Barriers Bridges2

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Barriers& Bridges


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Barriers

& Bridges:Spanning the Spiritual Gulfs

that Separate People from the

Good News of Jesus Christ

United States and Canada have experiencedunprecedented growth o diverse people groups and

religious movements in their populations over the lastseveral decades. For one reason, this growth was due tothe infux o immigrants to North America rom everyinhabited continent o the world. Tese new residentsoten brought with them their ancient aith traditions.

Another actor was the weakened infuence oChristianity in the secular culture o North Americansociety. Tis created a spiritual vacuum into whichthese new religious ideas rushed. Tus, many Americans

d C d h b d Ch l


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2. Many religions aggressively seek to proselytizeChristians to their belies. Tus, we must prepare ourpeople adequately to understand their own aith(1 Pet. 3:15) and not be misled by those promotingother belie systems (2 Cor. 11:4; Gal. 1:6; 2 Pet. 2:1;2 John 7-8).

3. We are commanded in the Bible to carry the uniquemessage o salvation through Jesus Christ to allpeoples (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Our convictionis that salvation is ound in no other name but Jesus( John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 im. 2:5-6). Tus, we seek toequip our people or evangelizing those in all peoplegroups and aiths in ways that are loving and sensitive,

yet uncompromising (Eph. 4:15).Tis booklet spotlights major religious movements andrelated people groups in North America. It examines thepossible cultural, social, or religious barriers that hinderChristians eorts to reach them with the Gospel oJesus Christ. It also provides suggested principles andstrategies Christians and churches can use to bridgethose barriers.

by Tal Davis


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Bahai

Estimated North American Adherents:

325,000 people

People Groups Impacted:

Some Iranian ImmigrantsAmerican and Canadian Anglos

Some African Americans

Action Points for Churches,

Associations, and State Conventions:1. Partner with NAMB where Bahais are numerous

to host training events or Interaith EvangelismSpecialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend the IES training

events and ollow through or IES certication inBahai.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Bahai to hold localevents training Baptists as eective witnesses.

B

AHAI


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Barriers:

1. Most adherents to Bahai in North America are Anglos who have either

embraced the aith as adults or have been raised in Bahai amilies, thus theyhave oten rejected traditional Christian teachings.

2. Bahais are monotheistic; nonetheless, they will have a di cult timeunderstanding and accepting the rinity.

3. Bahais generally regard their aith and its ounder, Bahaullah, as the nalmaniestation o God, and thus consider it superior to other religions.

4. Bahais have historically endured harsh treatment rom Muslims in theaiths land o origin, Iran. Tus, they may regard disagreement with acertain level o suspicion or ear.

5. Bahais believe that all world religions teach essentially the same things anddeny the uniqueness o Jesus. Tus, they see no reason to become ollowerso Jesus since Bahaullah is more current.

6. Bahais emphasize morality and justice as the hallmarks o true religion and

see no need or personal salvation through Jesus death on the cross andresurrection.

7. Bahais regard heaven and hell as current qualities o lie based on the questo an individual or spirituality. Lie ater death is dependent on ones ocuson spirituality in this lie.

8. Most Bahais have little understanding o the Bible or have consciouslyrejected its authority.


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BUDD

HISM

Buddhism


1 million people


Some Korean Americans

Some Korean ImmigrantsChinese Americans

Chinese Immigrants

Vietnamese Immigrants

Some Anglo Americans and Canadians

Japanese AmericansThais

Laotians

Cambodians

Action Points for Churches,Associations, and State Conventions:

1. Partner with NAMB where the above people groupsare prevalent to host training events or InteraithEvangelism Specialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend theIES training events and ollow through or IEScertication in Buddhism.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Buddhism to hold


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Barriers:

1. Understand that Buddhists are not all the same. Some believe in a god or

gods. Some do not. Some view Buddha as an enlightened teacher and otherssee him as a god.

2. Most Buddhists know little about Jesus. Some may regard Him as a sort oenlightened Buddha gure or the West.

3. Tey do not believe Jesus died as a substitutionary atonement or sin or that

He rose rom the dead.

4. Most Buddhists are not amiliar with the Bible or regard it as authoritative.Tey have their own holy books including the Pali Canon, also called theTripitaka (three baskets) and other texts.

5. Buddhists will not usually understand Christian or biblical terms.6. Buddhists do not understand the Christian concept o moral sin against God.

7. Buddhists believe in reincarnation in which the sel is passed to new bodies.

8. Te ultimate goal or the Buddhist is to nd enlightenment that leads toNirvana or perect peace and extinction o the sel and suering. Heaven andhell are unknown concepts in Buddhism.

9. Tese are accomplished through ollowing the Four Noble ruths and theNoble Eightold Path to enlightenment.

Bridges:1. Establish riendly relationships with Buddhists. Tey are oten ound in many

communities where Asian immigrants are common. Tey are oten involved inlocal businesses (e.g., Chinese restaurants and Vietnamese nail shops).


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JESUSCHRISTOFL

ATTER-DAYSAINTS(

LDS/MORMONS)

Church of

Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints

(LDS/ Mormons)

Estimated North American Adherents:6 million people


Anglo Americans

(concentrated in Western United States)Some Hispanic Americans

American Samoans

Some Native Americans


1. Partner with NAMB where Mormons are numerous orgrowing, or where LDS missionaries are active, to host trainingevents or Interaith Evangelism Specialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend the IES training eventsand ollow through or IES certication in Mormonism.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Mormonism to hold localevents training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Promote and encourage use o Te Mormon Puzzle DVD (also


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Barriers:

1. Most Mormons already consider themselves Christians because o their baptism and churchmembership. Tereore, they dont see a need to receive Jesus as Savior in the evangelical sense.

2. Te Latter Day Saints (LDS) use common Christian and biblical words to describe aspects o theirbelies as they understand them. Te truth is, and many Mormons are unaware o this, nearly everyLDS doctrinal term is radically redened and contrary to historic Christian teaching.

3. Te LDS considers itsel the only true church on earth and regards all others as totally invalidor, at best, inadequate. Tus they do not regard any leaders but their own as authoritative. Tey

regard their president as a living prophet, seer, and revelator.4. Mormons believe that all members o Christian churches and adherents o other aiths must

be baptized in their church to receive eternal lie as they understand it. Tereore, theirmissionaries aggressively seek to make converts out o other churches.

5. Te LDS believes the Bible has been corrupted and so does not regard it as ully authoritative.

Tey use the KJV but augment it with additional scriptures rom Joseph Smith and other LDSprophets. Te Book of Mormon, Te Doctrine and Covenants, and Te Pearl of Great Priceareregarded by Mormons as inspired scripture.

6. Mormons believe marriage and their amilies are necessary aspects o their system o salvation.Tereore, it is di cult or them to leave the church, as it may have serious repercussions such asamily and community ostracism or divorce.

7. Many Mormons believe high moral and ethical standards o behavior are necessary or salvation,so they may not acknowledge their status as lost sinners. Tey may deny the importance osalvation by grace through aith alone.

8. Most Mormons rely heavily on their testimony o the veracity o the Book of Mormon and JosephSmith. Tis testimony is described as a subjective inner experience that conrms its truth.

Bridges:

1. Mormons and evangelicals share many common moral and amily values. Tese can make anatural bridge to a discussion o aith issues.

2 M t ti i l l b i d i i T t d t b t i ti d


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HIN

DUISM

Hinduism

Estimated North American Adherents:1 million people


American Asian Indians

Asian Indian Immigrants

Some Anglo AmericansAsian Indian Canadians



2. Recruit interested individuals to attend theIES training events and ollow through or IEScertication in Hinduism.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Hinduism to hold

local events training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on Hinduism.

5. Partner with SBC ethnic ellowships o people groupsthat include signicant Hindu populations.


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Barriers:

1. Understand that most Hindus are believers in many gods. Tey are pantheistic in that theysee everything as part o their god. Teir primary gods are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

2. Most Hindus know little about Jesus. Some may regard Him as one o many spiritualmasters (yogis) or teachers (gurus). Some may see Him as one o many maniestationso a god (avatar).

3. Tey do not believe Jesus died as a substitutionary atonement or sin or that He roserom the dead.

4. Most Hindus are not amiliar with the Bible or regard it as authoritative. Tey havetheir own holy books including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita.

5. Hindus will, thereore, not usually understand Christian or biblical terms.

6. Hindus believe that humans are spirits or souls trapped in physical bodies. At death

the soul transers to another living body in endless cycles o deaths and reincarnations.Heaven and hell are unknown concepts in Hinduism.

7. Hindus do not understand the Christian concept o moral sin against God. For themthe issue is karma, determined by ones conduct in lie. I one accumulates good karma,he will progress to a higher lie or caste. I bad, he will all to a lower caste.

8. Te ultimate goal or the Hindu is to get o the cycle o reincarnations and becomeone with the Brahman. Tis is accomplished by ollowing the teaching o a guru whowill lead them in a path or discipline.

9. Hinduism is oten identied with people groups primarily rom India. It is otena crucial ingredient in Indian culture, tradition and amily lie. Tus there may beconfict with the amily and community upon conversion.

Bridges:

1. Establish riendly relationships with Hindus. Tey are oten ound in manycommunities where Indian immigrants are common. Tey are oten involved in local


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ISAMISLAM

Islam

Estimated North American Adherents:4-8 million people


Arab Immigrants

Iraqi and Iranian Immigrants

African AmericansPakistani Immigrants

Some African Immigrants

Some Asian Indian Immigrants

Some East Asian Immigrants


1. Partner with NAMB in states where the above people groupsare prevalent to host training events or Interaith EvangelismSpecialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend the IES training eventsand ollow through or IES certication in Islam.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Islam to hold local eventstraining Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on Islam.

5. Promote distribution and use oTe Cross and the Crescent

DVD (only available in English).6. Promote distribution and use oTe Cross and the Crescent

training manual, particularly in areas where the Muslimpopulations are high.

7. Partner with SBC ethnic ellowships o people groupsh i l d i i M li l i


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Barriers:

1. Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet and in no way the Son o God or divine. In their view,such a claim is blasphemous.

2. Muslims also believe that the Christian doctrine o the Holy rinity is a orm o polytheism.

3. Muslims do not see a need to become Christians, since they believe that Muhammad wasthe nal seal o the prophets.

4. Muslims regard their holy book, the Quran, as superior to the Bible in accuracy andauthority. Tey are taught that the Bible, though originally divinely inspired, was corrupted

by Christians and is unreliable.

5. Muslims do not believe Jesus was crucied on the cross or rose rom the dead. Tey do notbelieve that substitutionary atonement is necessary or salvation.

6. Muslims believe that salvation is attained by being a aithul Muslim, practicing the FivePillars o the aith, living a morally upright lie, and obeying Allahs (Gods) commands as

taught in the Quran.7. Many Muslims believe that Christians are immoral since they see Christians (all

Westerners, as they see it) drinking and engaging in immoral activities on V and in movies.

8. Many Muslims rom Middle Eastern lands identiy Christianity with the Crusades and theatrocities done by some in the name o Christ.

9. Some Muslims regard Christian worship as irreverent with loud singing, men and womensitting together, people writing in their Bibles, etc.

10. Many Christians have misconceptions about Muslims such as thinking they are all Arabs(most are not) or that they are all terrorists.

Bridges:1. ake time to build relationships with Muslims.

2. Help to correct any misconceptions Muslims may have about Christianity (such as theirview o the rinity).


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JEHOVAHSWIT

NESSES

Jehovahs

Witnesses


1.2 million people


Anglo Americans

African AmericansMexican Americans


1. Partner with NAMB where Jehovahs Witnessesare numerous or growing to host training events orInteraith Evangelism Specialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend theIES training events and ollow through or IEScertication in Jehovahs Witnesses.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Jehovahs Witnesses tohold local events training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Promote and encourage use o theIn the Name of

Jehovah DVD (choose English, Spanish, or closedcaption through menu selection).

5. Utilize 4truth.net materials on Jehovahs Witnesses.

6. Partner with SBC ethnic ellowships o people groupsthat include signicant Jehovahs Witness populations


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Barriers:

1. Most Jehovahs Witnesses ( JWs), unless converts, have been indoctrinated in the belies o theWatchtower Bible and ract Society rom childhood and regard them as absolutely correct.

2. JWs regard their translation o the Bible (New World Translation) as the most accurate and theirorganization as its only valid interpreter.

3. JWs will not accept reading or study materials rom non-JW sources, especially those critical otheir aith. Doing so may lead to disciplinary action by the organization.

4. JWs aggressively seek to make converts o Christians and adherents o other aiths, so they

normally do not listen to other explanations o the Bible or doctrines.5. JWs are very reluctant to question openly the belies and practices o their organization. Tey

ear that they may be disciplined or disellowshipped (excommunicated), whereby they wouldace severe ostracism rom their amily and JW riends (including total shunning).

6. JWs tend to avoid social interactions with people outside their aith. Nonetheless, JWs areoten involved in business and their children attend public schools.

7. JWs use common Christian and biblical words to describe aspects o their belies as theyunderstand them. Most doctrinal terms are radically redened and contrary to historicChristian teaching.

8. JWs deny the Christian doctrines o the Holy rinity and the deity o Jesus Christ. Teyregard them as pagan corruptions o the oneness o God (Jehovah).

9. JWs are orbidden by their organization to celebrate all patriotic or religious holidays andactivities. Tis enhances the separateness and isolation they eel rom others in society.

Bridges:

1. Since JWs are Bible believers, they do acknowledge its authority. Tis is a good starting place

or a witness.2. Building relationships with JWs may be di cult given their isolation, but there may be

opportunities in work or school settings.

3. Christians should never ridicule JWs because they do not salute the fag or celebrate holidays.Tese could provide opportunities to ask them questions that may lead to a witness.


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J

UDAISM

Judaism


6 million people


Ethnic Jewish Americans and Canadians

Russian and other European

Jewish Immigrants

Some Hispanic Americans


1. Utilize inormation rom the Pasche Institute or JewishMinistries in Dallas, exas. www.pascheinstitute.org; 4010Gaston Avenue, Dallas, exas 75246; 214-818-1312. TePasche Institute is a ministry o Criswell College.

2. Work with state and associational leaders in communities ohigh Jewish populations (e.g., New York, Miami, St. Louis,etc.) to enhance Jewish outreach eorts.

3. Partner with the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship tostart messianic congregations (www.sbmessianic.net).

4. Partner with collegiate evangelism and campus ministries atcolleges and universities with signicant Jewish populations.


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Barriers:

1. Most Jewish people do not see a need to acknowledge Jesus as their Savior. Tey believe they are still under thecovenant o Abraham and saved under that relationship with God.

2. Most Jews may regard Jesus as a great Jewish reormer or rabbi (teacher) but do not accept him as Messiah (Savior).

3. Many Jews are reluctant to embrace Jesus because o the many persecutions against their people done in the nameo Christ. For many Jews, Christian evangelism is considered highly oensive.

4. Many, i not most, Jews today regard themselves only as culturally Jewish and do not practice or, in many cases, evenbelieve their aiths tenets.

5. In many cases, i a Jewish person accepts Jesus, he or she may ace severe ostracism rom his amily and Jewishcommunity. Tis is a major barrier or many Jews who may consider Christ.

6. Most Jews do not regard the New estament with any sense o divine authority.

7. Many Jews, particularly in Reorm (liberal) Judaism, do not have a clear concept o lie ater death or may notbelieve in it at all.

Bridges:

1. ake time to build relationships with Jewish people beore engaging them with the gospel. I you do share youraith too soon, it may lead to a break in the riendship.

2. Focus on Jesus, not Christianity. Share about His lie and claims to be the Messiah.

3. Use the Old estament to demonstrate how Jesus ullled prophecy as the Messiah.

4. Share your testimony o aith in Christ.


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NE

WAGESPIR

ITUALITY

New Age

Spirituality


Unknown no formal membership, but as

many as 20 million people may be involved

in some form of New Age spirituality.


American and Canadian AnglosSome African Americans

Some Native Americans and

First Nations (aboriginal) Canandians

Some Jewish Americans

Some Asian Americans

Action Points for Churches,

Associations, and State Conventions:1. Partner with NAMB to host New Age training events or

Interaith Evangelism Specialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend the IES training eventsand ollow through or IES certication in New Age.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in New Age to hold local eventstraining Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on New Age.

5. Partner with collegiate evangelism and campus ministriesat colleges and universities where New Age ideas are beingpromoted.

6. Plan to attend and participate in New Age airs, estivals, or


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Barriers:

1. New Age spirituality is actually a broad umbrella term or a diversity o spiritual belies, organizations, and practices.As one pundit (teacher) put it, rying to dene the New Age movement is like nailing Jell-O to the wall.

2. Tese diverse movements include New Tought, Teosophy, astrology, Westernized Buddhism, and Hinduism (e.g.,

some orms o yoga), alternative medicines, spiritualism, spirit channeling, divination, and many others.

3. Tis lack o doctrinal and organizational cohesion makes it di cult or Christians to know exactly how to approach aNew Ager with the gospel message.

4. Many New Agers regard Christianity as doctrinally conning, intolerant o other views, hypocritical, and morallyrestrictive.

5. New Agers generally have an unbiblical pantheistic theology, believing God is all and all is God.

6. New Agers generally have a monistic (all is one) worldview o reality.

7. Many New Agers believe in reincarnation and karma.

8. Since all is God and God is all, then most New Agers regard humans as divine. Te goal is to discover and experiencethe divinity within.

9. Many New Agers regard Jesus as a highly evolved, spiritually enlightened man who realized the Christ Principle, orinnate divinity, present inside him, as it is in all people.

10. Most New Agers have a relativistic view o morality, though they generally avor doing good to others and saving theearth.

11. Many New Agers are convinced that the earth is on the verge o a new era o spiritual enlightenment and peace aspeoples minds are transormed.

Bridges:

1. People involved in New Age spirituality are open to new ideas and experiences and are not limited to materialistic andrationalistic concepts o truth and knowledge.

2. Christians can a rm the New Agers search or truth and spiritual reality. In most cases they are willing to discussspiritual issues.

3. When sharing with New Agers, the Christian should ask them to explain their personal views about God, Jesus, lieater death, etc.

4. Te Christian should sensitively explain the implications o the New Age belie system, such as pantheism implying thatGod is impersonal or that the law o karma implies there are no innocent suerers.

5. Show the New Ager the inherent contradictions in their philosophy and the reality o their lives. For example, i there areno moral absolutes, then how can they assert anything or any behavior is wrong, including intolerance or even murder.

6. Oer the New Ager a Bible and ask him to read the Gospels about Jesus. Ask his opinion o what it says.


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R

OMAN

CATH

OLICISM

Roman

Catholicism


75 million people


Mexican Immigrants, Mexican Americans

Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans

Italian Americans, Polish AmericansHaitians, French Canadians, Irish Americans

American and Canadian Roman

Catholic Anglos

French Descent Louisianans

Filipino Immigrants, Some Korean Immigrants

Some American Samoans


1. Partner with NAMB where the above people groups areprevalent to host training events or Interaith Evangelism

Specialists (IES).2. Recruit interested individuals to attend the IES training

events and ollow through or IES certication in RomanCatholicism.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Roman Catholicism to holdlocal events training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on Roman Catholicism.

5. Partner with SBC ethnic ellowships o people groups thatinclude signicant Roman Catholic populations.

6. Partner with collegiate evangelism and campus ministries atcolleges and universities with signicant Roman Catholicpopulations.


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Barriers:

1. Most Roman Catholics, even i they are not active, are steeped in the traditions and doctrines o the church (see ollowing).

2. In many cases, a persons cultural heritage is closely tied to Roman Catholicism. Tis is especially true or Latin Americansand some Europeans (French, Polish, etc.).

3. Roman Catholics believe there are two levels o sin. Venial sins are minor ones that aect ones relationship with God butare easily orgiven. Mortal sins are major ones that will disqualiy them rom heaven.

4. Most Roman Catholics have a notion that salvation is primarily earned through works and moral living. Te doctrine osalvation by grace alone is oreign to their understanding.

5. Tey also see the various sacraments o the church as essential to ones salvation. Tese include baptism, conrmation, theLords Supper (Eucharist), matrimony, penance, holy orders, and anointing o the sick.

6. Most Roman Catholics regard theirs as the one true universal church since they have a pope, seen as the apostolic successorto Peter.

7. Roman Catholics also regard Mary as the sinless Mother o God and thus in a special relationship to Christ and God. Tusmany Catholics revere and pray to her almost on the same level as Jesus.

8. Roman Catholic belies about lie ater death include having to spend time in purgatory to purge onesel rom sin beoreentering into heaven (i good enough). Tey also have no real assurance o salvation.

9. Some Roman Catholics, as many as 25%, though members o the church, do not really believe the doctrines o the church

and may embrace liberal theology or other belie systems (New Age, etc.).

10.Some Catholics may regard evangelical Christianity as too strict in personal moral values. For example, Catholics see noconfict between their churchs ethical teachings and the moderate use o alcoholic beverages or legalized gambling.

11.Roman Catholics, though acknowledging the divine authority o the Bible, do not regard it as the only source o spiritualtruth. Popes, church councils, and tradition are also accepted as equal to it.

Bridges:1. Most Roman Catholics are believers in the essential doctrines o Christianity including the Holy rinity, the deity and

humanity o Christ, the resurrection o Christ, and heaven and hell. Tus, in most cases, there is not a need to convince themo the historical truth o Christianity.

2. In some cases, evangelicals and Roman Catholics share common moral concerns. For instance, most evangelicals andCatholics support pro-lie public policy positions.

3. Focus on the need or a personal relationship with God through Christ. Most Catholics, even i devout, do not have thatkind o aith.

4. Building genuine personal relationships with Catholics is the best way to engage them with the gospel.

5. Focus ones witness on the basics o the gospel: salvation by grace through aith in Jesus alone. Do not get side-tracked bydenominational issues or personal ethical questions.

6 Ask God to open opportunities or you to talk with your Catholic riend and share your testimony o assurance o salvation

M


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SIKHISM

Sikhism


500,000 people


Some Indian Immigrants (Punjabi)

Indo-Canadians (mostly in

British Columbia and Ontario)



2. Recruit interested individuals to attend theIES training events and ollow through or IEScertication in Sikhism.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Sikhism to hold localevents training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on Sikhism.

5. Partner with SBC ethnic ellowships o people groupsthat include signicant Sikh populations to start newcongregations.

6. Partner with collegiate evangelism and campus

ministries at colleges and universities with signicantSikh populations.


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Barriers:

1. Sikhism is a monotheistic synthesis o Hinduism and Islam, so they have no understanding o the Christianconcept o the Holy rinity.

2. Some Sikhs regard Jesus as a guru (teacher) but inerior to Sikh ounder Guru Nanak (1469-1539).

3. Sikh communities tend to remain strong even in North American areas where they have been present or over acentury, such as in British Columbia.

4. Sikhs adhere to traditional cultural and religious practices such as men not cutting their hair or beards andhaving regular temple worship events.

5. Sikhs retain the Hindu concepts o karma and reincarnation and cannot understand Christian ideas o heavenand hell.

6. In some cases o recent immigrants, language may be a barrier to an eective witness. However, most NorthAmerican Sikhs speak English.

7. Most Sikhs have little or no knowledge o the Bible, only their own scriptures called theAdi Granth.

Bridges:

1. Since Sikhs have been in North America or a long time, they are amiliar with western culture and usually are

open to developing riendly relationships.

2. Christians can begin with the commonalities o their aiths such as monotheism.

3. Te Christian can ask the Sikh what he knows about Jesus and oer him a copy o the New estament to read.

4. Sikhs may be open to visiting a church service. However, Christians should be ready to respond positively inturn to the Sikhs invitation to his temple.

5. Recognize that Sikhs have a long and proud history in India and Canada, and commend them or theircontributions to those societies.

A)


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UNITARIA

NUNIVERSAL

ISTASSOCIAT

ION(UUA

Unitarian

Universalist

Association(UUA)


200,000 people


American and Canadian Anglos

Some African Americans


1. Partner with NAMB to host UUA training events orInteraith Evangelism Specialists (IES).

2. Recruit interested individuals to attend theIES training events and ollow through or IEScertication in the Unitarian Universalist Association.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in UUA to hold localevents training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on UUA.5. Partner with collegiate evangelism and campus

ministries at colleges and universities with UUAstudent organizations.

B i


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Barriers:

1. Most people in the Unitarian Universalist Association o Churches (UUA) are either atheist or agnostic in theirview o God. In any case, they reject the Christian doctrine o the Holy rinity.

2. Most members o the UUA do not recognize the Bible as authoritative or uniquely inspired in any way.

3. Members o the UUA reject the deity o Jesus and do not regard Him as any more than a moral teacher or religiousreormer.

4. Most members o the UUA believe that reason is the way to truth, are philosophically naturalistic, and reject thesupernatural and divine revelation.

5. Some members o the UUA are believers in paganism and practice nature worship.

6. Most members o the UUA are humanistic in values, believe mankind is basically good, and believe they can nd

their own sel-ulllment in lie.7. Te UUA has no stated view o lie ater death. Most members do not believe in it or hold unbiblical ideas such as

reincarnation or universalism. Nearly all reject the Christian doctrine o hell.

8. Most UUA members usually question any ormal or absolute system o right and wrong, believe ethics and moralsare relative, and believe the highest virtue is tolerance o all belies and liestyles.

Bridges:1. Christians should try to develop riendly relationships with those in the UUA so they may have respectul

conversations about spiritual issues.

2. Since the UUA has no ormal doctrine, Christians should begin by asking the UUA member what his or herpersonal belies are about God and Jesus.

3. Christians can a rm the UUAs belies about religious reedom and tolerance o the ideas o others. Make sure theyunderstand that by tolerance Christians mean they a rm not only a persons right to believe, but also their right to

disagree and to persuade (evangelize).

T)


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WICCA(WITCHCRAFT

Wicca

(Witchcraft)

Estimated North American Adherents:250,000 to 500,000 people


Canadian and American Anglos

Anglo teenagers and young adults

(some are Goths)

Strategic Processes for Churches,Associations, and State Conventions:

1. Partner with NAMB to host Wicca training events

or Interaith Evangelism Specialists (IES).2. Recruit interested individuals to attend the

IES training events and ollow through or IEScertication in Wicca.

3. Utilize IE Specialists trained in Wicca to hold localevents training Baptists as eective witnesses.

4. Utilize 4truth.net materials on Wicca.

5. Partner with collegiate evangelism and campusministries at colleges and universities where Wicca isbeing practiced.

6. Work with Baptist prison and military chaplaincyto conduct training in Wicca or relating to andevangelizing Wiccan prisoners and military personnel.

Barriers:


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Barriers:

1. Wiccans generally believe that their aith is a revival o pre-Christian European pagan nature and ertility worship. Tusthey regard Christianity as an imposition on those belies in the middle ages.

2. Most Wiccans reject the biblical view o God and embrace either a pantheistic or panentheistic worldview whereeverything is in god, or gods or goddesses are in everything.

3. Wiccans oten practice magic (or magick) to exert supernatural infuence on the world and people.

4. Wiccans conduct ritual ceremonies in which people may be possessed by the spirit o a god or goddess.

5. Wiccans are oten mistaken by Christians or Satanists, which leads them to eel angry or earul o Christians.

6. Most Wiccans know little o the Bible or Jesus and have rejected organized religion o any kind.

Bridges:1. Christians should not be araid o developing riendly relationships with Wiccans. Tey are not Satanists and will not

cast evil spells on them.

2. Allow Wiccans to explain what they believe and why they have adopted that aith. Many times it is a reaction toconventional aith or rebellion against authority.

3. Christians should oer Wiccans a Bible, ask them to read the Gospels, and then ask them to give their opinion o Jesus.

4. Christians should become knowledgeable o Wicca so Wiccans will not think they are just prejudiced against them andtheir aith.


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