In the West, we are told there are two topics you should never bring up in conversations; religion and politics. It is easy to assume that the rest of the world is like us but often that is not the case. Global friends I’ve known have been eager to talk about religion especially when I brought it up by asking thoughtful questions. 

Questions are a great way to get people to talk about their life experiences and beliefs. I have found that people everywhere love to talk about themselves and their opinions on different topics including religion. Below are example questions you can ask to learn more about the religious experience and beliefs of your global neighbors and their experience with Christianity (Christians, the church, the Bible and Jesus). This can lead to an invitation to read the Bible together and share the story of Scripture. Keep in mind that this isn’t a list to go through with a person but ideas of various questions to help you start a conversation about spiritual realities.

1. Begin by asking questions to learn about their religious background and experience.
   • What was your life like when you were growing up?
   • What was important to your family? 
   • What religion does your family follow?
   • What do you do to practice your religion?
   • What special religious holidays or festivals do you celebrate?
   • What does your religion teach is most important in life?
     
2. As the conversation continues, you can ask about their experience with Christianity:
   • Do you know any Christians? What are they like? 
   • Have you ever been to a church? What was that like?
   • Do you know anyone who reads the Bible?
   • Have you ever read the Bible?
   • If they have read the Bible, you can ask follow up questions: What did you think about it? Did you have any questions?
   • Would you be interested in reading the Bible together?

The goal is to be friendly, listen carefully, and ask good questions. Let the conversation grow naturally. Pray God will prepare their hearts to read and receive the truths of God’s Word as they see the love of Christ through your life.

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