Confronting The Controversies: A Christian Looks at the Tough Issues

by Adam Hamilton

Christians are faced every day with daunting choices between difficult alternatives. What does my Christian faith have to say about the moral issues that divide our society? There are plenty of people on opposite sides of the spectrum claiming to know the will of God in these matters. It is nonetheless very difficult to find help in looking at both sides of these ethical questions and applying the biblical witness to arrive at an authentically Christian belief about them. This is precisely what Adam Hamilton proposes to do. Presented as a collection of sermons, Confronting the Controversies includes euthanasia, assisted suicide, creationism, abortion, and homosexuality. Scrupulously fair to both the positions of each side and their motivations for holding them, Hamilton offers clear, concise information on what is at stake in these explosive issues. Hamilton applies a careful, broad reading of Scripture to offer direct yet compassionate guidance on what a faithful Christian response will be. This book is set up for group study, with discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Genres: Theology, Faith

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very even-handed and sound treatment of controversial issues. Comes down clearly on some topics, less clearly on others, primarily because he sees both sides and doesn't think there's a clear Biblical answer. However, very clearly against abortion-as-birth-control and capital punishment.

We have both this edition and a later edition (about 2004 or 2005) that Goodreads doesn't list. Very similar; new issue is longer, has new info in homosexuality section and new examples in a couple others -- separation of church and state comes to mind.

[Lindy Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be well researched and mindfully written for thoughtful and sensitive discussions on controversial issues. I used this book to lead a three-week series Sunday School series for adult members of our entire church congregation - diverse in age and gender. The class was well attended and received positive comments. Hamilton presents all sides of each issue and teaches the United Methodist's views on the issues yet is respectful of those with different beliefs.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful read from Adam Hamilton. He tackles these tough issues by giving you the facts - through history and scripture. He doesn't tell you what to believe in, but encourages you to pray for a compassionate heart and discerning mind. A great book!