December (Web-only) 2001

Fantasylands
Fantasylands
How to tell an orc from an ewok
'We Now Know'
The boast of imperial science.
While You're Waiting for Jesus, How About a Nice Cola?
Plus: When Halloween season really starts bleeding into Christmastime, and other stories from around the world.
Tens of Thousands of Indonesian Christians Flee Homes as Muslims Attack
Plus: Burying the cloning ban in a big hole, rescuing the Burnhams, criticizing modern missions, and other stories.
Presbyterian High Court Declares Gay Elder Case Moot
Conservatives say liberals failed in effort to set precedent.
Christians Under Threat in Central Indonesia
Jihad fighters foiled in initial bid to massacre Tentena Christians.
'Praying in Their Midst'
Under what circumstances is it appropriate for Christians to worship or pray with non-Christians?
Robertson Says He's Quitting Politics
Plus: Pax TV is in trouble, and other stories from media around the world.
Narnia Film to Theaters in 2004
Plus: Billy Graham gets knighted and other stories.
Christmas Countdown
When does the holiday season really start?
One in Five Europeans Brought 'Closer to Religion' by September 11 Attacks
Rising interest in spiritual answers to terrorism isn't limited to U.S.
Christmas Season Tense for Pakistan's Christians
Separate murders follow Bahawalpur massacre.
Daddy, What Is the Soul?
Does the church have an answer?
Let's Take Over America! First, Kill the Intellectuals!
When is a faith-based initiative not a faith-based initiative?
American Troops Offer to Rescue Burnhams
The return of William Dembski, a creationist museum, and other stories.
Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry Go Home to Waco
Church will send short-term mission to Afghanistan in the spring
In Perspective: 'Singer of Simple Songs'
Rock, country, and Christian artists find inspiration in September 11's terrorist attacks.
Bush's Chief Political Adviser Warns that Evangelicals May Be Withdrawing
Uncertain future for Britain's proposed religious hatred bill, and other stories.
New Curriculum 'Tampering' with History, Indian Churches Protest
Christian leaders allege that a current education proposal promotes Hindu nationalism.
Gandalf and the Gamblers
As everyone talks about The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, critics also get around to reviewing Ocean's Eleven, In the Bedroom, and The Business of Strangers
Jacksonville Airport Grounds Chaplains, Services
The Pope's words are in the ear of the headline writer, and other stories
Saving Christianity.com
Nigeria's ongoing tragedies, and other stories from around the world.
O Christmas Tree
A truly traditional tree would be unrecognizable—and flammable.
Books of the Year
Part 1: The Top Ten
The Omega Theft?
The Observer's weird tale of Christian rock, religious conservatives watch Bush, and other stories
Charity Hopes for New Beginning in Fight to Save Christian Prison Wings
The Kainos Community drafts new proposals after the British prison system denies use of public funds.
In the United Methodist Church, a Trial Comes After the Court's Decision
The latest on the Burnhams, faking out the Salvation Army, and other stories
Let Harry Potter Conjure Up 'Gospel Magic', Says Christian Magician
Andrew Thompson and others agree that some Christians have a false understanding of what Harry Potter is about.
Merry...Um...'Holiday'
The annual December dilemma finds public institutions striving to be sensitive to all faiths
The Politics of a Hole in the Ground
Omega lawsuit update, divinity school dean resigns over financial controversy, and other stories.
Violence Erupts in Sri Lanka as Churches Look to New PM to Bring Peace
The island nation reels from an ethnic conflict which has claimed more than 64,000 lives since 1983.
Heather Mercer Helps the Burnhams
A very disturbing ad from a Christian aid organization, and other stories.
Unto Us Is Born a Savior
The Salvation Army in Moscow, the religion story of the millennium, and other articles from around the world.
The Fellowship of the Raves
Critics grope for superlatives for The Fellowship of the Ring. Plus: Vanilla Sky and Not Another Teen Movie.
Christmas Kettles
The history behind a Yuletide institution
The First Christmas (After 9/11)
Is George Bush now leader of the religious right?
To Be a Better Man
Big stars in big movies storm the box office, but little animated Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius stands up to the competition
One in Six Adults Has Changed Their Religion
An imperfect God, no news on the Burnhams, and other articles from around the world
Frodo Good, Harry Bad
Harry Potter has magic. Lord of the Rings has magic. Harry Potter has wizards, dark evil, and an unlikely hero who overcomes obstacles with friendship and courage. So does Lord of the Rings. Yet reactions from conservative Christian critics have not been so similar.
'A New Day'
What are Christian leaders resolving for 2002?
Execution Orders Are Apparently the Way China Signals More Religious Freedom
The Christian Coalition settles its race case
Missionaries in Danger
As American and Philippine politicians discuss freeing the Burnhams, an American missionary is killed in Uganda.
Tanks at the Manger
Some would like to forget that Christmas—and religion in general—has political significance.
Muslims Attack Christians in Nigeria and Indonesia
The FBI investigates fraud charges at the Christian Coalition, and other news.
Philippine Military Changes Strategy in Rescuing Burnhams
A sad ending to a church vandalism investigation, and other stories.
Books of the Year, Part 2
After the top ten, here's the best of the rest.
Spurgeon's Epiphany
The event he recounted more than 280 times in his sermons first occurred on January 6, 1850.

Top Story March 18, 2024

Died: Michael Knott, Christian Alternative Musician Who Helped Launch Tooth & Nail
Died: Michael Knott, Christian Alternative Musician Who Helped Launch Tooth & Nail
Knott wrote rock operas, sang with honesty and conviction, called out hypocrites, and bucked the norms of the Christian music industry.

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