Here are the top religion news stories CT reported this past year, ranked in reverse order by which ones readers read most. Many of the topics contain additional coverage, which can be accessed by clicking individual articles.
80% of Americans Believe in God. Pew Found Out What They Mean.
Does God talk to you? Has God punished you? Here’s how denomination, gender, and political party relate to how we see the divine.
Tyndale Sued by Boy Who Didn’t Come Back from Heaven
Subject of retracted afterlife account demands damages for using his name.
US Missionary Killed by ‘World’s Most Isolated’ Tribe
John Allen Chau returned to the prohibited island even after being shot: “It’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people.”
Tim Keller, John Piper, and Andy Stanley Among the 12 ‘Most Effective’ Preachers
Baylor’s seminary asked homiletics experts to pick the top English-speaking sermon givers of today’s generation.
Bethel Church Survives Redding Carr Fire, But Still Faces Heat
Social media debate on intersection of disaster relief and theology echoes Osteen-Harvey episode.
Max Lucado, Beth Moore, and Hundreds of Evangelicals Call for Immigration Reform … Again
A year after their letter opposing the refugee ban, the biggest names in the church are defending Dreamers, persecuted Christians, and more.
J. D. Greear Elected Youngest Southern Baptist President in Decades
The popular North Carolina megachurch pastor takes over amid significant membership declines and a public reckoning over abuse cases.
#ChurchToo: Andy Savage Resigns from Megachurch over Past Abuse
Memphis pastor who faced backlash after standing ovation: “Apologies are important, but more is required.”
David Platt Is Ready to Leave the IMB
After trying to both run a major missions agency and preach on Sundays, the local church won out.
Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Christian Doctor Who Heals Rape Victims
Congolese gynecologist Denis Mukwege is on a crusade for women’s dignity.
The Top 50 Countries Where It’s Most Dangerous to Follow Jesus (2018)
If trends continue, North Korea will no longer be the world’s worst persecutor of Christians.
Billy Graham Is in Heaven. His Funeral Guests Got a Glimpse of It.
(UPDATED) A first-hand report from the evangelist’s “last crusade,” which he planned years before his death last week at 99.
Southern Baptist Leader Frank Page Resigns over ‘Morally Inappropriate Relationship’
President and CEO of SBC Executive Committee confesses he “initially announced my retirement earlier today without a complete explanation.”
Christian, What Do You Believe? Probably a Heresy About Jesus, Says Survey
Third study of the state of American theology, examining 34 beliefs, released by Ligonier Ministries and LifeWay Research.
Paige Patterson Fired by Southwestern, Stripped of Retirement Benefits
UPDATE: Board chair shares details over Patterson’s firing.
What to Give Up for Lent 2018? Consider Twitter’s Top 100 Ideas
(UPDATED) On the first VaLENTine’s Day since WWII, it appears chocolate and alcohol will be absent from many dates.
Moody Bible President and COO Both Resign, Provost Retires
Board unanimously decides “it is time for a new season of leadership.”
Eugene Peterson Has Completed His Long Obedience
Family says Message author joyfully looked toward heaven as he neared death, saying, “Let’s go.”
The 6 Songs Billy Graham Picked for His Funeral
(UPDATED) The evangelist planned his own ceremony. Experts analyze the music he chose.
Bill Hybels Accused of Sexual Misconduct by Former Willow Creek Leaders
John and Nancy Ortberg, others confront megachurch with its own #MeToo moment. “The charges against me are false,” says Hybels of former friends’ “collusion.”
