This coming Sunday, May 18
There will be no Adult Education classes held on
Sunday, May 18.

Upcoming Class
Adult Education Series on Faith and World Peace
Beginning May 25th (May 25th thru June 8th).
Understanding Islam from a Christian Perspective
9:40 and 11:00 am every Sunday
Fellowship Hall
This class will be led by: Dr. Amir Metry, MTS,Ph.D and Reverend Dr. Jim Churchill

Week 1. Introduction & Background
A. Our Christian Perspective
1.Look at many sources; but the Bible is our ultimate authority
2.Seek a deep and balanced understanding of the issues and root causes
3.Love, respect, and pray for those who disagree with our beliefs
4.Avoid being judgmental, yet seek and pray for discernment
5.Learn from history and experience.  Being innocent as doves yet wise as serpents
6.We must be kind and humble; yet not compromising our faith
7.We are called to be agents of peace and reconciliation when it is possible

B. Major Religions of the World;
2005 Data (Millions)

1. Abrahamic (Middle Eastern) Tradition
a. Judaism                                                14
b. Christianity                                       2,100
c. Islam                                               1,500

2. Secular, Nonreligious, Atheist        1,100

3. Eastern & Native Traditions
a. Hinduism                                            900
b. Chinese Traditional & Buddhism           770
c. Primal – Indigenous                             330
d. African Traditional & Diaspora               100
e. Other (Sikhism, Shinto, Bahai, etc.)       60

C. Biblical Background & Perspective
The Other Children of Abraham

Back to Genesis
a. Abraham; Blessed to be a blessing (12:1-3)
b. Circumcision a sign of the Covenant (17:23)
c. Promise through Isaac (17:15) & a blessing for Ishmael (17:20)
d. Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac (22:2,10-13) & Ishmael (21:14-19)
e. Isaac & Ishmael burry their father (25:9)
f. The New Testament’s view of the Seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16,26-29)