November (Web-only) 2023

My Top 5 Books on the Sinicization of Christianity
It is important to make a clear distinction between cultural assimilation and political domestication.

My Top 5 Books on Orthodox Christianity
A survey of theology, history, and evangelical perspective of the Eastern and Oriental branches of the ancient tradition.

My Top 5 Books on Buddhism
Examining the Asian religion from philosophical, practical, Christian, and Buddhist points of view.

We Believe in Miracles, So Why Not Aliens?
Christians may be more likely to accept the possibility of extraterrestrial life given our prior assumptions.

My Top 5 Books on Confucianism
These books can help Christians gain a better understanding of Confucianism and do better in our evangelism.

The Orthodox Church Is More Evangelical Than You Think
Interview with Lausanne-affiliated expert discusses who is in the church, the propriety of proselytism, and the example given by Billy Graham in Russia and Romania.

God Teaches Me Through My Daughter with Down Syndrome
Adults with intellectual disabilities can have robust spiritual lives. Are we learning from them?

At McLean Bible, Mike Kelsey Is Reimagining the Multiethnic Church
After trials and turmoil, the first Black lead pastor at the DC-area megachurch will be commissioned with a nod to his heritage.

Long a Tribal Lifeline, Borneo Mission Hospital Now Needs Its Own
As foreign doctors left, funding dropped, and local healthcare improved, Bethesda weighs its future.

Netflix’s ‘Leo’ Is About a Talking Lizard—and Learning from Your Elders
Adam Sandler’s new kids’ movie is an entertaining musical with an unlikely lesson in intergenerational discipleship.

Chinese Christians Use Zoom for Church. Their Government Is Making That Harder.
Pastors are looking to new options as technical difficulties plague their go-to video conferencing platform.
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The Pink Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
The Evangelical Theological Society has its first female president. But what about intellectual life for women in the pews?

Have Yourself a Bluesy/Lo-Fi/Choral/Global Little Christmas
CT picks 7 new holiday albums to add to your favorites.

How Can Older Believers Better Support Gen Z?
The next generation values open-mindedness and is highly skeptical of religious institutions. But they haven’t given up on God.

The Christian Liberal Arts Tradition Can Appeal to Christians and Non-Christians Alike
Its main rivals seek truth without transcendence, or justice without redemption. And both flatten the meaning of human existence.

Online Content Runs from Good to Bad. The Bigger Danger Is Online Habits.
Despite our best intentions, the default practices of digital life can deform our souls.

Should We Sing About Drowning Our Enemies?
Elevation’s recent hit has stirred a broader discussion on how to incorporate imprecatory language in worship without being triumphalist.

Napoleon Uncomplex
Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” is well-cast, well-made, and without a thought-provoking theory of its subject’s world-changing appeal.

My Unlikely, Cross-Cultural Friendsgiving
A tea date with a Middle Eastern stranger led to friendship with women from nearly 20 countries—and changed my perspective on the world.

I’ve Been a Prosperity Gospel Parent
As a young mom, I tried to do everything right. The longer I parent, the less I seek “success” and the more I rely on God’s grace.
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Flashes of Glory—and Brutality
A conversation with artist Kieran Dodds and academic Christian Gonzalez Ho on their new exhibit, ancient pilgrimage sites, and the church of the future.

Maybe Your Women’s Ministry Needs More Crafts, Not Less
Many biblical characters, including Jesus himself, worked with their hands. Why shouldn’t we?

American Christians and the Anti-American Temptation
Christians can love America—with all of its flaws and failures—precisely because we don’t expect it to be the kingdom of God.

As Philippines’ Drug War Rolls On, Christians Continue Their Work
Duterte tried a hardline policy. Marcos is prioritizing rehab. Christians point to Jesus.

Christians Can’t Fix the Israel-Hamas War
Jesus could end this crisis. His followers almost certainly can’t.

Chinese House Churches Find Hope for Gospel Growth Amid Post-Pandemic Turmoil
As China deals with economic woes, religious restrictions, and mass exodus, ministries see an opportunity.
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Theology of Provocation: Portuguese Pastor Explains Why ‘Everything I Do Is Clickbait’
Tiago Cavaco insists he has a greater purpose than entertaining, amusing, or trolling Christians.
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The Imprudence of ‘Dump Them’
Online pop psychology has a simple solution to every relationship problem. Love and prudence call us to something messier—and better.

The Dangers of a Psychedelic Gospel
Psychotropic drugs are often marketed as a gateway to spiritual encounters. But what are the risks to believers?

People Say Worship Music All Sounds the Same. They Might Mean Something Else.
Complaints about the emerging genre may have to do with the discomfort with monoculture surrounding it.
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Keeping—and Learning—the Peace
An American Christian’s view of US-Taiwan-China relations and what to do in the event of war.
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It’s Tempting to Rely on the IDF. But My Hope Is Messiah Yeshua.
Amid chaos in Israel, I will trust in the Lord.

I Do Belong; Help My Unbelonging
Making disciples in a secular age requires retrieving an old catechetical pattern: belonging, believing, behaving.

The Eternal King Arrives - Digital Distribution
Distribute digital copies to your congregation!

Christianity Has Anchored Free Societies. What Happens as They Deconvert?
Philosopher John Gray predicts we’re headed for an age of all-consuming moral warfare.

How to Combat the Conflict Entrepreneurs
Pugilists can only succeed where there are willing customers. All of us can resolve to invest elsewhere.

I Promised God I’d Return to Haiti. As the US Opens Its Doors, It’s a Hard Promise to Keep.
I moved back after the earthquake and am determined to stay, even as my country’s circumstances are graver than ever before.
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A Leader of India’s ‘Untouchables’ Considered Christianity and Found It Wanting
Why B.R. Ambedkar, a Dalit himself, ultimately embraced Buddhism as the faith best for him and his community.

I Started Attending Diwali Parties to Break Out of My Christian Bubble
I was raised in a vibrant Indian community. How I'm trying to build relationships with Hindu friends in America.

Pray for the Persecuted Church. But First Learn About It.
Amid rising persecution to Christians in the world, here are some stories that can guide your intercessions.
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Meet the Zoomers’ Martin Luther
He plays Minecraft and talks church history on YouTube—and he’s organizing a new mainline reformation.

The Christian X-odus
As faithful Twitter users drop the platform, writers, leaders, and ministries adapt to a new social landscape.

This War Shows the Weakness in Just War Theory
Many Christian responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict lean on just war theory. It’s well intentioned—but deeply flawed.

‘All the Light We Cannot See’ Reminds Me to Look for God
The novel and Netflix show explore scriptural themes of light and dark—and the cosmic reign of Christ.

Your Calling Is Christ, Not Marriage
Paul’s advice to stay unmarried—like his advice for any circumstance—is about complete devotion to Christ.
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When 6 Churches Became 180: Philippines Shows Need for Resilient Congregations
The pandemic forced these 'polymorphic' churches to shift into house churches.

Sojourner Truth Was a ‘Double Woman’ in More Ways than One
She championed both abolition and women’s rights. And she wasn’t afraid to challenge advocates of either cause.

The Debate over Concert Worship Goes Back Eras
Taylor Swift’s “transcendent” stadium tour got Christians once again talking about whether secular stages point us to God’s common grace or just another idol.

Campus Antisemitism and the Lessons of a Nazi-Occupied Church
We do not love our “side” if we let it slide into movements that history and our consciences show lead to atrocities.