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Study: Evangelical Churches Aren’t Particularly Political
Even if members are politically active and many leaders are often outspoken about issues and candidates they support, most congregations make great efforts to keep politics out of the church when they gather.
My Friend, Bill Pannell
A reflection on the trailblazing Black theologian and his influence on American evangelicalism.
The Evangelicalism of Jimmy Carter
The former president, who turns 100 on Tuesday, was elected while serving as a Southern Baptist deacon. But he was never fully welcomed by white evangelicals as one of our own.
A Subtler Political Idolatry
We don’t always like our presidents. But we’re apt to exalt the presidency.
There’s Always Been ‘Extra Stuff’ in the Bible
New Testament scholar Garrick V. Allen explains the long history of paratext.
Today in Christian History
December 11
December 11, 1475: Giovanni di Lorenzo de Medici, who would become Pope Leo X, is born in Florence, Italy. He is best known for his sale of indulgences to help rebuild St. Peter’s Basillica, a practice opposed by Martin Luther in his famous 95 Theses. The dispute between Leo and Luther over indulgences would culminate in Luther’s excommunication by papal bull in 1521, ushering in the Protestant Reformation. Leo died later that same year. Though Leo lived lavishly and was known for political shrewdness and fiscal irresponsibility, he was actually a fairly benevolent Pope. He was a major patron of the arts and lavishly supported orphanages, hospitals, and schools. (see issue 34: Luther’s Early Years)
December 11, 1518: Swiss Reformer Ulrich Zwingli becomes "people's priest" at the Old Minster Church in Zurich, a position he held for the remaining 13 years of his life. After nearly dying from the plague, he began his reforming program almost immediately, persuading the city council to judge religious issues by Scripture alone (see issue 4: Ulrich Zwingli).
My Friend, Bill Pannell
A reflection on the trailblazing Black theologian and his influence on American evangelicalism.
The Evangelicalism of Jimmy Carter
The former president, who turns 100 on Tuesday, was elected while serving as a Southern Baptist deacon. But he was never fully welcomed by white evangelicals as one of our own.
A Subtler Political Idolatry
We don’t always like our presidents. But we’re apt to exalt the presidency.
There’s Always Been ‘Extra Stuff’ in the Bible
New Testament scholar Garrick V. Allen explains the long history of paratext.
PEOPLE IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Dorothy Sayers
Mystery writer and apologist
Augustine of Hippo
Architect of the Middle Ages
C.S. Lewis
Scholar, author, and apologist
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
German theologian and resister
Athanasius
Five-time exile for fighting “orthodoxy”
Harriet Tubman
The “Moses” of Her People
Catherine Booth
Compelling preacher and co-founder of the Salvation Army
William Wilberforce
Antislavery politician
John Knox
Presbyterian with a sword
Dwight L. Moody
Revivalist with a common touch
Billy Graham
Evangelist to millions
Thomas à Kempis
Author of the most popular devotional classic
Perpetua
High society believer
Justin Martyr
Defender of the “true philosophy”
John of the Cross
Spanish mystic of the soul’s dark night
Teresa of Avila
Carmelite mystic and feisty administrator
Oswald Chambers
Preacher who gave his utmost
Joan of Arc
The courageous and controversial teenager who saved her country
Søren Kierkegaard
Christian existentialist
Our Perennial Political Temptation
Reckoning with a half-century of American evangelicals’ pursuit of a “seat at the table.”
A Short History of Parental Rights
Christians in America enjoy the right and duty to educate our children as conscience dictates, thanks to a balanced legal tradition.
He Told Richard Nixon to Confess
Most ministers were silent about Watergate. Why was one evangelical pastor different?
Presidential Debates Can’t Help Us Face the Future
Character matters more than talking points in choosing a leader. And it’s hard to know what questions to ask about it.
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Three Evangelical ‘Founding Fathers’ and Their Complicated Relationships to Slavery
A new book steers between full condemnation and “men of their time” dodges.
Love in an Attention Crisis
Readers of the Latin Bible could see how close love and diligence are.
One of Oldest Books in Existence Sells for $3.9 Million
An ancient codex, containing perhaps the earliest complete versions of Jonah and 1 Peter, went up for auction and sold to an anonymous bidder.
Billy Graham Preached at His Crusades. His Singers Believed They Were Preaching Too.
A late historian explores how crusade hymns told both the classic story of gospel salvation and the evolving story of evangelical worship music.
Can a Secularizing Nation Have a Christian Soul?
One of England’s finest writers surveys the past and present of English faith.
The Bible’s Development Is a Messy Story, but It Can Bolster Our Faith
If anything, the historical details are even messier than Susan Lim’s new account allows.
Are the Global Methodists Evangelical?
Here’s why the new denomination may or may not fit the label.
Reading the Bible with Women
The caricature of Rahab and other female characters in Scripture often sidelines their contribution.
Mamie Johnston: A Brave Missionary in Manchuria
Bandits, Japanese invaders, and Communists all threatened her life. Her dedication never wavered.
Why John MacArthur Is Wrong About MLK
The prominent pastor’s claim that Martin Luther King Jr. was “not a Christian” is not only ahistorical. It misses God’s heart for justice.
How Evangelicals Became a Voting Bloc
Evangelical voters’ focus on policy over character came much earlier than you think.
Conversations on Faith, Mission, and Black Leadership
A special Black History Month roundtable from CT and Seminary Now.