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NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ — To help Christians better understand the roots of their faith, Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection near Kansas City, has released a new book, “Christianity’s Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why.” (Abingdon Press)

In the book he retraces church history and the movements that shaped eight major denominations and encourages their adherents to listen and learn from one another. He seeks to find common ground among the various branches, and unique emphases within each that help enrich the others.

The statement recently released by the Pope about Protestants being “defective,” for example, offended many non-Catholics. Hamilton cautioned against over-reaction. “Unfortunately the history of Christianity is characterized by our tendency to focus on what divides us rather than what unites us,” Hamilton said.

“We are all defective in some way. Is it possible that God looks at us as we look at our own children? That we are each different and unique, yet equally loved, and that God delights in our differences?”

Hamilton extends an approach started in earlier works, examining major world religions and the most controversial issues of our time. “Christianity and World Religions” explores the histories of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam, compares and contrasts them with Christianity, and discusses what Christians might learn from them.

Issues like abortion, homosexuality, war, creation and church/state separation continue to make news and act as a lightning rod for those holding opposing views. In “Confronting the Controversies,” Hamilton encourages readers to understand why people hold opposing views, and to be humble and willing to listen to others as they form their own.

Not afraid of controversy, Hamilton believes the best way forward includes listening, understanding and humility. “We will never all agree on all these issues, nor that our particular brand of faith practice isn’t better than others, but learning about each other and trying to understand why people believe as they do only enriches our own faith,” Hamilton said.

Note to Editors: Rev. Hamilton is available for interviews; review copies are available upon request.

Contact: Melany Ethridge at 972-267-1111 or via Melany@alarryross.com.