The focal point of this portion of our guide is on faith, religion, and spirituality in the city of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Although faith, religion, and spirituality are often used interchangeably, and rightfully so in some contexts, the words do have unique definitions, although these definitions may differ slightly from one religion to another, or even between denominations.
In the Arabic language, faith means to affirm something and to comply with it. Therefore, in Islam faith means to believe in Allah, to affirm His truth, and to submit to His commands.
In Judaism, skepticism is viewed as healthy, legitimate, and even celebrated. From the Jewish perspective, Judaism is not only a religion but an ethnic group, a culture, and a nation. As a religion, Judaism tends to focus more on actions than beliefs. Nevertheless, faith does play a part. Most of the branches of Judaism accept the thirteen principles of faith by Rabbi Rambam, most of which address beliefs in God and the Torah.
In most respects, these principles of faith in Judaism do not differ much from the Christian perspective, except that Christians believe that the Messiah has already come. Given that Christianity began as a sect within Judaism, this should be no surprise.
In Christianity, faith refers to the belief, trust, and obedience to God as revealed in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. In Hebrews 11:1, the Apostle Paul defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Religion is a term with several definitions, although it generally includes ritual, social, and ethical elements combined with a belief in an unseen world and often a deity. These beliefs may be expressed through doctrine or mythology.
In general usage, however, religion is used as a means of grouping similar sets of beliefs together, as in the religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Spirituality is probably the most difficult to define, and the term doesn't necessarily require religion. Spirituality may refer simply to a worldview or a sense of purpose in life, while Christian spirituality has several dimensions that may be expressed through rituals and practices, enhancing the Christian life.
In the most general terms, belief might be defined as the acceptance that something is true, while faith adds trust to belief, and spirituality is belief and faith, plus action and meaning. Religion is a means of grouping common beliefs together and assigning names to them.
For the most part, however, the resources that will be found in this portion of our guide will be to websites representing ministries and places of worship in the city of Madison Heights, Michigan, although informational sites relating to religion in the city would also be appropriate.
Recommended Resources
American Islamic Community Center
AICC was founded in 2003 as a not-for-profit organization overseen by a board of directors, and supported by active committees and the youth of the center, and its spiritual leader is Sayed Najah Mousa Alhussaini. Headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan, its history is presented here, along with a calendar of upcoming programs and events, a profile of the organization, volunteer opportunities, prayer services, and educational programs. Its location is shown on a map and contacts are provided.
https://www.aiccmi.com/
Organized as an independent, self-governing body, free from outside control, the congregation meets at its facilities on East 12 Mile Road in Madison Heights, Michigan. Directions and a map are provided, along with the office telephone number, Sunday service schedules, and a calendar of programs and events. Sermons may also be viewed via live streaming or through its video archive. Membership policies, a statement of beliefs, and an overview of its community groups are included.
http://www.gospellifechurch.com/
Madison Heights Church of the Nazarene
Serving Christians throughout the Detroit Metro Region, including Madison Heights, Troy, Warren, Sterling Heights, Clawson, Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Royal Oak, the congregation meets at its facilities on East 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, Michigan. Its location is shown on a map, contacts are posted, and a contact form is included, and a schedule, calendar of upcoming programs and events, and a statement of belief are published on the site. Contributions may be made to the church online.
https://mhnaz.org/
New Beginning General Baptist Church
Centrally located on the north service drive of I-75 and 11 ½ Road, in Madison Heights, Michigan, the congregation meets on Sunday mornings and evenings, as well as on Wednesday nights. Schedules are published on the site, along with a calendar of upcoming programs and events, and a sermon archive is provided. Other resources include a statement of beliefs, news and announcements of special programs and services, a telephone number, email address, and an online contact form.
http://www.newbeginninggbc.com/
Situated on the corner of La Salle Avenue and John R Road, south of 13 Mile Road, in Madison Heights, Michigan, the congregation meets on Sunday mornings and for small group sessions on Wednesdays, and Sunday services are live-streamed on Facebook. A profile of the church is provided, an introduction to the pastors is given, and online forms are available for prayer, praise, and comments. A map shows the location of the church, its telephone number is provided, and an email address is included.
https://www.redoaks.church/
