy living.
Salvation is offered to all who put their faith and trust in God.
God promised to forgive the sin of those who trust in Him.
All will come to God in judgment, but only those who come to Him
with forgiveness will be saved.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Islam:
Christian Witness
5. Jesus
–
–
–
–
Is more than a Prophet. He claimed to be LORD (John 10:30)
In Jesus, God reveals Himself as a loving Father.
In Islam, revelation is from God (describing His will), not of God.
God is remote and unknowable.
“Father is Jesus’ name for God. Of God’s 99 names in Islam, none
is “Father.”
6. Salvation
–
–
–
–
–
–
Is not a way to get around Allah’s rigid demands for holy living.
Salvation is the motive for holy living.
Salvation is offered to all who put their faith and trust in God.
God promised to forgive the sin of those who trust in Him.
All will come to God in judgment, but only those who come to Him
with forgiveness will be saved.
Forgiveness comes from Jesus’ work on the Cross.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
HINDUISM began about 2000 BC. It has no single
founder and is the most diverse of all major world
religions.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
•
HINDUISM began about 2000 BC. It has no single
founder and is the most diverse of all major world
religions.
Most Hindus are polytheistic.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
•
•
HINDUISM began about 2000 BC. It has no single
founder and is the most diverse of all major world
religions.
Most Hindus are polytheistic.
Diversity within Hinduism allows for other
concepts, including monotheism, henotheism (one
god among many), and monism (only one eternal
reality exists and everything comes from it).
World Religions
Hinduism
•
•
•
•
HINDUISM began about 2000 BC. It has no single
founder and is the most diverse of all major world
religions.
Most Hindus are polytheistic.
Diversity within Hinduism allows for other
concepts, including monotheism, henotheism (one
god among many), and monism (only one eternal
reality exists and everything comes from it).
The most popular gods are Shiva, Brahma, and
Vishnu, who have come to earth in various
incarnations (avatars) to aid human beings.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
Hindus do not have one set of scriptures, though many of their
beliefs and practices can be found in the Vedas and Upanishads.
The former is a collection of oral traditions, while the latter is an
appendage and synthesis of the Vedas.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
•
Hindus do not have one set of scriptures, though many of their
beliefs and practices can be found in the Vedas and Upanishads.
The former is a collection of oral traditions, while the latter is an
appendage and synthesis of the Vedas.
The world is an illusion, and the goal of humanity is to free the soul
from rebirth and to be absorbed into the ultimate principle, called
Brahman.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
•
•
Hindus do not have one set of scriptures, though many of their
beliefs and practices can be found in the Vedas and Upanishads.
The former is a collection of oral traditions, while the latter is an
appendage and synthesis of the Vedas.
The world is an illusion, and the goal of humanity is to free the soul
from rebirth and to be absorbed into the ultimate principle, called
Brahman.
A chief concept in Hindu thought is karma-the idea that deeds,
thoughts, and actions have an impact on one's future fate. The
accumulation of negative karma leads to reincarnation.
World Religions
Hinduism
•
Hindus do not have one set of scriptures, though many of their
beliefs and practices can be found in the Vedas and Upanishads.
The former is a collection of oral traditions, while the latter is an
appendage and synthesis of the Vedas.
The world is an illusion, and the goal of humanity is to free the soul
from rebirth and to be absorbed into the ultimate principle, called
Brahman.
A chief concept in Hindu thought is karma-the idea that deeds,
thoughts, and actions have an impact on one's future fate. The
accumulation of negative karma leads to reincarnation.
There are three major paths to salvation.
•
•
•
–
–
–
Karma Marga is a way of works or ritual.
Jnana Marga represents a way of knowledge through mystical
intuition.
Bhakti Marga, the most popular path, is devotion to one of the
Hindu gods or goddesses.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
While sitting under a fig tree one day, he found the
answers to life's problems through enlightenment. Later,
he was called Buddha ("Enlightened One").
World Religions
Buddhism
•
•
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
While sitting under a fig tree one day, he found the
answers to life's problems through enlightenment. Later,
he was called Buddha ("Enlightened One").
The chief problem in life is suffering and it is caused by
desiring worldly things.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
•
•
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
While sitting under a fig tree one day, he found the
answers to life's problems through enlightenment. Later,
he was called Buddha ("Enlightened One").
The chief problem in life is suffering and it is caused by
desiring worldly things.
Suffering is eliminated only by abolishing desire.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
•
•
•
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
While sitting under a fig tree one day, he found the
answers to life's problems through enlightenment. Later,
he was called Buddha ("Enlightened One").
The chief problem in life is suffering and it is caused by
desiring worldly things.
Suffering is eliminated only by abolishing desire.
Adopting a lifestyle of moderation in all things
extinguishes desire and helps achieve salvation.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
•
•
•
•
•
BUDDHISM began as a movement within Hinduism
through the efforts of Siddhartha Gautama (b. 563 BC),
who was dissatisfied with Hinduism's answers to life's
problems.
While sitting under a fig tree one day, he found the
answers to life's problems through enlightenment. Later,
he was called Buddha ("Enlightened One").
The chief problem in life is suffering and it is caused by
desiring worldly things.
Suffering is eliminated only by abolishing desire.
Adopting a lifestyle of moderation in all things
extinguishes desire and helps achieve salvation.
Salvation is defined as realizing Nirvana, the
extinguishing of continual rebirths.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
After Buddha's death, the religion split into two schools of
thought.
–
Theravadas, prevalent in Burma and Thailand, acknowledge
Buddha as a great teacher but believe that salvation is achieved
by living as a monk.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
After Buddha's death, the religion split into two schools of
thought.
–
Theravadas, prevalent in Burma and Thailand, acknowledge
Buddha as a great teacher but believe that salvation is achieved
by living as a monk.
–
Mahayanas, the larger group and predominant in Korea, China,
and Japan, elevated Buddha to savior status. Trusting in
Buddha as savior allows people to reach salvation. Most
Buddhists do not believe in life after death. The Pure Land
School asserts that by trusting in the savior, Amitabha, people
can go to paradise when they die.
World Religions
Buddhism
•
•
After Buddha's death, the religion split into two schools of
thought.
–
Theravadas, prevalent in Burma and Thailand, acknowledge
Buddha as a great teacher but believe that salvation is achieved
by living as a monk.
–
Mahayanas, the larger group and predominant in Korea, China,
and Japan, elevated Buddha to savior status. Trusting in
Buddha as savior allows people to reach salvation. Most
Buddhists do not believe in life after death. The Pure Land
School asserts that by trusting in the savior, Amitabha, people
can go to paradise when they die.
Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism is a strong missionary faith.
–
Zen Buddhism, with its emphases on meditation and selfsalvation, became popular in the United States in the 1960s and
1970s.
–
Currently, it has dozens of centers in the United States.
World Religions
Sects:
Christian Cults
A sect, or cult, is a deviation from Christianity: It claims the name of
Christianity but denies one or more of its basic doctrines.
World Religions
Sects:
Christian Cults
A sect, or cult, is a deviation from Christianity: It claims the name of
Christianity but denies one or more of its basic doctrines.
They often take a valid Christian doctrine and overemphasize it until the
end result is a position that is outside of the mainstream of the
Christian faith.
World Religions
Sects:
Christian Cults
A sect, or cult, is a deviation from Christianity: It claims the name of
Christianity but denies one or more of its basic doctrines.
They often take a valid Christian doctrine and overemphasize it until the
end result is a position that is outside of the mainstream of the
Christian faith.
Some sects include (but are not limited to):
Armstrongism
Christian Science
Community of Christ
Free Masonry
International Churches of Christ
Mormons
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nation of Islam
Oneness Pentecostalism
Santeria
Scientology
The Way International
Unification Church
Unitarian Universalist
Unity School of Christianity
World Religions
Sects:
Christian Cults
A sect, or cult, is a deviation from Christianity: It claims the name of
Christianity but denies one or more of its basic doctrines.
They often take a valid Christian doctrine and overemphasize it until the
end result is a position that is outside of the mainstream of the
Christian faith.
Some sects include (but are not limited to):
Armstrongism
Christian Science
Community of Christ
Free Masonry
International Churches of Christ
Mormons
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nation of Islam
Oneness Pentecostalism
Santeria
Scientology
The Way International
Unification Church
Unitarian Universalist
Unity School of Christianity
For a summary of each, visit
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Characteristics of Sectarian Groups
•
Most converts come from Christian backgrounds, not from “no faith.”
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Characteristics of Sectarian Groups
•
•
Most converts come from Christian backgrounds, not from “no faith.”
Most converts were members of a Christian church where they
became dissatisfied or disillusioned.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Characteristics of Sectarian Groups
•
•
•
Most converts come from Christian backgrounds, not from “no faith.”
Most converts were members of a Christian church where they
became dissatisfied or disillusioned.
They respected the Bible but did not know it well enough to detect
when it was misused by the sect group presentation.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Characteristics of Sectarian Groups
•
•
•
•
Most converts come from Christian backgrounds, not from “no faith.”
Most converts were members of a Christian church where they
became dissatisfied or disillusioned.
They respected the Bible but did not know it well enough to detect
when it was misused by the sect group presentation.
Sects appeal to minority groups, groups that have been passed over
by mainline Christianity: women, racial minorities, age minorities,
economic minorities.
–
Jehovah’s witnesses appeal to the poor
–
Unitarians and Unity appeal to the rich.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Characteristics of Sectarian Groups
•
•
•
•
•
Most converts come from Christian backgrounds, not from “no faith.”
Most converts were members of a Christian church where they
became dissatisfied or disillusioned.
They respected the Bible but did not know it well enough to detect
when it was misused by the sect group presentation.
Sects appeal to minority groups, groups that have been passed over
by mainline Christianity: women, racial minorities, age minorities,
economic minorities.
–
Jehovah’s witnesses appeal to the poor
–
Unitarians and Unity appeal to the rich.
They believe only they have the truth. They are the one true
church.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Characteristics of Sectarian Groups
•
•
•
•
•
•
Most converts come from Christian backgrounds, not from “no faith.”
Most converts were members of a Christian church where they
became dissatisfied or disillusioned.
They respected the Bible but did not know it well enough to detect
when it was misused by the sect group presentation.
Sects appeal to minority groups, groups that have been passed over
by mainline Christianity: women, racial minorities, age minorities,
economic minorities.
–
Jehovah’s witnesses appeal to the poor
–
Unitarians and Unity appeal to the rich.
They believe only they have the truth. They are the one true
church.
They use poor biblical exegesis, and often add books that become
primary sources of authority.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Types of Sectarian Groups
•
Mind Sects
–
–
–
–
Unitarian – Universalists
Church of Christ, Scientist (Mary Baker Eddy)
Unity School of Christianity (Charles & Myrtle Fillmore)
Church of Religious Science
Christian Cults
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Types of Sectarian Groups
•
Mind Sects
–
–
–
–
•
Unitarian – Universalists
Church of Christ, Scientist (Mary Baker Eddy)
Unity School of Christianity (Charles & Myrtle Fillmore)
Church of Religious Science
East-West Mixes
–
–
Unification Church (Sun Myung Moon)
Scientology (L. Ron Hubbard)
Christian Cults
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Types of Sectarian Groups
•
Mind Sects
–
–
–
–
•
Unitarian – Universalists
Church of Christ, Scientist (Mary Baker Eddy)
Unity School of Christianity (Charles & Myrtle Fillmore)
Church of Religious Science
East-West Mixes
–
–
•
Unification Church (Sun Myung Moon)
Scientology (L. Ron Hubbard)
Millennial Sects
–
–
–
Jehovah’s Witnesses (Charles T. Russell)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons, Joseph Smith)
Worldwide Church of God (Herbert W. Armstrong)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Types of Sectarian Groups
•
Mind Sects
–
–
–
–
•
East-West Mixes
–
–
•
Unification Church (Sun Myung Moon)
Scientology (L. Ron Hubbard)
Millennial Sects
–
–
–
•
Unitarian – Universalists
Church of Christ, Scientist (Mary Baker Eddy)
Unity School of Christianity (Charles & Myrtle Fillmore)
Church of Religious Science
Jehovah’s Witnesses (Charles T. Russell)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons, Joseph Smith)
Worldwide Church of God (Herbert W. Armstrong)
Note that most sectarian groups can trace their roots back to a
single founder.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
–
Use of positive thinking; good thoughts as a way to flood
human personality with divine power.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
–
–
Use of positive thinking; good thoughts as a way to flood
human personality with divine power.
Pain, suffering and even death are described as illusory and
temporary.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
–
–
–
Use of positive thinking; good thoughts as a way to flood
human personality with divine power.
Pain, suffering and even death are described as illusory and
temporary.
A low sense of sin, in come cases with the reality of sin denied
except as a “wrong way of thinking;”
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
–
–
–
–
Use of positive thinking; good thoughts as a way to flood
human personality with divine power.
Pain, suffering and even death are described as illusory and
temporary.
A low sense of sin, in come cases with the reality of sin denied
except as a “wrong way of thinking;”
Traditional Christian emphasis on sin and salvation is given
little importance
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
–
–
–
–
•
Use of positive thinking; good thoughts as a way to flood
human personality with divine power.
Pain, suffering and even death are described as illusory and
temporary.
A low sense of sin, in come cases with the reality of sin denied
except as a “wrong way of thinking;”
Traditional Christian emphasis on sin and salvation is given
little importance
Strong tendency to be eclectic, to develop a mosaic of
beliefs incorporating concepts from many sources, Christian
and non-Christian.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
The Mind Sects
•
Emphasis on the mind as controlling attitudes in life
–
–
–
–
•
•
Use of positive thinking; good thoughts as a way to flood
human personality with divine power.
Pain, suffering and even death are described as illusory and
temporary.
A low sense of sin, in come cases with the reality of sin denied
except as a “wrong way of thinking;”
Traditional Christian emphasis on sin and salvation is given
little importance
Strong tendency to be eclectic, to develop a mosaic of
beliefs incorporating concepts from many sources, Christian
and non-Christian.
The human quality is stressed.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Witnessing to Mind Sects
Sects:
Christian Cults
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Mind Sects
•
Stress the conquering of evil by facing trouble, not
retreating from it or denying it.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Mind Sects
•
•
Stress the conquering of evil by facing trouble, not
retreating from it or denying it.
Affirm your belief in God’s intention for human beings to be
whole in body and spirit, mind and soul.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Mind Sects
•
•
•
Stress the conquering of evil by facing trouble, not
retreating from it or denying it.
Affirm your belief in God’s intention for human beings to be
whole in body and spirit, mind and soul.
Insist on defining terms of God, man, salvation, Christ.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Mind Sects
•
Stress the conquering of evil by facing trouble, not
retreating from it or denying it.
Affirm your belief in God’s intention for human beings to be
whole in body and spirit, mind and soul.
Insist on defining terms of God, man, salvation, Christ.
Watch for concepts from Eastern religions:
•
•
•
–
–
–
the divine spark within all people,
being part of the divine whole,
denying the divinity of Christ.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Mind Sects
•
Stress the conquering of evil by facing trouble, not
retreating from it or denying it.
Affirm your belief in God’s intention for human beings to be
whole in body and spirit, mind and soul.
Insist on defining terms of God, man, salvation, Christ.
Watch for concepts from Eastern religions:
•
•
•
–
–
–
•
the divine spark within all people,
being part of the divine whole,
denying the divinity of Christ.
Stress peace, wholeness, sincere concern for personal and
corporate health, concern for the needs of society.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Mind Sects
•
Stress the conquering of evil by facing trouble, not
retreating from it or denying it.
Affirm your belief in God’s intention for human beings to be
whole in body and spirit, mind and soul.
Insist on defining terms of God, man, salvation, Christ.
Watch for concepts from Eastern religions:
•
•
•
–
–
–
•
•
the divine spark within all people,
being part of the divine whole,
denying the divinity of Christ.
Stress peace, wholeness, sincere concern for personal and
corporate health, concern for the needs of society.
Remain in the context of God’s love and grace.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
East-West Mixes
Have roots in the Orient, but packaged for a Western market.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
East-West Mixes
Have roots in the Orient, but packaged for a Western market.
•
The Unification Church (Sun Myung Moon)
–
–
Contains elements of Taoist dualism, tribal numerology,
Christian terminology, and symbols drawn from his training in
electrical engineering.
Claims: Moon is the Second Coming of Christ.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
East-West Mixes
Have roots in the Orient, but packaged for a Western market.
•
The Unification Church (Sun Myung Moon)
–
–
•
Contains elements of Taoist dualism, tribal numerology,
Christian terminology, and symbols drawn from his training in
electrical engineering.
Claims: Moon is the Second Coming of Christ.
Scientology. Founder: fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard
–
–
placed on a Buddhist base a superstructure from Freudian
psychology and Western science-fiction terminology. The
result is a human potential faith that appeals to those who
desire a continuation with the old and new.
Claims: humans are immortal, correction through Dianetics
(self-help)
World Religions
Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Sects:
Impact of East-West Mixes
•
Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
Christian Cults
World Religions
Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Sects:
Christian Cults
Impact of East-West Mixes
•
•
Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
The chances are that one in five of the people there find "spiritual
energy" in mountains or trees, and one in six believe in the "evil
eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look — beliefs
your Christian pastor doesn't preach
World Religions
Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Sects:
Christian Cults
Impact of East-West Mixes
•
•
•
Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
The chances are that one in five of the people there find "spiritual
energy" in mountains or trees, and one in six believe in the "evil
eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look — beliefs
your Christian pastor doesn't preach
In a Catholic church? Chances are that one in five members
believe in reincarnation in a way never taught in catechism class
— that you'll be reborn in this world again and again.
World Religions
Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Sects:
Christian Cults
Impact of East-West Mixes
•
•
•
•
Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
The chances are that one in five of the people there find "spiritual
energy" in mountains or trees, and one in six believe in the "evil
eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look — beliefs
your Christian pastor doesn't preach
In a Catholic church? Chances are that one in five members
believe in reincarnation in a way never taught in catechism class
— that you'll be reborn in this world again and again.
Elements of Eastern faiths and New Age thinking have been
widely adopted by 65% of U.S. adults, including many who call
themselves Protestants and Catholics (Pew Forum on Religion &
Public Life).
World Religions
Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
Sects:
Christian Cults
Impact of East-West Mixes
•
•
•
•
•
Going to church this Sunday? Look around.
The chances are that one in five of the people there find "spiritual
energy" in mountains or trees, and one in six believe in the "evil
eye," that certain people can cast curses with a look — beliefs
your Christian pastor doesn't preach
In a Catholic church? Chances are that one in five members
believe in reincarnation in a way never taught in catechism class
— that you'll be reborn in this world again and again.
Elements of Eastern faiths and New Age thinking have been
widely adopted by 65% of U.S. adults, including many who call
themselves Protestants and Catholics (Pew Forum on Religion &
Public Life).
"This is a failure of the pulpit as much as of the pew to be clear
about what is and is not compatible with Christianity and belief in
salvation only through Christ," Albert Mohler, President, SBTS.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
Christian Cults
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
Look for non-Christian elements and identify them as such.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
•
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
Look for non-Christian elements and identify them as such.
Be alert to the appeals these groups make to members.
– Compare to God’s grace, love, and peace.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
•
•
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
Look for non-Christian elements and identify them as such.
Be alert to the appeals these groups make to members.
– Compare to God’s grace, love, and peace.
Be alert to doubts that adherents have.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
•
•
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
Look for non-Christian elements and identify them as such.
Be alert to the appeals these groups make to members.
– Compare to God’s grace, love, and peace.
Be alert to doubts that adherents have.
– Ask if there are beliefs or practices that they do not
agree with, and compare with sound biblical doctrine.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
•
•
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
Look for non-Christian elements and identify them as such.
Be alert to the appeals these groups make to members.
– Compare to God’s grace, love, and peace.
Be alert to doubts that adherents have.
– Ask if there are beliefs or practices that they do not
agree with, and compare with sound biblical doctrine.
– Describe the simplicity of the gospel.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to East-West Mixes
•
•
•
•
Be aware that they are syncretistic (combine various ideas
from various sources), not Christian.
Look for non-Christian elements and identify them as such.
Be alert to the appeals these groups make to members.
– Compare to God’s grace, love, and peace.
Be alert to doubts that adherents have.
– Ask if there are beliefs or practices that they do not
agree with, and compare with sound biblical doctrine.
– Describe the simplicity of the gospel.
– Offer yourself as a resource for Christian theology and
practice, or point them to other resource people or
materials.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Millennial Sects – Characteristics of beliefs
•
All spring from a common source – intense interest in
the coming end of the world and the Second Coming
of Christ.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Millennial Sects – Characteristics of beliefs
•
•
All spring from a common source – intense interest in
the coming end of the world and the Second Coming
of Christ.
Explanations of what will come and when it will
happen vary from group to group.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Millennial Sects – Characteristics of beliefs
•
•
•
All spring from a common source – intense interest in
the coming end of the world and the Second Coming
of Christ.
Explanations of what will come and when it will
happen vary from group to group.
All have a scheme of eschatology (the theology of last
things)
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Millennial Sects – Characteristics of beliefs
•
•
•
•
All spring from a common source – intense interest in
the coming end of the world and the Second Coming
of Christ.
Explanations of what will come and when it will
happen vary from group to group.
All have a scheme of eschatology (the theology of last
things)
Appeal to persons looking for set answers to the
problems of mankind.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Millennial Sects – Characteristics of beliefs
•
•
•
•
•
All spring from a common source – intense interest in
the coming end of the world and the Second Coming
of Christ.
Explanations of what will come and when it will
happen vary from group to group.
All have a scheme of eschatology (the theology of last
things)
Appeal to persons looking for set answers to the
problems of mankind.
Radical deviations from Christianity, but use similar
terms and “sound” Christian to the ignorant.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Millennial Sects
•
Disarm them with agape kindness. They anticipate rejection
and persecution. Warmth and genuine interest in them as
persons is an appropriate approach.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Millennial Sects
•
•
Disarm them with agape kindness. They anticipate rejection
and persecution. Warmth and genuine interest in them as
persons is an appropriate approach.
Center on personal experience.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Millennial Sects
•
•
•
Disarm them with agape kindness. They anticipate rejection
and persecution. Warmth and genuine interest in them as
persons is an appropriate approach.
Center on personal experience.
Stress the assurance, joy and peace you experience in a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Millennial Sects
•
•
•
•
Disarm them with agape kindness. They anticipate rejection
and persecution. Warmth and genuine interest in them as
persons is an appropriate approach.
Center on personal experience.
Stress the assurance, joy and peace you experience in a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Be careful in the use of the Bible.
–
They have a list of proof-texts they use.
–
Ask that each be read in the paragraph where it belongs.
–
Daniel and Revelation are favorite books for these groups.
World Religions
Eigleheart, Glen (1984)
Sects:
Christian Cults
Witnessing to Millennial Sects
•
•
•
•
•
Disarm them with agape kindness. They anticipate rejection
and persecution. Warmth and genuine interest in them as
persons is an appropriate approach.
Center on personal experience.
Stress the assurance, joy and peace you experience in a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Be careful in the use of the Bible.
–
They have a list of proof-texts they use.
–
Ask that each be read in the paragraph where it belongs.
–
Daniel and Revelation are favorite books for these groups.
Match their strong points. Compliment their zeal and match it
– not by working your way to salvation, but in thanksgiving for
God’s gift of eternal life.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Shaping today’s predominant religious thought.
In one of his dialogues, Plato cited Protagoras as saying that any given
thing "is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it
appears to you." Plato, Theaetetus, p. 152a
World Religions
Postmodernism
Shaping today’s predominant religious thought.
In one of his dialogues, Plato cited Protagoras as saying that any given
thing "is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it
appears to you." Plato, Theaetetus, p. 152a
This sounds rather contemporary. We hear slogans declaring "that's
true for you but not for me" or "that's just your perspective." These
statements reflect the postmodern mood that continues to affect
and shape Western culture.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Shaping today’s predominant religious thought.
In one of his dialogues, Plato cited Protagoras as saying that any given
thing "is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it
appears to you." Plato, Theaetetus, p. 152a
This sounds rather contemporary. We hear slogans declaring "that's
true for you but not for me" or "that's just your perspective." These
statements reflect the postmodern mood that continues to affect
and shape Western culture.
How did we get here?
World Religions
Postmodernism
Shaping today’s predominant religious thought.
In one of his dialogues, Plato cited Protagoras as saying that any given
thing "is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it
appears to you." Plato, Theaetetus, p. 152a
This sounds rather contemporary. We hear slogans declaring "that's
true for you but not for me" or "that's just your perspective." These
statements reflect the postmodern mood that continues to affect
and shape Western culture.
How did we get here?
Premodernism (up to the 1600s). God/the supernatural realm furnishes
the basis for morality, human dignity, truth, and reason.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Shaping today’s predominant religious thought.
In one of his dialogues, Plato cited Protagoras as saying that any given
thing "is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it
appears to you." Plato, Theaetetus, p. 152a
This sounds rather contemporary. We hear slogans declaring "that's
true for you but not for me" or "that's just your perspective." These
statements reflect the postmodern mood that continues to affect
and shape Western culture.
How did we get here?
Premodernism (up to the 1600s). God/the supernatural realm furnishes
the basis for morality, human dignity, truth, and reason.
Modernism (product of the Reformation). Morality, human dignity, truth,
and reason rest on foundations other than God (reason, science,
race, etc.). René Descartes (1596-1650)
World Religions
Postmodernism
Postmodernism (1960’s to present).
All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether
religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human
dignity exists.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Postmodernism (1960’s to present).
All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether
religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human
dignity exists.
In the wake of two World Wars, a postmodern climate started to
permeate the West. Confidence in human progress and autonomy
was shattered on the rocks of Auschwitz and the Soviet gulags.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Postmodernism (1960’s to present).
All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether
religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human
dignity exists.
In the wake of two World Wars, a postmodern climate started to
permeate the West. Confidence in human progress and autonomy
was shattered on the rocks of Auschwitz and the Soviet gulags.
The systems or "grand stories" ("metanarratives") of Nazism, Marxism,
scientism, or rationalism ended up oppressing "the other"—that is,
those marginalized by these systems such as Jews, capitalists, etc.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Postmodernism (1960’s to present).
All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether
religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human
dignity exists.
In the wake of two World Wars, a postmodern climate started to
permeate the West. Confidence in human progress and autonomy
was shattered on the rocks of Auschwitz and the Soviet gulags.
The systems or "grand stories" ("metanarratives") of Nazism, Marxism,
scientism, or rationalism ended up oppressing "the other"—that is,
those marginalized by these systems such as Jews, capitalists, etc.
These systems proved to be total failures.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Postmodernism (1960’s to present).
All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether
religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human
dignity exists.
In the wake of two World Wars, a postmodern climate started to
permeate the West. Confidence in human progress and autonomy
was shattered on the rocks of Auschwitz and the Soviet gulags.
The systems or "grand stories" ("metanarratives") of Nazism, Marxism,
scientism, or rationalism ended up oppressing "the other"—that is,
those marginalized by these systems such as Jews, capitalists, etc.
These systems proved to be total failures.
So with postmodernism, not only was God excluded as a foundation for
making sense of reality and human experience; we cannot speak of
any universal truth, reason, or morality.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Postmodernism (1960’s to present).
All metanarratives (systems or grand stories) are suspect-whether
religious or not. No universal foundation for truth, morality, human
dignity exists.
In the wake of two World Wars, a postmodern climate started to
permeate the West. Confidence in human progress and autonomy
was shattered on the rocks of Auschwitz and the Soviet gulags.
The systems or "grand stories" ("metanarratives") of Nazism, Marxism,
scientism, or rationalism ended up oppressing "the other"—that is,
those marginalized by these systems such as Jews, capitalists, etc.
These systems proved to be total failures.
So with postmodernism, not only was God excluded as a foundation for
making sense of reality and human experience; we cannot speak of
any universal truth, reason, or morality.
We just have fragmented perspectives.
World Religions
Postmodernism
What is Postmodernism? .. QUESTION EVERYTHING!!
While modernism sought totalizing systems and absolute
certainty, postmodernism now calls them into question in a
two-fold manner.
World Religions
Postmodernism
What is Postmodernism? .. QUESTION EVERYTHING!!
While modernism sought totalizing systems and absolute
certainty, postmodernism now calls them into question in a
two-fold manner.
To counter totalism, postmodernism asserts that our interests
and desires often use "reason" to promote their fulfillment;
"truth" is simply whatever promotes my (or my group's) will
or interests.
World Religions
Postmodernism
What is Postmodernism? .. QUESTION EVERYTHING!!
While modernism sought totalizing systems and absolute
certainty, postmodernism now calls them into question in a
two-fold manner.
To counter totalism, postmodernism asserts that our interests
and desires often use "reason" to promote their fulfillment;
"truth" is simply whatever promotes my (or my group's) will
or interests.
There is a "political agenda" in whatever we claim to be
true. Knowledge is not neutral.
World Religions
Postmodernism
What is Postmodernism? .. QUESTION EVERYTHING!!
While modernism sought totalizing systems and absolute
certainty, postmodernism now calls them into question in a
two-fold manner.
To counter totalism, postmodernism asserts that our interests
and desires often use "reason" to promote their fulfillment;
"truth" is simply whatever promotes my (or my group's) will
or interests.
There is a "political agenda" in whatever we claim to be
true. Knowledge is not neutral.
In response to the unbiased certainty, postmodernism
emphasizes that our ideas and judgments are embedded
within a historical-cultural context; so we can never fully
remove ourselves from it by pure reflection.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism.
•
Postmoderns assert that Western philosophy created
dualisms (true/false, right/wrong) and thus excluded
certain perspectives from consideration.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism.
•
Postmoderns assert that Western philosophy created
dualisms (true/false, right/wrong) and thus excluded
certain perspectives from consideration.
•
Postmodernism values and promotes pluralism and
diversity (rather than black vs. white, West vs. East,
male vs. female).
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism.
•
Postmoderns assert that Western philosophy created
dualisms (true/false, right/wrong) and thus excluded
certain perspectives from consideration.
•
Postmodernism values and promotes pluralism and
diversity (rather than black vs. white, West vs. East,
male vs. female).
•
It claims to seek the interests of "the other" - those
marginalized and oppressed by modernist ideologies
and the political/social structures that support them.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts
•
Postmoderns also maintain that texts—historical, literary, or
otherwise—have no inherent authority or objectivity in revealing
the author's intent, nor can they tell us "what really happened.“
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts
•
•
Postmoderns also maintain that texts—historical, literary, or
otherwise—have no inherent authority or objectivity in revealing
the author's intent, nor can they tell us "what really happened.“
Rather, these texts reflect the peculiarities of the writer's particular
bias, culture, and era.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts
•
•
•
Postmoderns also maintain that texts—historical, literary, or
otherwise—have no inherent authority or objectivity in revealing
the author's intent, nor can they tell us "what really happened.“
Rather, these texts reflect the peculiarities of the writer's particular
bias, culture, and era.
Australian historian Keith Windschuttle has noted that for the past
2400 years, critics assumed that truth was still within the
historian's grasp, but “the newly dominant theorists within the
humanities and social sciences assert that it is impossible to tell
the truth about the past or to use history to produce knowledge in
any objective sense at all.”
The Killing of History (New York: Free Press, 1996), pp. 1, 2.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
3. The Linguistic Turn.
•
Postmodernism argues that language shapes our thinking and
that there can be no thought without language.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
3. The Linguistic Turn.
•
•
Postmodernism argues that language shapes our thinking and
that there can be no thought without language.
So language literally creates truth. As Richard Rorty argues,
"Where there are no sentences there is no truth.“1
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
3. The Linguistic Turn.
•
•
•
Postmodernism argues that language shapes our thinking and
that there can be no thought without language.
So language literally creates truth. As Richard Rorty argues,
"Where there are no sentences there is no truth.“1
So truth is created rather than discovered.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1. Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
2. Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
3. The Linguistic Turn.
•
•
•
•
Postmodernism argues that language shapes our thinking and
that there can be no thought without language.
So language literally creates truth. As Richard Rorty argues,
"Where there are no sentences there is no truth.“1
So truth is created rather than discovered.
Thus, as Friedrich Nietzsche argued, "There are no eternal
facts, just as there are no absolute truths.“2
1
2
Richard Rorty, Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989), p. 5.
Friedrich, Nietzsche, Human, All Too Human (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986), p. 13.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
•
Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
The Linguistic Turn. Language creates truth.
Truth as Perspective.
Truth is a matter of perspective or context rather than being
something universal.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
•
•
Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
The Linguistic Turn. Language creates truth.
Truth as Perspective.
Truth is a matter of perspective or context rather than being
something universal.
We do not have access to reality —to the way things are—
but only to what appears to us.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
•
•
•
Anti-dualism. No right or wrong.
Questioning Texts. Nothing can be believed.
The Linguistic Turn. Language creates truth.
Truth as Perspective.
Truth is a matter of perspective or context rather than being
something universal.
We do not have access to reality —to the way things are—
but only to what appears to us.
Since we cannot remove ourselves from our context to have
a "God's-eye view" of things, we must acknowledge that our
thinking is shaped by forces beyond our control.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Witnessing to the Postmodern
1. Anti-dualism.
•
No right or wrong.
Share that you do know right from wrong.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Witnessing to the Postmodern
1. Anti-dualism.
•
•
No right or wrong.
Share that you do know right from wrong.
God gave us that basic knowledge when He breathed “life” into man.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Witnessing to the Postmodern
1. Anti-dualism.
•
•
•
No right or wrong.
Share that you do know right from wrong.
God gave us that basic knowledge when He breathed “life” into man.
The problem with historical Christianity is that we have universally
chosen wrong.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Witnessing to the Postmodern
1. Anti-dualism.
•
•
•
No right or wrong.
Share that you do know right from wrong.
God gave us that basic knowledge when He breathed “life” into man.
The problem with historical Christianity is that we have universally
chosen wrong.
2. Questioning Texts.
•
Nothing can be believed.
Share your belief in the reliability of scripture.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Witnessing to the Postmodern
1. Anti-dualism.
•
•
•
No right or wrong.
Share that you do know right from wrong.
God gave us that basic knowledge when He breathed “life” into man.
The problem with historical Christianity is that we have universally
chosen wrong.
2. Questioning Texts.
•
Share your belief in the reliability of scripture.
3. The Linguistic Turn.
•
Nothing can be believed.
Language creates truth.
Language is simply a tool to communicate. Truth is established by
the Word of God.
World Religions
Postmodernism
Witnessing to the Postmodern
1. Anti-dualism.
•
•
•
No right or wrong.
Share that you do know right from wrong.
God gave us that basic knowledge when He breathed “life” into man.
The problem with historical Christianity is that we have universally
chosen wrong.
2. Questioning Texts.
•
Share your belief in the reliability of scripture.
3. The Linguistic Turn.
•
Nothing can be believed.
Language creates truth.
Language is simply a tool to communicate. Truth is established by
the Word of God.
4. Truth as Perspective.
•
My truth is mine, yours is yours.
Share your belief that the only source of truth is God, Himself,
revealed through the person of Jesus Christ
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Name:
–
The name Wicca is the old English word for wizard. While in
old English the term was a masculine noun, modern witches
use the word to refer to both male and female followers of
witchcraft.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Name:
–
–
The name Wicca is the old English word for wizard. While in
old English the term was a masculine noun, modern witches
use the word to refer to both male and female followers of
witchcraft.
While some Wiccans proudly refer to themselves as witches,
others do not use the term because of the negative
connotations associated with the term.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Name:
–
–
•
The name Wicca is the old English word for wizard. While in
old English the term was a masculine noun, modern witches
use the word to refer to both male and female followers of
witchcraft.
While some Wiccans proudly refer to themselves as witches,
others do not use the term because of the negative
connotations associated with the term.
Nature:
–
Wicca is an attempt to revive the pre-Christian nature and
fertility religions of western Europe.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Name:
–
–
•
The name Wicca is the old English word for wizard. While in
old English the term was a masculine noun, modern witches
use the word to refer to both male and female followers of
witchcraft.
While some Wiccans proudly refer to themselves as witches,
others do not use the term because of the negative
connotations associated with the term.
Nature:
–
–
Wicca is an attempt to revive the pre-Christian nature and
fertility religions of western Europe.
It is a neo-pagan religion that believes in supernatural
magick, worships a male and female deity, and practices
rituals that revolve around the cycles of nature.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Headquarters:
–
Wicca is both antidogmatic and antiauthoritarian, it has no central
leadership or organization.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Headquarters:
–
–
Wicca is both antidogmatic and antiauthoritarian, it has no central
leadership or organization.
There is also no uniformity of doctrine. There are a wide variety of
beliefs and practices found within Wicca, although there are some
basic assumptions that are accepted by most Wiccan groups.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Headquarters:
–
–
–
Wicca is both antidogmatic and antiauthoritarian, it has no central
leadership or organization.
There is also no uniformity of doctrine. There are a wide variety of
beliefs and practices found within Wicca, although there are some
basic assumptions that are accepted by most Wiccan groups.
There are many different Wiccan groups or denominations. Some are
large with several thousand members, while others may consist of only
a few people.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Headquarters:
–
–
–
•
Wicca is both antidogmatic and antiauthoritarian, it has no central
leadership or organization.
There is also no uniformity of doctrine. There are a wide variety of
beliefs and practices found within Wicca, although there are some
basic assumptions that are accepted by most Wiccan groups.
There are many different Wiccan groups or denominations. Some are
large with several thousand members, while others may consist of only
a few people.
Adherents:
–
Evidence indicates that Wicca is one of the fastest growing occultic
movements in North America.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
•
Headquarters:
–
–
–
•
Wicca is both antidogmatic and antiauthoritarian, it has no central
leadership or organization.
There is also no uniformity of doctrine. There are a wide variety of
beliefs and practices found within Wicca, although there are some
basic assumptions that are accepted by most Wiccan groups.
There are many different Wiccan groups or denominations. Some are
large with several thousand members, while others may consist of only
a few people.
Adherents:
–
–
–
Evidence indicates that Wicca is one of the fastest growing occultic
movements in North America.
A conservative estimate for the number of Wiccans would be about
250,000.
While both males and females of all ages practice Wicca, many
Wiccans are teenage girls.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
Wiccans worship a mother goddess and a male horned deity (her
consort).
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
•
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
Wiccans worship a mother goddess and a male horned deity (her
consort).
Three major beliefs of Wicca are animism, pantheism, and polytheism.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
•
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
Wiccans worship a mother goddess and a male horned deity (her
consort).
Three major beliefs of Wicca are animism, pantheism, and polytheism.
Animism
•
Animism is the belief that everything, even inanimate objects, have
a soul or spirit.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
•
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
Wiccans worship a mother goddess and a male horned deity (her
consort).
Three major beliefs of Wicca are animism, pantheism, and polytheism.
Animism
•
•
Animism is the belief that everything, even inanimate objects, have
a soul or spirit.
Wiccans believe that not only plants have a soul or spirit, but also
the wind, the rain, and even rocks.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
•
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
Wiccans worship a mother goddess and a male horned deity (her
consort).
Three major beliefs of Wicca are animism, pantheism, and polytheism.
Animism
•
•
•
Animism is the belief that everything, even inanimate objects, have
a soul or spirit.
Wiccans believe that not only plants have a soul or spirit, but also
the wind, the rain, and even rocks.
Many witches believe that everything, animate and inanimate, is
infused with and participates in the life force.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
•
•
•
Many of the beliefs of Wicca are also found in the New Age Movement.
Wicca accepts an occultic understanding of reality.
Wiccans worship a mother goddess and a male horned deity (her
consort).
Three major beliefs of Wicca are animism, pantheism, and polytheism.
Animism
•
•
•
•
Animism is the belief that everything, even inanimate objects, have
a soul or spirit.
Wiccans believe that not only plants have a soul or spirit, but also
the wind, the rain, and even rocks.
Many witches believe that everything, animate and inanimate, is
infused with and participates in the life force.
As a result, the earth is one organism.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism
Pantheism
•
Pantheism is the belief that everything is divine.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism
Pantheism
•
•
Pantheism is the belief that everything is divine.
The term is derived from two Greek words: pan which means "all" and
theos which means "god, God, deity."
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism
Pantheism
•
•
•
Pantheism is the belief that everything is divine.
The term is derived from two Greek words: pan which means "all" and
theos which means "god, God, deity."
Pantheism understands deity as one with nature. Since everything is
deity, they believe that humans are also divine.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism
Pantheism
•
•
•
Pantheism is the belief that everything is divine.
The term is derived from two Greek words: pan which means "all" and
theos which means "god, God, deity."
Pantheism understands deity as one with nature. Since everything is
deity, they believe that humans are also divine.
Panentheism
•
Panentheism is the idea that deity is in everything.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism
Pantheism
•
•
•
Pantheism is the belief that everything is divine.
The term is derived from two Greek words: pan which means "all" and
theos which means "god, God, deity."
Pantheism understands deity as one with nature. Since everything is
deity, they believe that humans are also divine.
Panentheism
•
•
Panentheism is the idea that deity is in everything.
The two concepts are similar to one another.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism
Pantheism
•
•
•
Pantheism is the belief that everything is divine.
The term is derived from two Greek words: pan which means "all" and
theos which means "god, God, deity."
Pantheism understands deity as one with nature. Since everything is
deity, they believe that humans are also divine.
Panentheism
•
•
•
Panentheism is the idea that deity is in everything.
The two concepts are similar to one another.
The difference is that pantheism teaches that everything is deity,
while panentheism maintains that deity is within everything.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism, Pantheism, Panentheism
Polytheism
•
Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one god. Wiccans
give polytheism a very post modern interpretation with relativistic
implications.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism, Pantheism, Panentheism
Polytheism
•
•
Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one god. Wiccans
give polytheism a very post modern interpretation with relativistic
implications.
As defined by many witches, however, polytheism is not merely the
belief in multiple deities—but also the belief that there are a
countless number of levels of meaning and reality.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism, Pantheism, Panentheism
Polytheism
•
•
•
Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one god. Wiccans
give polytheism a very post modern interpretation with relativistic
implications.
As defined by many witches, however, polytheism is not merely the
belief in multiple deities—but also the belief that there are a
countless number of levels of meaning and reality.
This belief allows not only for a multitude of gods, goddesses, and
religions, but also for views of reality that would appear to be
mutually exclusive.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Beliefs
Animism, Pantheism, Panentheism
Polytheism
•
•
•
•
Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one god. Wiccans
give polytheism a very post modern interpretation with relativistic
implications.
As defined by many witches, however, polytheism is not merely the
belief in multiple deities—but also the belief that there are a
countless number of levels of meaning and reality.
This belief allows not only for a multitude of gods, goddesses, and
religions, but also for views of reality that would appear to be
mutually exclusive.
This polytheistic premise is expressed in beliefs such as, "there is
no one way or right religion for all," and "there is no one truth."
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Occult Magick
•
Wiccans claim to be able to perform occultic magick.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Occult Magick
•
•
Wiccans claim to be able to perform occultic magick.
Wiccans and other neo-pagans often add the letter k to the word
magic in order to differentiate their spell casting from sleight–of hand–
magic.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Occult Magick
•
•
•
Wiccans claim to be able to perform occultic magick.
Wiccans and other neo-pagans often add the letter k to the word
magic in order to differentiate their spell casting from sleight–of hand–
magic.
Wiccan keep their spells in what they refer to as a book of shadows. It
is a collection of Wiccan rituals and magickal spells and is used as a
reference book.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Occult Magick
•
•
•
Wiccans claim to be able to perform occultic magick.
Wiccans and other neo-pagans often add the letter k to the word
magic in order to differentiate their spell casting from sleight–of hand–
magic.
Wiccan keep their spells in what they refer to as a book of shadows. It
is a collection of Wiccan rituals and magickal spells and is used as a
reference book.
Channeling
•
Some Wiccans practice a form of channeling where they allow
themselves to be possessed by another entity.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Occult Magick
•
•
•
Wiccans claim to be able to perform occultic magick.
Wiccans and other neo-pagans often add the letter k to the word
magic in order to differentiate their spell casting from sleight–of hand–
magic.
Wiccan keep their spells in what they refer to as a book of shadows. It
is a collection of Wiccan rituals and magickal spells and is used as a
reference book.
Channeling
•
•
Some Wiccans practice a form of channeling where they allow
themselves to be possessed by another entity.
This entity may be thought of as the Goddess, the force that
permeates the universe, the dead, or something else.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Occult Magick
•
•
•
Wiccans claim to be able to perform occultic magick.
Wiccans and other neo-pagans often add the letter k to the word
magic in order to differentiate their spell casting from sleight–of hand–
magic.
Wiccan keep their spells in what they refer to as a book of shadows. It
is a collection of Wiccan rituals and magickal spells and is used as a
reference book.
Channeling
•
•
Some Wiccans practice a form of channeling where they allow
themselves to be possessed by another entity.
This entity may be thought of as the Goddess, the force that
permeates the universe, the dead, or something else.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Nudity
•
Sex is understood by many Wiccans as a source of magickal power.
Most Wiccans avoid this kind of ritual sex.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Nudity
•
•
Sex is understood by many Wiccans as a source of magickal power.
Most Wiccans avoid this kind of ritual sex.
Many more Wiccans use nudity in group rituals rather than practice
sexual magick with their coven.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Nudity
•
•
•
Sex is understood by many Wiccans as a source of magickal power.
Most Wiccans avoid this kind of ritual sex.
Many more Wiccans use nudity in group rituals rather than practice
sexual magick with their coven.
This practice is sometimes referred to as skyclad. Wiccans who
worship in the nude sometimes claim that this allows the magickal
energy to function without hindrance.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Nudity
•
•
•
•
Sex is understood by many Wiccans as a source of magickal power.
Most Wiccans avoid this kind of ritual sex.
Many more Wiccans use nudity in group rituals rather than practice
sexual magick with their coven.
This practice is sometimes referred to as skyclad. Wiccans who
worship in the nude sometimes claim that this allows the magickal
energy to function without hindrance.
The majority of Wiccans prefer to use robes rather than worship
skyclad.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Wiccan Practices
Nudity
•
•
•
•
Sex is understood by many Wiccans as a source of magickal power.
Most Wiccans avoid this kind of ritual sex.
Many more Wiccans use nudity in group rituals rather than practice
sexual magick with their coven.
This practice is sometimes referred to as skyclad. Wiccans who
worship in the nude sometimes claim that this allows the magickal
energy to function without hindrance.
The majority of Wiccans prefer to use robes rather than worship
skyclad.
Divination
•
In addition to casting spells, many Wiccans also practice various
forms of divination. Some of the more popular forms of divination they
employ are astrology, numerology, palmistry, runes, and tarot cards.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Sharing the Good News of Salvation with Wiccans
Christians should be bold in sharing the good news of salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus with Wiccans. "For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7,
NIV). We are to balance our boldness with a spirit of love and selfdiscipline.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Sharing the Good News of Salvation with Wiccans
Christians should be bold in sharing the good news of salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus with Wiccans. "For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7,
NIV). We are to balance our boldness with a spirit of love and selfdiscipline.
The general principles for witnessing to Wiccans are found in 1 Peter 3:15:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15,
NIV).
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Sharing the Good News of Salvation with Wiccans
Christians should be bold in sharing the good news of salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus with Wiccans. "For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7,
NIV). We are to balance our boldness with a spirit of love and selfdiscipline.
The general principles for witnessing to Wiccans are found in 1 Peter 3:15:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15,
NIV).
Balance boldness in sharing the gospel with gentleness. Also, treat
Wiccans with respect. Nothing will end a witnessing opportunity
faster than being disrespectful to a Wiccan.
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Sharing the Good News of Salvation with Wiccans
Christians should be bold in sharing the good news of salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus with Wiccans. "For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7,
NIV). We are to balance our boldness with a spirit of love and selfdiscipline.
The general principles for witnessing to Wiccans are found in 1 Peter 3:15:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15,
NIV).
Balance boldness in sharing the gospel with gentleness. Also, treat
Wiccans with respect. Nothing will end a witnessing opportunity
faster than being disrespectful to a Wiccan.
When you share the gospel with your Wiccan friends trust the Holy
Spirit to convict them of their need for salvation that comes only
World Religions
Bill Gordon
Wicca
Sharing the Good News of Salvation with Wiccans
Christians should be bold in sharing the good news of salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus with Wiccans. "For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7,
NIV). We are to balance our boldness with a spirit of love and selfdiscipline.
The general principles for witnessing to Wiccans are found in 1 Peter 3:15:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15,
NIV).
Balance boldness in sharing the gospel with gentleness. Also, treat
Wiccans with respect. Nothing will end a witnessing opportunity
faster than being disrespectful to a Wiccan.
When you share the gospel with your Wiccan friends trust the Holy
Spirit to convict them of their need for salvation that comes only
Prayer…