Author: David Otto
David Otto is Professor of Religious Studies at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana.
By David Otto
In this study Christians will learn about the current debate within the United Methodist Church regarding homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Readers will be asked to consider both sides of the ongoing debate before forming their own decision on the...
By David Otto
Hospitality is a theme most Christians take very seriously. How do we welcome strangers in our community? Do we welcome outsiders? What are our obligations to strangers? Do guests also have obligations to hosts?This two-session study reviews the impo...
By David Otto
Most Christians, if asked, would state that Paul took three journeys to spread his understanding of Christ to the Gentile world. But if pushed to provide an itinerary for each of these missions, most persons would have difficulty issuing a response. ...
By Michael R. Cosby, David Otto, Sandra Hack Polaski
The apostle Paul was probably the most influential leader and writer of the early Christian movement. Thirteen letters (epistles) in the New Testament have been traditionally attributed to Paul. Just who was Paul, and how should we think of him? Were...
By David Otto
In 1950, self-professed scientist and science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, in which he outlined the basic tenets of what would become known as the Church of Scientology (CoS). Over the next t...
By David Otto
In this adult study participants will learn about the beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses. During the session, participants will consider what elements or beliefs are required within Christianity and how they should address differences between Christi...
By David Otto
During this session, adults will get an overview of the basic principles of this Protestant denomination. They will also learn why Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday rather than Sunday and what exactly the "Great Controversy" is a...
By David Otto
God is portrayed in many ways in the biblical narrative and church doctrine. At times God is the "destroyer" while at other times the "lover." God is also described as being the Word made flesh, but also shown as being distant and removed. In this s...