Closing churches and the rise of the religiously unaffiliated seems like pretty strong evidence that Christianity is going through some pretty dark times. But Kennon Callahan doesn’t buy into that conclusion. “This is a new time,” said Callahan, author of…
From the marches: Women’s voices continue in days following historic events
Tens of thousands participated in women’s marches in Washington D.C. and around the nation over the weekend. Social media alone testifies that tens of thousands returned emboldened and inspired the experience. “The women’s marches were a phenomenal success and an…
Mark Zuckerberg displays humility, interest in church trends during Texas visits
Religious, school and business leaders in two Texas cities were stunned to learn that the mystery guest they were scheduled to meet was Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. “You could have knocked me over with a feather” when the 32-year-old billionaire…
Scripture reading stable in U.S. despite rising skepticism
Let’s face it: New Year’s resolutions are mostly a lot of talk. Gyms that are crowded in January and February thin out to normal levels by March and April. Fad diets fade and new savings accounts are bled dry. And…
Modern — and ancient — Christian identity crisis drives decline of American church
Europeans, it seems, are wondering if American Christianity has pretty much gone off the rails. A recent editorial in Great Britain’s The Guardian newspaper raised the question after describing the role faith has had in the “social and political convulsions”…
Americans doubt presidents, pastors can lead nation through challenges
Whether or not they voted for him, most Americans likely will not view Donald Trump as the solution to the nation’s problems once in office. And pastors enjoy even less confidence than presidents as the potential solution to the country’s…
Scorsese film ‘Silence’ illustrates Christian need to go inward with faith
The Los Angeles Times called Silence “a film for the ages,” while Variety described it as “undeniably gorgeous. A remarkable achievement.” But the latest film by Martin Scorsese, currently in theaters, is more than that, says Michael Sciretti Jr., a…
Western Wall prayer battle reminds Baptist woman of ordination struggles
In Israel, Jewish women are fighting for the right to pray from Torah scrolls at the Western Wall, as men do. Starlette McNeill identifies with those women and their struggle. While McNeill isn’t Israeli and isn’t Jewish, her personal trials…
Franklin Graham, Pope Francis promote veganism — but for very different reasons
For some Christians, going vegan may be a sudden thing after attending a church talk about factory farming and animal cruelty. Like Paul on the road to Damascus, they are struck with a life-changing conviction — this one to give up…