Table Of Contents
December 2012
Volume 56, Number 11
December
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The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.
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Cover Story

Incredible Journeys: What to Make of Visits to Heaven
Does it matter that people who have had near-heaven experiences are confused theologically, so long as good news is preached?

Features

Genocide in Shades of Pink
What if every female in America suddenly disappeared? It would feel a lot like Asia, where sex-selective abortion has taken 163 million girls. How the gospel is slowly turning the tide on the quiet holocaust.
Why 'Mere Christianity' Should Have Bombed
Knowing why it didn't can help us strengthen our witness today.
Three Is the Loveliest Number
Why 'that Trinity stuff' is not a philosophical headache but a captivating picture of the Good and Beautiful.
The Relentless Passion of Francis Chan
The best-selling author and church planter is not easily satisfied with the church or himself.
Created to Make Homes
Because of the Incarnation, we can invest in a place with tender love.
This American Christian Life
Series shows why we need to know our U.S. church history.

Views

Letters to the Editor
Readers respond to the October issue.
Subverting the Taliban
Some things Christians can do to stop terrorists in Pakistan from shooting girls.
Do American Christians Need the Message of Grace or a Call to Holiness?
Observers weigh in.
Breast-feeding in the Back Pew
Why are we so uncomfortable when nursing mothers imitate God in church?
Misreading the Magnificat
It's hard to find hymns that embody Scripture's sharp critique of the rich.

Reviews

Home Away from Home
Lamin Sanneh has journeyed from Africa to the West, and from Islam to Christianity.
Rest Works
For Matthew Sleeth, Sabbath-keeping furthers both our happiness and holiness.
Why Everyone Needs Theology
All Christians—not just academics—must care deeply about theology.
Wilson's Bookmarks
Brief reviews of 'The Circle of Seasons,' 'The Best American Essays 2012,' and 'One for the Books'
Was the Real St. Nick Better than Santa Claus?
Author Adam C. English says St. Nicholas was social activist, businessman, lawyer—and man of God.
Brigham Young
Pioneer Prophet
The Terrible Speed of Mercy
A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor
The White Umbrella
Walking with Survivors of Sex Trafficking

News

The End of Nominal Protestantism
What does the rise of the religiously unaffiliated mean for the future of mainline denominations?
Gleanings
Important developments in the church and the world.
State-Sponsored Pilgrimages Under Review in Nigeria
A third of the country's 90,000 religious pilgrims this year were Christians.
After D'Souza's Departure, The King's College Seeks Doctrine Over Politics
And TKC isn't the only Christian school moving away from political conservatism.
Exodus International Fragments Over Focus
Ex-gay coalition shifts from reparative therapy to discipleship after losing prominent partners.
African Pastors Lead Crusade for Circumcision
Religious leaders join effort to circumcise 20 million adult men in fight against HIV.

More from this Issue

Team of Champions
Introducing the new leadership of Christianity Today magazine
Why Jonathan Bock Wants More Christians in the Arts
The Los Angeles native and PR exec is on the hunt for patrons.