THE PERSECUTED: This little book paints a large swath of important but neglected history with broad strokes but deep perspective. Far from a narrow story of Catholic vs. Protestant, this book ties together Jews, Pagans, Muslims, Roman and Orthodox Catholics, Anabaptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Conquistadores, Puritans, and Quakers. With few exceptions, specific groups have often alternated between being persecuted to being persecutors themselves. But the overarching theme is the value of religious liberty, its long road to acceptance, and the enduring challenge of true tolerance.
DEAR CHURCHES: In the New Testament, you will find several "epistles." God inspired the Apostle Paul and others to write letters to churches. The things they wrote are still important for church members today, although they are often left out of Bible story books. Six themes that Paul wrote much about are love, life, grace, faith, truth, and purity. We will also learn about letters that James, Jude, Peter, and John wrote to churches. In the pages that follow, you will read short passages from these letters, along with pictures to help you understand and questions to help you think about these teachings in the Bible.
