Love and Truth

Bill Morehouse – Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study

July 30, 2026

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Salvation

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Nazism, Antisemitism, Racism

https://time.com/6243718/rudolf-vrba-escaped-auschwitz-to-warn-the-world

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Islamic

Countries

by sect

Iraq Iran

Sunni

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Shia

Lebanon

John Messenger re David French

I'm passing along a recent column by David French that I liked. You might be able to get it at www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/opinion... It's mainly about politics and virtue, but toward the end he says “Theology should be a place of maximum humility. If the meaning of Scripture is so plain, why are there so many different strands of historic Christianity?” *

French says has come to realize that his younger self thought he knew more than he actually did. “And how did I come to that realization? When by God's grace I finally gained enough humility to actually listen to other people. Our truthfulness, our kindness, our humility – each of these virtues makes us accessible, teachable and accountable. They also make us more competent, more persuasive and ultimately more effective.”

* French’s personal experiences illustrate that mixing Biblical faith with human expectations and political opinions often has discouraging results. However, the primary problem raised by his question has to do with 1 Corinthians 2 which discusses the reality that truth calls for revelation and spiritual wisdom, which allow a person to see the Kingdom of God clearly and then enter into it, both of which require being born again and receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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Natural vs. Spiritual Persons

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written [~Isaiah 64:4], “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him,” these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? Also, no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

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Big Tent Christendom?

Presentation template courtesy of HiSlide.io

Jesus

Various versions of these stages continue into our time.

What about other religions? What does God think?

hiskingdom.us/the-king/stage6 _{hiskingdom.us/kingdom-ad/stage7} hiskingdom.us/omega/stage8

Being born again

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot [either see or] enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

“…If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” _{John 3:3, 5-7, 12-15}

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

_{Matthew 19:24}

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The Narrow Gate of Salvation

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Luke 13:23-24

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:25

The term “eye of a needle” is used as a metaphor for a very narrow opening. Question: Are we “rich” or poor persons?

https://time.com/6243718/rudolf-vrba-escaped-auschwitz-to-warn-the-world

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Three Mainline Mid-20^th Century Lives

“Christy” on Catherine’s

young mother in 1912

Written by Catherine Marshall and based on the following lives:

“Peter” on Catherine’s

late husband in 1950

“Julie” on Catherine’s

as a teen in 1935

What is Truth?

Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” -- Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?

…When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because

he has made himself the Son of God.” _{John 18:33, 36-38; 19:6-7}

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What is Truth?

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” _{John 18:33-38}

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What is Truth vs. Heresy?

Truth means accuracy, correctness, conformity of thought and action with fact. We are interested in “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God.” Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6]

Heresy means a belief or opinion that goes against established or official rules, religious teachings, or standard customs. Its etymology traces back through Old French and Latin to the Ancient Greek word hairesis, meaning “choice” or “a school of philosophical thought.” A false gospel is any religious message that distorts the primary biblical message of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ [Galatians 1:6-9], blocking the Great Commission.

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness... [Matthew 23:13 and Isaiah 5:20]

Examples: The Prosperity Gospel, Legalistic Gospel, Therapeutic Gospel, Universalist Gospel, and Liberal Progressive Gospel.

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Salvation in Christ

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. _{Isaiah 59:1-2}

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes [trusts/pisteuo] in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16-18

… And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4

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Original Sin and Reconciliation

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Two Trees: Life and Death

The Tree of Life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil… And the Lord God [Yahweh] commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:9, 16-17, 25

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked… Then the Lord God [Yahweh] said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the Tree of Life and eat, and live forever…”

Genesis 3:6-7, 22

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Communication - Vision Verses

Trust in the Lord [Yahweh] with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Where there is no prophetic vision [chazon*] the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18

“Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.” John 5:19

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

*Refers to a supernatural or waking vision given by God to a prophet.

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Getting Heaven to Earth

• “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
• Lowering Heaven instead of raising Hell
• Appropriate guidance about the proper Way and Truth needs to be discerned for the Good News of God’s Life to be demonstrated instead of misguided virtue signaling and toxic charity.

Getting Us to Heaven or “getting saved”

• "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
• The promise of eternal security and Life after death
• The consequence of receiving Christ’s free gift of forgiveness and following Him in a loving and faithful personal relationship
• Requires wholehearted acceptance and faithful follow through.

Read 2 Peter 1:1-15

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Beginning End

Ω

α

Heaven before Earth

Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

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The Narrow Def/Gate/Door

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” _{Matthew 7:13-14}

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us,” then he will answer you, “I do not know where you come from.” _{Luke 13:23-25}

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Outline of Salvation Theology

• Gospel of the Kingdom – God loves us and yearns to be reconciled with and bless us. The Father sent us Jesus, His only begotten Son and promised Messiah (Christ or Savior), as the Lord and King of His Kingdom, to love and guide us on earth and into heaven [John 3:16].
• Gospel of Salvation – Begins by being convicted of Sin by the Grace of God’s Holy Spirit, entering into the ongoing process of Repentance and receiving God’s Forgiveness, being publicly Baptized in water and Reconciled with God as Lord and Savior by seeking to be fully Adopted by God the Father and Filled with God’s Holy Spirit, and then Walking Faithfully with God. [Acts 2, Romans 3:21-26, etc.]
• The Great Commission – Preach the Gospel in season and out of season [2 Timothy 4:2]; be involved in making Disciples of all nations [Matthew 28:18-20]; and eagerly anticipate the end when Christ will return to fully establish His Kingdom on earth. [Matthew 24:14].
• Final Judgement – Those who put their trust in Jesus, receive God’s free gift of salvation, and live in accordance with His guidance will inherit eternal life with Christ in Heaven when they die [Hebrews 9:27-28]. Those who ignore or reject His offer while alive on earth will be eternally separated from Him after death [Matthew 25:31-46].

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Foundations of Faith, Beginning

• And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord [Yahweh <7,000 references in Bible] your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.”

_{Exodus 20:1-3}

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• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. _{Proverbs 3:5-6}
• And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” _{Acts 2:38}
• Therefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. _{Hebrews 6:1-3}

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Foundations of Faith, End

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” _{Matthew 10:34}

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Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. _{Acts 1:11}

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! _{Revelation 22:12-16, 20}

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Our Spiritual Voice (Conscience)

We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5

And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:12-13

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore… and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:20-21

Hearing God’s Voice

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

As it is said [in Psalm 95:7-8], “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15

And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” [+many others] Mark 4:9

8 Established Doctrines

Christian doctrines and beliefs are centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible and outlined in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. Foundational beliefs:

1. The Trinity: Belief in one God, who exists as the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
2. God’s Nature: God is the eternal, holy, and sovereign Creator of all things.
3. The Person of Jesus Christ: Jesus is fully God and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died by crucifixion, and physically rose from the dead.
4. Salvation and Grace: Humanity is flawed by sin. Christians believe and receive through faith that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace achieved through Jesus' death, which paid the penalty for our sin.
5. Scripture: The Bible is considered the inspired, inerrant Word of God and serves as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
6. The Holy Spirit: The Spirit lives inside believers to guide them, empower them, and transform them to live holy lives.
7. The Church: Believers are called to gather as a community, observe practices like baptism and communion, and share the gospel.
8. The Second Coming: Christians look forward to the future return of Jesus (the Second Coming), the final judgment, and eternal life.

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Examples of Heresy

• Definition – “Heresy” is a word derived from the Ancient Greek word for “choice” that is most commonly used in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Synonym = unorthodox, which indicates an active departure from central, established (orthodox) teachings.
• 8 Established Christian Doctrines – 1) The Trinity, 2) Nature of God, 3) Person of Jesus Christ, 4) Salvation and Grace, 5) Scripture, 6) Holy Spirit, 7) Church, 8) Second Coming.
• 8 Clear Christian Heresies – 1) God is One and has no Son or partners; 2) God is unknowable; 3) Jesus was another one in a line of many teacher/prophets; 4) there are as many ways to connect with God as there are human beings; 5) the Bible has some valuable insights but it’s been corrupted and is incomplete; 6) there are spiritual influences (like angels) but none of them are God in person; 7) participation in religious groups is simply a matter of personal choice; 8) Jesus may come back, but if so it will be to correct and/or eliminate infidels and fully establish Islam as the true faith.
• Final Judgement – Either all are saved or there is no resurrection or “final judgement”. What happens here on earth is what matters.

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How does the zeitgeist of a people’s ‘world’ differ from place to place?

How many committed “Christians” are in the regions marked as such?

Who is going to heaven?

"…nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Luke 18:8

Ultimate Futures Envisioned by Major Global Belief Systems

Judeo-Christian – Worsening cycles of worldwide tribulation, culminated by apocalyptic return of Christ and establishment

of a Millennial Kingdom of God leading to Heaven.

Hinduism / Buddhism – endless cycles of Birth and rebirth – building up and destruction – under a host of gods, some of which are foremost.

Atheistic / Nones – The state progressively establishes a godless (?) materialistic controlled utopia with regulated happiness promised for all.

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Islam – Victorious establishment of Sharia Law

in a worldwide caliphate under Allah of Mecca after

conversion or elimination of all infidels.

Who goes to heaven?

Evangelical and Orthodox Christians teach that while salvation is a gift, it requires a personal relationship with God in Christ and sincere, active faith in God. In this view, merely identifying as a Christian – or just attending church – does not guarantee entry. The Catholic Church teaches that God desires all to be saved, but along with God's grace it emphasizes the role of regular participation in the sacraments and living a life of love and good works.

Muslims teach that not everyone goes to heaven. Participation in the afterlife is determined by faith and good deeds as well as Allah’s mercy, Islam divides humanity into those who enter heaven (Jannah) directly, those who must first atone for sins in hell (Jahannam), and those who persistently disbelieve and will go to hell for eternity.

Bahá’ís teach that the afterlife is an eternal, continuous journey of the soul evolving closer to the divine. Everyone's ultimate destiny is to progress toward God, but the spiritual progress of each soul depends on its own deeds, faith, and love for God.

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Daniel

Jesus

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World Civilizations

Egypt Nubia

Babylonian Empire

Mesopotamia

Chinese dynasties

Inca Maya Aztec

Greece Rome Persia

Ottoman West Marx

Deism, UU, Bahá’í

Evolution, Marx

Growth rate

to 1700 was 0.

Zeitgeist* of the

Modern Western World

*Enlightened “spirit of the age” vs. “old-fashioned” ways of darker ages

World Civilizations

Egypt Nubia

Babylonian Empire

Mesopotamia

Chinese dynasties

Inca Maya Aztec

Greece Rome Persia

Ottoman Islam Hindu West Marxist

The Big UU Tent

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition characterized by its commitment to theological diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. Unitarian Universalists do not adhere to a single creed or doctrine. Instead, they are unified by shared covenants across congregations based on foundational values and principles centered on love and pluralistic worship.

The development of Unitarian Universalism can be traced back to Radical Restorationism. Contemporary Unitarian Universalists may draw upon diverse theological and philosophical thought, including agnosticism, atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, New Age, neopaganism, nontheism, religious humanism, Sikhism, Taoism, and teachings of the Baháʼí Faith, among others.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitarian_Universalism

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Afterlife in Different Worldviews

Atheism – Return to non-existence; amorphous hopes/expectations

Marxism – Materialist; rejects idea of afterlife as tool of oppression

Islam – Barzakh ⇒ Jannah Paradise (Law/Qur’an); Jahannam Hell

Hinduism – Virtually endless reincarnations; hope for Moksa

Judaism – Compare unbelief of Sadducees with Law/Moses-based Pharisees

Christianity – Receiving Gospel of Christ offers reconciliation with God leading to Heaven; rejection leads by default to Judgment.

Baháʼí – Death is a joyful release, not an end, where the immortal soul continues an eternal journey toward God, retaining its consciousness and individuality. The afterlife is a spiritual, non-physical realm where souls may potentially reunite with loved ones

Unitarian Universalism – Holds an agnostic view that the nature of life after death is unknown. The primary focus is on the present, with many believing the only afterlife is the lasting legacy, memories, and impact a person leaves on earth. Historical Universalism rejected hell, holding that all souls are saved, while Unitarianism focused on a rational, loving God.

Quote: For the most part, the churches of the early part of the 21st century have long neglected teachings about the entire area of the last things. The idea of the Last Judgment has often become incomprehensible to the modern world.

• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity/Concepts-of-life-after-death
• https://www.quora.com/How-important-is-the-idea-of-an-afterlife-to-Christians-actually

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The Big Humanism Tent

Secular humanism is a non-religious, naturalistic world view that emphasizes reason, scientific inquiry, and human ethics to understand reality and solve human problems, rejecting supernatural beliefs. It promotes democracy, compassion, and individual autonomy, aiming to foster human flourishing and a meaningful life without religious dogma. 

Core Beliefs and Principles

• Naturalism: The belief that nature (the physical world) is all that exists, rejecting supernatural concepts like God or spirits.
• Scientific Skepticism: Reliance on the scientific method, evidence, and critical thinking to gain knowledge rather than blind faith or dogma.
• Human-Centered Ethics: Ethics are derived from human need, empathy, and social responsibility, not from divine command.
• Individual Autonomy: Emphasizes freedom of inquiry and the right for individuals to set their own life goals, often linked to Enlightenment ideals.
• Focus on this Life: Focuses on improving the human condition here and now, rather than waiting for a spiritual afterlife. 

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Google IA Overview

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8 Downtown Congregations*

Spiritus Christi and DUPC: Progressive

A Progressive Catholic Church with a Protestant partner

Christ Church Episcopal: Progressive

Theologically progressive and liturgically orthodox

Bethel Christian Fellowship: Evangelical

People partnering with God to see Rochester restored

Grace Road Church: Evangelical

Gospel, Community, Mission

Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word: Progressive

A Reconciling in Christ congregation

Third Presbyterian Church: A More Light Congregation

Traditional Worship, Progressive Outlook, and a Heart for Justice

Asbury First United Methodist: Progressive

A community of open hearts and open minds

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* out of ~350 in Greater Rochester

Background Resources

† ESV Study Bible: Genesis, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah Free Bible App: https://www.esv.org

The Gospels of Matthew and John, plus Romans, 2 Peter, Revelation Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008

† Three Historic Christian Creeds – Nicene, Apostles’, and Athanasian tinyurl.com/3244uhp5

† Daily Light for Every Day with Anne Graham Lotz – Nelson 1998 tinyurl.com/bddh4sab

† Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen – 1923 tinyurl.com/2w7bvud9

The Gospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon Ladd, 1959 (reprint 2011) tinyurl.com/yc6ma6uc

Progressive Supersessionism by Matthew Burdette – October 2024 tinyurl.com/yz3u8b8d

I read the entire Quran – what I found by A. C. Rosenthal – May 2026 tinyurl.com/47x35zfs

Preaching: What does this sermon have to do with Romans 8:12-25? tinyurl.com/5fvynhct

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Celebrate Salvation! The Joy of Christian Discipleship by WRM www.celebratesalvation.org

† See especially Group or Personal Study Guides 6 and 7 entitled "Kingdom" and "Heaven"

His Kingdom and Us God’s Kingdom from α to Ω by WRM www.hiskingdom.us

An introduction to the Modern Age in His Kingdom and Us See Biblical Festivals

Cell: (585) 315-1144 Web: wmorehouse.com Email: wmorehouse@gmail.com

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Current Resources

Articles, Essays, and Web Links

† How Comparative Religion Took Root in the 19^th Century by Livia Gershon – 1/20 tinyurl.com/4nv7769n

† Tear it Down to Rebuild: The Eschatology of Progressivism by April Khaito – 6/20 tinyurl.com/bdzbt9jk

Self-Evident Truths Behind the US-Israel War with Iran by David R. Parsons – 3/26 tinyurl.com/3nzphcye

The real Iran threat is in black and white by Bill Seigel– April 2026 tinyurl.com/4v269ywj

Between Utopia and Escape, a talk by Orthodox Fr. Alexander Schmemann – 1981 tinyurl.com/3bemm8ym

Relevance of Apocalyptic Theology by Robert E. Van Voorst – Spring 1994 tinyurl.com/4s4sddz3

The Widening of God's Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story, C. & R. Hays – 2024 tinyurl.com/332uph6d

The DSA’s Radical New Platform by Stu Smith – City Journal, June 17, 2026 tinyurl.com/mr3wu92x

Books

A Man Called Peter, Christy, and Julie by Catherine Marshall – 1951, 67, and 83 tinyurl.com/y2xt56jz

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride – 1996/2006 tinyurl.com/mwhpmphh

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe – October 2017 Time Article tinyurl.com/2trwec52

Periodicals

† "Sound journalism, grounded in facts and Biblical truth" https://wng.org/

† First Things "Advancing a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society" www.firstthings.com

A magazine about the intersection of religion and public life for Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, and Jews

WRM Contact Info Cell: (585) 315-1144 Web: www.wmorehouse.com Email: wmorehouse@gmail.com

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Behold, I Am Coming Soon

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�

Nazareth University, Hickey Center and IIIT Chair

Why can we not get along? Is it political nationalism, economic greed, or cultural and religious ignorance? In the Abrahamic traditions, God is associated with Shalom, Salaam, and peace, so why do we continue to witness so much hatred and violence? Why are places of worship attacked and innocent lives lost?

Dialogue and a deeper understanding of our sacred texts can help heal some of these wounds. This week-long course will focus on the study of the Bible (both Jewish and Christian) and the Qur’an in order to explore their shared moral and spiritual foundations. Through thoughtful engagement and discussion, this course will build greater appreciation, mutual respect, and deeper religious understanding across traditions.

When: August 17-21, 2026 (Monday-Friday) Time : 7:00 - 8:15PM Via Zoom

Required Textbook: Ted Brownstein, Kinship of the Bible and Qur'an. We will email you more articles on each topic.

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Muhammad Shafiq

• Executive Director in Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue
• Professor in Religious Studies
• IIIT Chair for Islamic & Interfaith Studies

The International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) Chair at Nazareth University encourages us to expand on our continuing academic and community programs, and create more opportunities of higher education in Islamic and interfaith studies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_of_Islamic_Thought

This program's presence at Nazareth University allows us to advance further our effort in promoting interfaith dialogue, diversity, and inclusion, attracting scholars from all over the world.

Question: Does this teach Truth?

https://tinyurl.com/yc3tv2p2