Volume 43, Number 14
![December 6 December 6](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/22823.jpg?h=510&w=380)
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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.
Cover Stories
![Where Would Civilization Be Without Christianity? The Gift of Dignity Where Would Civilization Be Without Christianity? The Gift of Dignity](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/109002.jpg?h=123&w=220)
Where would civilization be today without Christian notions of compassion and solidarity?
by Michael Novak
![Where Would Civilization Be Without Christianity? The Gift of Science Where Would Civilization Be Without Christianity? The Gift of Science](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/109003.jpg?h=123&w=220)
Science, as we think of it today, came about because Reformers believed that God revealed himself in nature.
David N. Livingstone
![Where Would Civilization Be Without Christianity? The Gift of Literacy Where Would Civilization Be Without Christianity? The Gift of Literacy](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/109004.jpg?h=123&w=220)
In many parts of the world, the birth of literacy coincides with the arrival of Christian missionaries.
David Lyle Jeffrey
More from this Issue
First major interchurch meeting since 1997 religion law called 'highly important'
By Andrei Zolotov, Ecumenical News International, in Moscow
Cliff Richard's rejected recording reaches number one
By Cedric Pulford, Ecumenical News International, in London
Evangelicals working furiously to meet physical and spiritual needs
By Russell Rankin, Baptist Press
Reformed and Catholic-influenced denominations working toward full union
By Sophia Lizares-Bodegon, Ecumenical News International, in Manila
Church's participation in abortion counseling will end
By Frauke Brauns, Ecumenical News International, in Bonn, Germany
$1.43 million center aimed at education and media
By Anto Akkara, Ecumenical News International, in New Delhi
Former United Church of Christ president receives first award for championing gay rights
By Chris Herlinger, Ecumenical News International, in New York
What Christian and mainstream presses are saying about the origins debate and its history.
By Ted Olsen
1,000 of world's spiritual leaders to meet in August 2000
By Noel Bruyns, Ecumenical News International, in Cape Town
Protestant, Catholic, and Orthdox heads pray in Manger Square
By Ross Dunn, Ecumenical News International, in Bethlehem
Former South Africa president awarded by Parliament of the World's Religions
By Noel Bruyns, Ecumenical News International, in Cape Town
Uniting Church steps in after Catholics withdraw under Vatican pressure
By Jeannie Zakharov, Ecumenical News International, in Sydney
Church needs a reforming pope, especially regarding sexual ethics, says Hans Kung
By Noel Bruyns, Ecumenical News International, in Cape Town, South Africa
Retiring general secretary leaving behind an organization in financial crisis
By Chris Herlinger, Ecumenical News International, in New York
What the religious and mainstream presses are saying about religion on the campaign trail and other issues
By Ted Olsen
SBC President says Jewish leaders 'simply wanted opportunity to bash Southern Baptists'
By Art Toalston, Baptist Press
![Brazil: Scholars Debate Mission Methods Brazil: Scholars Debate Mission Methods](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/108990.jpg?h=123&w=220)
Scholars fault Western approaches to evangelism, advocate a new vision for spreading the gospel.
By David Neff in Foz do Iguassu, Brazil.
![Homosexuality: Falwell Tames His Tongue Homosexuality: Falwell Tames His Tongue](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/108991.jpg?h=123&w=220)
Moral Majority founder promises to tone down anti-gay speech at meeting with homosexuals.
by Christine J. Gardner, with reporting by Religion News Service
![Alabama: An Education Gamble Alabama: An Education Gamble](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/108997.jpg?h=123&w=220)
After defeating an Alabama lottery-for-schools plan, Christians ponder how to improve public education.
by William C. Singleton III
![Cassie Said Yes, They Say No Cassie Said Yes, They Say No](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/109012.jpg?h=123&w=220)
"They can throw this all around, but I was there. Reporters or investigators can't tell me how it went."—Craig Scott
by Wendy Murray Zoba
![Is Christmas Pagan? Is Christmas Pagan?](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/74901.jpg?h=123&w=220)
Long before Constantine, Christians found ways to redeem local cultures and salvage those elements that naturally pointed to Christ.
Bruce L. Shelley
![Elegy for a Jesus Freak Elegy for a Jesus Freak](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/109015.jpg?h=123&w=220)
"These are the ultimate Jesus Freaks—the people who are willing to die for their faith."—Toby McKeehen of dc Talk
by Wendy Murray Zoba