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February 11, 2026

This edition is sponsored by Compassion International

Today’s Briefing

Jeffrey Epstein seemed to have brought together leaders from both sides of the culture war, Russell Moore writes. We should all learn how we have been duped.

As Valentine’s Day approaches: What three decades of marriage taught professor Paul Marchbanks.

Why pickleball matters when it feels like the world is on fire.

Twenty Black historical figures, thinkers, and theologians who have inspired today’s church.

Last day to register! Join Jen Wilkin and Russell Moore tomorrow, February 13, at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time for a member-exclusive livestream exploring biblical illiteracy, the reasons intentional engagement with Scripture is so important, and ways to cultivate deeper, more sustainable Bible study habits. Members can register to join at MoreCT.com/Event. Not a member? Get 25% off your first year and gain event access at OrderCT.com/Subscription.

Behind the Story

From senior staff writer Emily Belz: Last year I spent a lot of time online absorbing QAnon content—for work. Ironically, given their concern about Jeffrey Epstein, Christian QAnon influencers at the time were justifying the Trump administration reneging on its promise for a full public release of the Epstein files.

“I don’t think we’re going to see anything further on Epstein. It’s over,” said Dave Hayes, a popular Christian influencer, on a show last July. “[President Donald] Trump clearly signaled to people it’s time to move on.”

After I wrote the piece last summer, I went on Curtis Chang’s podcast Good Faith, and he asked me if the Epstein issue would still be a live one for the midterms. I wasn’t sure. The news cycle, and people’s attention, can move on so quickly.

But Russell Moore’s column today shows how the answer to Chang’s question is yes—including for Christians. The release of more Epstein files came as a result of Congress, though, not Christian influencers. Moore notes, in fact, that Steve Bannon in an email to Epstein in the files saw evangelicals as a potential ally for their goals. Our editorial staff will continue to follow this story.

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In Other News

President Donald Trump took credit for the release of a Sudanese Christian prisoner—a release that took place during the Obama administration.
Cambodia’s recent crackdown on scam centers resulted in 173 arrests, shutting down 190 locations and deporting 11,000 workers. CT has covered Christians helping victims of scam centers in Southeast Asia.
A wave of new Christian artists is bringing the gospel to rap, Afrobeats, and R & B.

Today in Christian History

February 12, 1809: Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States and author of the Emancipation Proclamation, is born near Hodgenville, Kentucky (see issue 33: Christianity and the Civil War).

New York Legalized Assisted Suicide. What’s Next?

On February 6, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill legalizing medically assisted death, joining Illinois and 12 other US jurisdictions in allowing patients to take lethal medication under…

We Become Our Friends’ Enemies by Telling Them the Truth

Sometimes it seems our opinions on the most polarizing issues have been decided for us before we can examine and reflect. When a tragedy or cultural rift appears, each faction…

This Ex-Atheist Has Some Explaining to Do

Two years ago, CT declared New Atheism dead, referring to an angry and vitriolic form of unbelief that arose in the early 2000s. Writer and editor Christopher Beha tackles today’s…

I Long for My Old Church—and the Tree Beside It

There was a magnolia tree by a white church on a hill. It was a beautiful tree—tall and green and blooming every year with those massive flowers, so sweet to…

in the magazine

Cover of the January / February 2026 of Christianity Today.

When Jesus taught, he used parables. The kingdom of God is like yeast, a net, a pearl. Then and today, to grasp wisdom and spiritual insight, we need the concrete. We need stories. In this issue of Christianity Today, we focus on testimony—the stories we tell, hear, and proclaim about God’s redemptive work in the world. Testimony is a personal application of the Good News. You’ll read Marvin Olasky’s testimony from Communism to Christ, Jen Wilkin’s call to biblical literacy, and a profile on the friendship between theologian Miroslav Volf and poet Christian Wiman. In an essay on pickleball, David Zahl reminds us that play is also a testament to God’s grace. As you read, we hope you’ll apply the truths of the gospel in your own life, church, and neighborhood. May your life be a testimony to the reality of God’s kingdom.

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