In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of Christianity's most challenging questions: "Are all non-Christians really going to hell?" With his signature blend of intellectual depth and pastoral compassion, Adam explores different Christian perspectives on salvation, eternal life, and God's boundless mercy. Drawing from scripture, church history, and personal experience, he offers a fresh perspective that speaks to both skeptics and believers wrestling with questions about faith, judgment, and divine love.
Beyond Simple Labels: Understanding Christian Views on SalvationAdam unpacks three main perspectives on salvation - Christian exclusivism, Christian universalism, and Christian inclusivism - offering nuanced insights into how different traditions understand God's saving work through Christ.
Finding Biblical Truth in Unexpected PlacesThrough careful examination of both Old and New Testament passages, Adam reveals how scripture often points to a more expansive view of God's mercy than many traditional interpretations suggest, while maintaining the uniqueness of Christ as savior.
Building Bridges Across Faith TraditionsDrawing from his own friendships with Jewish rabbis and Muslim leaders, Adam shares how interfaith relationships can deepen rather than diminish our Christian faith, leading to richer spiritual practices and broader understanding.
Rethinking Hell and Divine JusticeUsing insights from C.S. Lewis and John Wesley, Adam presents a view of judgment and hell that emphasizes human choice and God's persistent mercy rather than divine vengeance.
The Heart of EvangelismAdam offers a compelling alternative to fear-based evangelism, explaining why sharing our faith should flow from experiencing Christ's transformative love rather than anxiety about others' eternal destiny.
Whether you're a skeptic who's struggled with traditional Christian teachings about hell, a Christian grappling with questions about loved ones of different faiths, or someone simply seeking to understand God's love more deeply, this episode offers fresh insights and hope. Adam's measured approach demonstrates how you can hold onto Christian truth while embracing a more expansive view of God's mercy. By the end, you'll discover a perspective that honors both divine justice and grace, while providing practical wisdom for relating to people of different beliefs. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and points toward a more hope-filled understanding of God's love for all humanity.

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Holocaust survivor Herb Kohn, whose journey from Nazi-occupied Europe to becoming a Kansas City legal legend spans over eight decades. Through intimate storytelling and profound reflection, this conversation reveals how faith, resilience, and love can persist even in humanity's darkest moments. The episode culminates in a deeply moving reading of a final love letter written from Auschwitz, offering a timeless testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the power of love.
Key moments from this remarkable conversation:
From Survival to Success: When the Nazis invaded Holland, four-year-old Herb and his family fled by bicycle, narrowly escaping capture through his mother's quick thinking and the kindness of strangers. Moving from hiding place to hiding place, they eventually found sanctuary with Catholic nuns who risked their lives to protect them.

The Price of Prejudice: As Adam explores how Hitler rose to power, Herb reflects on the dangerous pattern of scapegoating that emerges during economic hardship - a pattern he sees echoing in today's rising antisemitism. His insights offer a sobering warning about how quickly prejudice can transform from undercurrent to mainstream.

A Letter of Eternal Love: The episode's most powerful moment comes when Herb shares his grandfather's final letter from Auschwitz, written knowing he faced death in the gas chamber. His words of devotion to his wife of 36 years remind us that love transcends even the most horrific circumstances: "Forever and however it will be, my heart and soul will always be with you."

Building Bridges Through Understanding: Drawing from his successful career in mediation, Herb discusses how finding common ground between conflicting parties offers lessons for healing today's political and social divides. His insights reveal how understanding "even the thinnest pancake has two sides" can lead to reconciliation.

The Power of Purpose: At 84, Herb launched a new mediation practice, challenging conventional notions of retirement. His continued dedication to serving others demonstrates how purpose and meaning enrich life at any age.
For anyone wrestling with questions about faith, hope, and humanity's capacity for both cruelty and compassion, this episode offers profound insights from someone who has lived through history's darkest chapter yet emerged with an unwavering spirit. Adam's thoughtful exploration of Herb's story reminds us that even in our most challenging moments, love and hope can prevail. Don't miss this powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

In this eye-opening dialogue between science and spirituality, Adam Hamilton takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the Smithsonian's traveling exhibition on human origins at St. Paul School of Theology. With his characteristic blend of intellectual curiosity and spiritual wonder, Adam explores the relationship between science and faith while examining the compelling evidence of human evolution. Far from seeing conflict between scientific discovery and religious belief, he illuminates how understanding our origins can deepen our sense of awe about God's creative work in the world.
Key moments from the episode:
Ancient Connections Revealed: Learn how humans share 60% of our DNA with banana trees and 99.9% of our DNA with each other - a humbling reminder of our deep interconnectedness in God's creation.

Evolution Through God's Eyes: Experience how viewing evolution through a spiritual lens can enhance rather than diminish faith, as Adam describes God as taking "delight in the development of species" over billions of years.

The Power of Human Community: Discover touching evidence of compassion from 1.78 million years ago, where early human communities cared for elderly members who could no longer feed themselves - a powerful testament to our inherent capacity for kindness.

Science and Faith in Harmony: Explore why many Christians, including historical figures like Isaac Newton, have embraced both scientific discovery and deep faith, finding that each enriches the other.

Questions That Matter: Join the conversation about what it means to be human, as Adam demonstrates how wrestling with life's biggest questions can lead to deeper spiritual understanding rather than conflict.
Whether you're skeptical about religion, curious about faith, or wondering how to reconcile scientific understanding with spiritual belief, this episode offers fresh perspectives without asking you to check your brain at the door. Adam shows how exploring human origins can fill us with wonder at both scientific discovery and divine creativity. The exhibition is open to the public at St. Paul School of Theology until May 15th, offering a chance to engage personally with these profound questions. This is an invitation to explore life's deepest questions with both intellectual rigor and spiritual openness.

The Bible has shaped cultures and transformed lives for generations - yet it remains one of the most debated books ever written. Some find hope and wisdom in its pages, while others struggle with its challenging passages and how it's been used throughout history. In this episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton invites listeners into an honest conversation about making sense of scripture today. Drawing from his journey from skeptical teenager to pastor of one of America's largest United Methodist churches, Adam explores how to read the Bible with both critical thinking and deep faith. He offers fresh perspectives that welcome your questions while revealing why this ancient text continues to speak to our modern lives.
From Ancient Text to Living Word: Adam shares his fascinating journey of discovering the Bible as an atheist teenager, reading five chapters each night until he unexpectedly fell in love with Jesus through the Gospel of Luke. He explains how this transformative experience shaped his understanding of scripture as both deeply human and divinely inspired.

Breaking Down the Biblical Library: Rather than viewing the Bible as an instruction manual, Adam illuminates how it's actually a diverse library of books written across 1,500 years. He expertly guides listeners through the various genres - from ancient near eastern stories and poetry to wisdom literature and apocalyptic visions - helping make sense of this rich collection.

Jesus as the Ultimate Interpreter: Using the metaphor of a colander, Adam explains how Jesus's teachings and example serve as the ultimate filter for understanding scripture. He demonstrates how this approach helps readers navigate challenging passages while staying true to the Bible's core message of love and grace.

Wrestling with Difficult Passages: With remarkable honesty, Adam addresses how he's handled topics like women in ministry and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He shares how his own views have evolved through deeper study of scripture and pastoral experience, encouraging listeners to embrace growth in their own understanding.

Finding Life in Ancient Words: Despite its complexities, Adam powerfully argues that the Bible remains the most profound and beautiful book ever published. He explains how its stories of God choosing unlikely heroes and its messages of hope continue to speak life to readers today, especially when studied in community with others.
Whether you're skeptical, curious, or a long-time believer, this episode offers a refreshing approach to making sense of scripture. Adam's intellectual honesty combined with deep faith creates space for listeners to bring their questions and doubts while discovering how this ancient text remains remarkably relevant today. He invites listeners into a journey of reading the Bible not as a book of simple answers, but as a rich collection of human encounters with the divine that continue to transform lives. 

In this uniquely personal episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton shares his intimate reflections on the National Prayer Service, a time-honored tradition dating back to George Washington where faith leaders address the nation's highest officials. Recording from his study rather than the usual studio, Adam offers a candid exploration of what he would say if given the opportunity to speak at this year's service. Drawing from his own experience delivering the sermon at the 2013 National Prayer Service, he weaves together profound insights about leadership, greatness, and the true measure of a nation's character through the lens of Christian faith.
The Weight of Words in Sacred SpacesAdam shares his behind-the-scenes experience of preparing for the 2013 National Prayer Service, including rewriting his sermon 15 times and working until 3 AM to get the message just right for such a monumental occasion.
Bridging Division Through Common GroundWith the wisdom of someone who leads a congregation that's 40% Republican, 40% Democrat, and 20% Independent, Adam demonstrates how to find unifying values while acknowledging deep differences on complex issues.
Jesus's Revolutionary Definition of GreatnessThrough powerful Biblical narratives including the Good Samaritan and the Last Supper, Adam unpacks Jesus's counter-cultural teaching that true greatness lies in service to others, not in power over them.
The Real Measure of National CharacterDrawing from both Scripture and American history, Adam makes a compelling case that a nation's greatness is measured not by its wealth or power, but by how it treats its most vulnerable members.
A Heart for All PeopleWith characteristic compassion and clarity, Adam addresses contemporary challenges facing marginalized communities, reminding listeners that every person deserves dignity, protection, and belonging.
For anyone wrestling with questions about faith's role in public life or seeking to understand how ancient wisdom speaks to modern challenges, this episode offers a thoughtful, nuanced perspective that refuses to sacrifice either truth or grace. Adam's unique ability to bridge theological depth with practical application makes this episode especially valuable for those who may feel disconnected from traditional religious institutions but hunger for authentic spiritual dialogue. Listen to the full episode to experience how faith can inform our understanding of leadership, service, and community in today's complex world.

Does believing in God make sense in today's world? Adam Hamilton tackles this fundamental question with refreshing honesty and vulnerability. Through personal stories of airplane conversations, quiet walks with his granddaughter, and his own struggles with doubt, he explores why faith might still matter in 2024 - even for skeptics and deep thinkers. Drawing from decades of experience connecting with both believers and non-believers, Adam shares how authentic relationships and humble conversations create space for meaningful discussions about life's biggest questions, without requiring anyone to check their brain at the door.
Wrestling with Life's Hardest Questions: Through raw and honest reflection, Adam opens up about his own struggles with doubt, including a powerful story about losing his best friend and youth pastor in a tragic accident. He demonstrates how wrestling with difficult questions can actually strengthen rather than weaken faith.

Embracing Mystery Over Certainty: Drawing from decades of pastoral experience, Adam challenges the notion that faith requires absolute certainty. Like deep human love, he suggests that the most meaningful aspects of life often exist in the realm of mystery rather than mathematical proof.

A Fresh Approach to Suffering: Rather than offering trite answers about everything happening for a reason, Adam provides a compassionate framework for understanding suffering that doesn't require attributing tragedy to God's direct will. He previews a deeper discussion on this topic in an upcoming episode.

Why Faith Matters: In a particularly moving segment, Adam reflects on how his faith has enriched his life with peace, joy, hope, and meaning. While he believes deeply in the eternal promises of Christianity, he shares why following Jesus would have made his life richer regardless of what happens after death.
Making Sense of Faith continues to stand in the radical center, creating space for both intellectual rigor and heartfelt spirituality. Whether you're wrestling with doubt, curious about Christianity, or seeking meaning in an uncertain world, this episode explores how faith can provide hope, purpose, and peace without requiring blind acceptance or abandoning intellectual honesty. 

What if your doubts about faith weren't a barrier to belief, but a gateway to deeper understanding? In this thought-provoking first episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most fundamental yet challenging aspects of faith: doubt. With warmth and authenticity, Adam shares his personal journey from skepticism to belief, while making a compelling case for why doubt isn't just normal – it's an essential part of a healthy faith journey. Drawing from both scientific perspectives and personal experiences, he creates a welcoming space for listeners to explore their own questions about faith, God, and the intersection of intellectual curiosity with spiritual growth.
Doubt is Not Just Normal – It's Biblical: Adam reveals that 95% of people experience religious doubts, and he explains how biblical figures from Moses to Mary wrestled with their own uncertainties. Rather than viewing doubt as a weakness, he presents it as a natural part of engaging our intellect in our faith journey.

The Science Behind Faith: Taking listeners on a fascinating journey through space with the James Webb Telescope, Adam explores how scientific discoveries can actually deepen our appreciation for the possibility of a divine creator, sharing insights from both Einstein and priest-physicist Georges Lemaître.

Why People Leave Church – And Why It Matters: Drawing from recent research, Adam addresses head-on why 67% of people have stopped believing what their religion taught, acknowledging the valid concerns that drive people away from faith communities and offering a fresh perspective on approaching these challenges.

Finding God in the "God-incidences": Through a powerful story about praying for a stranger in an airport, Adam illustrates how seemingly random moments can reveal deeper spiritual connections, showing how faith can manifest in practical, meaningful ways in our daily lives.

Making the Choice to Believe: Rather than presenting faith as a set of mandatory beliefs, Adam frames it as a daily choice we make based on our experiences, knowledge, and observation of the world around us – making faith accessible to those who value both intellectual integrity and spiritual authenticity.
No matter where you are on your journey, this episode offers a refreshing approach to spirituality that doesn't require checking your brain at the door. Through a blend of intellectual honesty, personal vulnerability, and spiritual wisdom, this conversation bridges the gap between doubt and faith. 
HIGHLIGHTS: [2:40] Why people having stopped believing in religion[4:28] We are meant to be critical thinkers and ask questions[5:45] Adam’s journey to faith through critical thinking, questions, and doubts[6:56] Why doubt doesn’t offend God and biblical examples of doubt[9:19] Everything in life requires a measure of faith[12:17] Doesn’t science negate the idea that there is a God?[16:20] Where did God come from? [20:01] What is a “God-incidence”? [23:16] How does believing in God impact your daily life? 

In this holiday episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton takes listeners behind the scenes of his 35th Christmas Eve candlelight service at Church of the Resurrection. Speaking from his home, with his dog Rocky making a guest appearance, Adam shares the detailed journey of crafting and delivering multiple versions of his Christmas message about the Magi seeking Jesus. He walks through his thoughtful preparation process, from months of research to multiple sermon drafts, and how the message evolved through various services to reach over 31,000 in-person attendees and many more online and on television. The episode concludes with his final Christmas Eve sermon.
Key moments from the episode:
Behind the Perfect Christmas Message - Adam reveals his intensive 20-hour preparation process for each sermon, including research, multiple drafts, and careful consideration of how to speak to listeners' heads, hearts, and hands.

The Evolution of Excellence - Experience how the sermon transformed through multiple iterations, from Friday's TV recording to Sunday's traveler’s service, to the final Christmas Eve deliveries.

A Pastor's Vulnerability - Adam shares honest moments of feeling depleted, forgetting to eat before services, and the very human side of delivering multiple services to thousands of people over just a few days.

The Power of Generosity - Learn how the congregation's Christmas Eve offering of $2.2 million in 2023 is transforming lives through projects like a mobile dental clinic for underserved schools and support for global initiatives.

A Sacred Midnight Moment - The episode concludes with Adam's moving description of standing alone in the sanctuary at 1:05 AM after the final service, expressing gratitude for his calling and the privilege of serving his congregation.
Whether you're a regular churchgoer, someone curious about faith, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the largest Christmas Eve services in America, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the heart and mind of a pastor striving to make ancient truths relevant for today's world. Adam's authentic, conversational style and willingness to share both the triumphs and challenges of ministry makes this holiday episode particularly special.

In this soul-stirring Christmas episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the remarkable story of Mary and Elizabeth's relationship. Moving beyond the traditional holiday narrative, he explores the raw humanity, fears, and transformative moments that make this ancient story deeply relevant today. His conversation weaves together biblical wisdom with contemporary understanding, offering both skeptics and believers a meaningful way to connect with the Christmas season.
Key moments from the episode:
The Power of Intergenerational Relationships: Adam shares how the story of 14-year-old Mary and 60-year-old Elizabeth demonstrates that every person needs both mentors and mentees in their spiritual journey. He illustrates this through his own touching story about his relationship with Reverend Firestone, showing how these connections shape our lives and faith.

Finding God in Everyday Moments: Adam reveals his practice of actively looking for "God moments" in daily life, from chasing after church members in the parking lot to responding to unexpected texts. These small but significant encounters remind us that the sacred often shows up in surprising ways.

Wrestling with Pain and Disappointment: The episode tackles Elizabeth's struggle with infertility and challenges the ancient belief that inability to bear children was a sign of God's disapproval. Through this discussion, Adam offers comfort to modern listeners facing their own struggles, affirming that pain doesn't equal divine abandonment.

The Reality Behind "Silent Night": Adam explains why he titled his book "Not a Silent Night," painting a vivid picture of the messy, painful, and decidedly not-silent reality of Jesus's birth. This honest portrayal helps listeners connect with the very human elements of the Christmas story.

Finding Joy in Dark Times: Through Mary's Magnificat and Cheryl Sandberg's story of grief and healing, Adam explores how joy can coexist with pain. He offers practical wisdom about perspective, gratitude, and serving others as pathways to finding light in darkness.
Whether you're skeptical about religion, wrestling with faith, or simply seeking a fresh perspective on a familiar story, this episode offers something meaningful for everyone. Adam's thoughtful exploration demonstrates that it's possible to engage with ancient faith traditions while maintaining intellectual honesty and emotional resonance. His discussion shows how the Christmas story, far from being a mere historical account, continues to offer wisdom and hope for navigating life's complexities today.
HIGHLIGHTS: [0:43] How was Mary and Elizabeth? [4:50] Do you see amazing “God-moments” happen today? [8:35] How can we trust God like Mary? [11:09] Everyone needs an Elizabeth (aka mentor) and a Mary (aka mentee) in their life. [15:38] What would you want someone to hear who is experiencing struggle or pain, especially with infertility?[18:50] Where and how do we find joy when life is hard? [22:23] What is the Magnificat and why does it matter today? [26:07] It was NOT a silent night when Jesus was born

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles the questions many people wrestle with during the Christmas season. Through an engaging conversation with listener-submitted questions, Adam explores everything from the commercialization of Christmas to the historical accuracy of the nativity story, offering fresh perspectives that bridge faith and skepticism. His honest, down-to-earth approach makes complex theological concepts accessible while addressing the very real challenges many face during the holidays.
Key takeaways from the episode:
Finding Peace with "Happy Holidays" vs "Merry Christmas." Adam offers a refreshing take on this cultural debate, explaining that Christmas is the Christian story to share, not one to force upon others. He emphasizes that showing consideration for those of different faiths actually demonstrates Christian love rather than compromising beliefs.

Navigating Holiday Blues with Grace and Understanding. For those struggling with anxiety and sadness during the season, Adam provides comfort by revealing how the original Christmas story wasn't about perfect joy - it was about hope breaking through in dark times. He reminds listeners that it's okay not to feel festive, as the real message of Christmas speaks directly to those experiencing difficult times.

Reimagining the Historical Christmas. Through vivid descriptions of first-century Bethlehem, Adam helps listeners picture Jesus's birth in a cave rather than a wooden stable, offering a more historically accurate and surprisingly more meaningful understanding of the nativity story. This fresh perspective makes the ancient narrative more relatable and powerful today.

Balancing Santa and Spirituality. Adam shares practical wisdom for families wrestling with how to embrace both the magic of Santa and the meaning of Jesus, suggesting ways to root Santa in the historical St. Nicholas while teaching children about generosity and giving to those in need.

Wrestling with Faith and Facts. The episode tackles head-on the questions many have about the virgin birth, the star of Bethlehem, and other supernatural elements of the Christmas story. Adam’s approach helps skeptics and believers alike understand these stories' deeper theological significance while acknowledging the natural tension between faith and scientific understanding.
Whether you're questioning your faith, seeking deeper meaning in holiday traditions, or simply curious about the historical context of Christmas, this episode offers valuable insights for both believers and skeptics. Hamilton's ability to address complex theological questions while maintaining intellectual honesty makes this conversation particularly relevant for those who want to engage with Christianity thoughtfully. His approach demonstrates that it's possible to embrace both faith and reason, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to make sense of faith during the holiday season.
HIGHLIGHTS: [1:14] Do we say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?[3:50] How do you juggle the joy, excitement, and wonder of Santa Claus, but then also the truth of Jesus when talking to Children? [9:30] What do you think Jesus would say about how commercialized Christmas has become? [13:12] How do you deal with all the Christmas joy that’s going to be flooding the airwaves when inside you’re filled with anxiety, sadness, or grief? [17:22] Do I have to take the Bible literally when I read the Christmas story? Do I have to believe that Mary was really a virgin?[27:43] Was there really a bright star that led people to Bethlehem when Jesus was born?