Product Overview
This study pack highlights some studies about what our non-Christian neighbors believe. These are all found in the Contemporary Issues / World Religions topic area.
Judaism (2 sessions)--Most Christians are aware that our faith is grounded in the Jewish faith. What we call the Old Testament is really the Scripture for the Jews. Many of us have Jewish friends and are respectful of their faith. But do we really know how they live their faith? Session 1 examines the history of the Jewish people and where they live today. Session 2 describes the various religious days celebrated and the different groupings of Jews and how they came to be.
Buddhism (2 sessions)--Buddhism is one of the world's major religions, with its roots in Indian theology and spirituality. Where are Buddhists, and how do they practice their religion? Are there places of agreement with Christians? These and other issues are discussed in this two-session study.
Islam (4 sessions)--This religion occupies the attention of the world as never before in modern times. Session 1 explores the origins of Islam. Session 2 takes a look at the content of the faith. The third session examines the spread of Islam throughout the world, including a growing presence in the United States. The fourth session looks at the similarities and differences between Christians and Muslims and searches for points of understanding and relationships.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons (2 sessions)--The rise and expansion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormons, constitute a unique chapter in the study of world religions. In the first session we will look at the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), or Mormons. The second session will review its beliefs and look at important differences between Mormons and other Christians.
Scientology (1 session)--In 1950, self-professed scientist and science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, in which he outlined the basic tenets of what would become known as the Church of Scientology. This study will explore the basis principles of the Church of Scientology, its parallels with Christianity, and some of the recent controversies surrounding the movement.
If you use all of these studies you will have eleven weeks of study materials. For those interested, a three-session study on Hinduism is also available.