The Best of CT: The Beatitudes

Highlights from our archives.

Christianity Today October 14, 2019
Daniel Leone / Unsplash

Below is a selection of essays from Christianity Today on the Beatitudes, including an argument on how the 16th US President’s character reflects Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, an analysis on why God would single out the poor for special attention, and a piece on humility, hope, and harmony from a Singaporean theologian.

“Many of us in Singapore and Malaya are familiar with the traditional Chinese New Year greeting with its threefold meaning of congratulations, happiness, and prosperity,” writes Benjamin Chew. “This particular expression we find nine times in what are commonly called the Beatitudes.”

A review of Paul Bretscher’s The World Upside Down or Rightside Up.

How Abraham Lincoln embodied many of the Beatitudes’ attributes.

Philip Yancey asks Christianity exalts the poor, but devotes its energy to making everyone “unpoor.”

Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon urge Christians to take the Sermon on the Mount seriously as a model for the church. An excerpt from their book, Resident Aliens.

What interest does Jesus have in esteeming people who mourn?

How Philip Yancey changed his mind about the Beatitudes.

Our Latest

News

Zimbabwe Christians Push Back Against Proposed Abortion Legalization

Emmanuel Nwachukwu

One woman warned the senate of a “silent aftermath they will never legislate away.”

Review

Love Thy Dead-for-200-Years Neighbor

Daniel K. Williams

God and Country argues Christians studying the past must be charitable to its flawed inhabitants.

Excerpt

The First Christian Nation

Mark W. Graham

An excerpt from 30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity.

The Bulletin

Alex Pretti Murder, Board of Peace, Ted Cruz Tapes, and The Body God Gives

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll

Violence in Minneapolis, Trump’s Gaza plan, Cruz’s presidential intentions, and a response to transgender theory.

News

First Year of Trump 2.0 Leaves Pro-lifers with Misgivings

At the March for Life, pro-life Christians express concerns with Washington’s waning commitment to their cause.

News

In a Tense Minnesota, Christians Help Immigrant Neighbors

As the Twin Cities reel from ICE arrests and the killing of Alex Pretti, churchgoers drive immigrants to work and doctor’s appointments.

My Healing Was God’s Work, Not Mine 

Natalie Mead

After six years of debilitating chronic migraine disorder, I’d lost my confidence in the Lord. He was still faithful.

Being Human

Steve & Lisa Cuss’ Insights into Communication Styles and Their Impact on Well-Being

Why is it so hard to transform communication styles for deeper connections?

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_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube