Table Of Contents
December 2017
Volume 61, Number 10
December
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About The Archives
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 Stories

Blessed Are the Handouts
Why some Christian poverty experts believe we should give cash to the poor, no strings attached.
Secrets of Effective Giving
Here's when and how you can best help the poor.

Features

The Clergy Behind Science as We Know It
Enlightenment-era pastors didn’t oppose modern science. They helped advance it.
Matt Chandler Never Wanted a Big Church. How He Ended Up With Six.
Over the next five years, each Dallas-area location gets a Village of its own.
The Reformation, Viewed from the East
An Eastern Orthodox theologian assesses Luther’s famous doctrine of ‘sola fide.’
The Holy Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
Our Christmas stories may be missing their most important character.

Views

In Defense of Pro-Life ‘Hypocrisy’
Analogies between abortion and other “life issues” are shakier than we sometimes suppose.
The Loving Father Who Judges?
Peter sees no conflict with God’s compassion and his justice.
What Student Ministry Really Needs? Homework.
Teens should take Bible study as seriously as school and sports practice.

Reviews

The Christian Leader’s Guide to Economics
The so-called “dismal science” is a powerful tool for wealth creation, but also for healing broken communities.
Buildings That Bear Witness to God
How theology sheds new light on the purposes of architecture.
New & Noteworthy Books
Compiled by Matt Reynolds.
Handel’s Messiah: A Brilliant Blend of Transcendence and Transgression
How the composer (and his lesser-known collaborator) wedded Scripture and music in daring new ways.
5 Books That Reveal the Bible’s Influence in American History
Selected by Paul Gutjahr, Ruth Halls Professor of English at Indiana University and editor of 'The Oxford Handbook of the Bible in America.'

News

The Great Call of China: Churches Poised to Become Major Exporters
Hundreds pledge lives to missions at ‘Chinese Urbana’ as red tape rises.
Gleanings: December 2017
Important developments in the church and the world (as they appeared in our December issue).
Calvin of Arabia: Protestant Theology Translated into Arabic
Labor of love brings the Reformation’s seminal work into the Middle East.

More from this Issue

Our December Issue: Being Shrewd Samaritans
We’re learning more than ever about good giving.
Reply All
Responses to our October issue.
A Drug Dealer Led Me to Faith
After a childhood marred by substance abuse and a deadbeat dad, I made a friend who would change my life.