Christian neighbors

• Can I go to my friend’s church, mosque or temple? Usually, yes. Most places of worship welcome visitors, and going with a friend is the easiest way. 1 min read
• Do Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God? All three faiths say there is one God, the God of Abraham. 2 min read
• How do I explain other religions to my kids? Straightforwardly and early. Kids are naturally curious and don’t have the anxiety adults bring to these conversations. 3 min read
• I’m going to an interfaith wedding. What should I expect? Expect the unexpected, and be delighted by it. 3 min read
• Is “Arab” the same as “Muslim”? No. Arab describes a people who share a language and culture. 2 min read
• Is Día de los Muertos “Mexican Halloween”? No. Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a time to remember and welcome back loved ones who have died. 2 min read
• Is it OK to be angry at God? In most traditions that believe in God, yes, and the scriptures say so more directly than many preachers do. 3 min read
• Is it OK to say “Merry Christmas” to someone who isn’t Christian? Yes, almost always. Most non-Christian Americans celebrate Christmas in some way, and most people hear “Merry Christmas” as a kind wish, not a sermon. 2 min read
• Is religion the cause of most wars? No, and scholars who study this say the answer is more complicated than either side usually admits. 3 min read
• Ramadan and Lent at the same time? What’s going on? Ramadan follows the moon, so it moves about 11 days earlier each year. 2 min read
• Should I bring food when someone dies? Almost always, yes, but check first. Most traditions welcome it. 3 min read
• What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe? Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians, but their beliefs differ from most other Christian traditions. 3 min read
• What does “love your neighbor as yourself” mean? It means caring about other people’s good as much as your own. 2 min read
• What does it mean to surrender to God or a higher power? Surrender means letting go of the need to control everything and trusting God with the outcome. 2 min read
• What happens when we die? What do different faiths teach? Every major tradition has a teaching about death, and no two are quite the same, though many share a shape. 4 min read
• What if my child leaves our faith? It’s one of the most painful things a religious parent can face. 3 min read
• What is a rabbi, an imam, and a pastor? All three lead faith communities, but in different ways. 3 min read
• What is grace? Grace is God’s love and favor given as a gift, not earned. 2 min read
• What is the Good Samaritan story really about? It’s Jesus’ answer to a lawyer who asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). 4 min read
• What’s the difference between Catholics and Protestants? Both are Christians who believe Jesus is God’s Son, who died and rose again. 2 min read
• Who is Abraham in Judaism, Christianity and Islam? Abraham is the shared father of faith for all three. 2 min read
• Why are young people buying Bibles again? In 2025, U.S. Bible sales hit a 21-year high, and many buyers are young. 2 min read
• Why do people change religions? For every reason you can think of, and then some. 3 min read
• Why do people shake hands or hug in the middle of church? It’s called the sharing of the peace. In many Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches, people turn to those nearby and say “Peace be with you.” Many reply “And also with you,” or just “Peace.” A handshake, nod or wave is fine. 2 min read
• Why does my neighbor’s synagogue or mosque have security guards? Because houses of worship have been targeted. 2 min read
• Why don’t some families celebrate Halloween? Usually it’s about faith. Some Christians feel Halloween’s focus on death, spirits and fear clashes with what they believe. 2 min read

1. About 6 BCJesus is born. Jesus is born in Bethlehem; Christians believe he is the Son of God and the promised Messiah.
2. About AD 30Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem; Christians believe he rose from the dead on the third day.
3. About AD 30Pentecost. Christians believe the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus' followers at Pentecost, and the church began to spread.
4. AD 325The Council of Nicaea. Church leaders meet at Nicaea and affirm that Jesus is fully God, shaping the creed many churches still say.
5. 1054East and West split. Church leaders in Rome and Constantinople excommunicate each other, deepening the split between Catholic and Orthodox churches.
6. 1517The Reformation begins. Martin Luther's 95 Theses challenge church practices and spark the Protestant Reformation and many new churches.
7. 1565First parish in today's U.S.. Spanish Catholics hold Mass at St. Augustine, Florida, starting the oldest Christian parish in the continental United States.
8. 1816The AME Church is founded. Richard Allen and other Black Methodists form the African Methodist Episcopal Church after facing racism in white-led churches.

Every faith on one timeline →

• 01
  What do you feel when you pray? One Question, Two NeighborsA pastor and a Muslim neighbor Recording soon · about 14 min
• 02
  Abraham, three ways Same Story, Different BookA pastor, a rabbi and an imam Recording soon · about 11 min
• 03
  Why do church people hug in the middle of the service? The Feeling Behind ItVoiced by David Recording soon · about 5 min
• 04
  I'm an atheist. Am I still your neighbor? One Question, Two NeighborsA pastor and an atheist neighbor Recording soon · about 15 min