Top analysis piece traced Charlie Kirk’s rise as MAGA influencer

Baptist News Global’s most-read analysis articles in 2025 revealed strong reader interest in Christian nationalism, MAGA theology and conspiracies and controversies involving conservative and progressive religious figures.

Of the 15 most-read analysis pieces this year, three were about Trump insider Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, tracing his rapid rise as a powerful Republican and conservative evangelical influencer before his assassination in September. Another piece examined some of the most controversial statements of Calvinist preacher John MacArthur, who died in July.

Other highly read pieces included a look at how the rise of authoritarianism tracks with the biblical concept of the antichrist, an examination of the challenges faced by ministers like David Platt and Tim Whitaker, by former Lifeway CEO Ben Mandrell and by the Anglican Communion. Readers also were drawn to the issue of how the Bible was compiled, and to the troubling theology of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Platt article was first published in 2024, and the Bible piece in 2023.

Here are BNG’s Top 15 most-read 2025 analysis pieces:

1. “How Charlie Kirk went from college dropout to Trump influencer,” by Mara Richards Bim, April 15 and Sept. 10, 2025 — The Turning Point USA founder rode right-wing grievance to prominence among Christian nationalists and to insider status with President Trump. This article was republished verbatim after Kirk’s assassination.
2. “John MacArthur met his own definition of a false prophet,” by Rick Pidcock, July 14, 2025 — The right-wing preacher lived into his own descriptions of false teachers by sacralizing power-mongering authoritarianism, racism, misogyny and by marginalizing the poor.
3. “The Antichrist is coming and is already here,” by David Bumgardner, Feb. 11, 2025 — The dominance of evil in opposition to God’s kingdom can be witnessed in the form of rising authoritarianism in countries such as China, Russia and now the U.S.
4. “A visual guide to the elected officials who fly Christian nationalist flags at the Capitol,” by Mara Richards Bim, April 3, 2025 — Some U.S. politicians fly flags and use other symbols outside their offices to connect with Christian nationalism, extremist militia groups and Christian and revisionist history movements.
5. “Understanding the David Platt story,” by Maina Mwaura, Oct. 28, 2024 — Troubling tenures with the International Missions Board and McLean Bible Church cast shadows over the pastoral career of a gifted preacher and author.
6. “Crash-course in Bible history: How the Bible came to be,” by Mallory Challis, Feb. 14, 2023 — How oral tradition, Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and the history of translation gave birth to today’s Bible.
7. “Charlie Kirk in his own words,” by BNG Staff, Sept. 11, 2025 — Kirk’s racism, misogyny and Christian nationalism were on full display through his social media and in his public speaking. He called Civil Rights “a huge mistake” and said Black women “do not have the brain processing power” to succeed without affirmative action.
8. “Allegations against Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals show how hierarchy transfers to progressive ministries,” by Rick Pidcock, March 19, 2025 — Whitaker’s challenges with the popular podcast and online ministry he founded showed progressive Christians are not immune from scandal and from allegations of spiritual abuse.
9. “Why you should care about the Kennedy Center board,” by Mara Richards Bim, Feb. 13, 2025 — Fascist regimes target the arts as a powerful medium capable of reflecting and shaping collective memory. Attacks on the arts is often followed by taking down the media and other voices needed to call out oppressive governments.
10. “Here’s the real context for understanding Charlie Kirk,” by Rodney Kennedy, Sept. 18. 2025 — Kirk’s rhetoric, Trumpism, Christian nationalism, extremist evangelical faith and combative engagement style defined his public life and work.
11. “Tucker Carlson seeing demons in his bedroom is not a good sign,” by Rodney Kennedy, Dec. 30, 2024 — Carlson’s unprovable claim emanated from MAGA evangelicals’ vilification of political opponents as “demons.” The tropes satisfy their need to wage war against infidel Democrats.
12. “Licensing agency finds religious trauma coach in violation of Code of Ethics,” by Rick Pidcock, July 28, 2025 — High-profile therapist Laura Anderson was shocked to learn of repeated and consistent accusations that she had blurred boundaries with patients and associates.
13. “A house divided: The Anglican communion’s great reset,” by David Bumgardner, Oct. 16, 2025 — Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans announced cutting all ties with the Anglican Communion and the archbishop of Canterbury.
14. “On way out the door, Mandrell airs grievances with Lifeway trustees,” by Benjamin Cole, Aug. 25, 2025 — Former Lifeway CEO Ben Mandrell complained that his wife, Lynley, was unable to “fit in” at the Southern Baptist agency and was not adequately compensated during his tenure.
15. “It’s Pete Hegseth’s theology that ought to concern us,” 26, 2024, by Mark Wingfield — Hegseth comes from a branch of conservative Christianity intent on imposing its narrow views on the rest of society.