Ideas

What Was the Best News of 2014?

Observers weigh in on the year’s events that will most shape evangelical life, thought, or mission.

Steve Mueller, Flickr

“Engagement between evangelicals and Catholics has gone to a whole new level. In June, I had a three-hour project meeting with Pope Francis—with no agenda. In my tenure, I have not seen that kind of openness. There’s a shift taking place under Francis. He seems clearly geared toward evangelicals.” ~Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general, World Evangelical Alliance

“The decision by World Vision to immediately and completely revoke a new policy allowing for the hiring of persons in same-sex marriages. This was Christianity at its best. In a difficult circumstance, our brothers and sisters lovingly held accountable those in error, leading to repentance and a course correction.” ~Eric Teetsel, director, Manhattan Declaration

“Missionaries working with Ebola patients in West Africa brought attention to the continual work of missionaries around the world. Similarly, the ‘We are N’ movement brought more attention to persecuted minorities and made religious freedom advocacy trendy in a social media context.” ~Sarah Pulliam Bailey, national correspondent, Religion News Service

“The news of persecution of believers overseas seems to finally be shaking the North American church out of our bargain-basement prosperity gospel. As churches pray and work for freedom and justice, this could free us from the thin gruel of civil religion, and enable us to see who we are: the global body of Christ.” ~Russell Moore, president, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

“Immigrants are becoming Christians and starting new churches in large numbers. Our evangelical denominations are growing. Financial stewardship is on the rise. And most of our evangelical pastors are morally faithful and doctrinally orthodox. The good news is that there is plenty of good news about the Good News.” ~Leith Anderson, president, National Association of Evangelicals

Also in this issue

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.

Our Latest

Review

Emotions Don’t Just Happen to You

Our society tends to treat feelings as inevitable and authentic. A new book explores an older understanding in the Bible and the church.

The Bulletin

Rubio Addresses Europe, Nancy Guthrie Missing, and Summer of Our Discontent

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll

Rubio’s vision of a new Western century, NBC host’s mother is still missing, and Thomas Chatterton Williams on race and identity.

News

Cities Church Isn’t Alone in Experiencing Hostility

Megan Fowler

From arson to armed attacks, North American houses of faith have seen alarming acts of aggression in recent years.

Excerpt

How the Lord’s Supper Heals Church Hurt

Communion makes us face our relational conflicts.

Review

We’ve Still Got Heaven Wrong

Claude Atcho

N.T. Wright’s Homecoming hits familiar notes, but they’re still needed.

For the Forgiveness of Sins

Jared Kennedy

Through the blood of the new covenant, our slate has been wiped clean.

Confronting Christ

Rusty McKie

Repent, seek forgiveness, and walk with a limp—knowing it is the mark of God’s resurrecting grace.

Feasts Amid Fasting

Steve Bezner

Even in our deepest sadness, we experience deep breaths of grace.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube