History

Do Evangelical Political Errors Rise to the Level of Heresy?

A Lutheran pastor identifies five false teachings that threaten to corrupt the church’s public witness.

Highlights and Lowlights of 1957

In its first full year of publication, CT looked at Civil Rights, Cold War satellites, artificial insemination, and carefully planned evangelism.

What Billy Graham Wanted in ‘Christianity Today’

The talk that launched over 1,000 magazine issues.

The Cameras Missed Me on 9/11

I can’t find any footage of my escape from Manhattan that horrible day. I looked and looked—and finally asked what I wanted to prove.

Today in Christian History

October 26

October 26, 899: Alfred the Great, ruler of Wessex, England, from 871, dies. His defeat of the Danes ensured Christianity's survival in England, but he is also known for his ecclesiastical reforms and his desire to revive learning in his country.

October 26, 1466: According to some accounts, Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus was born on this date. His work greatly influenced the first-wave reformers. He edited new critical editions the Greek New Testament and also wrote In Praise of Folly (a satire of monastic and ecclesiastical corruption) and many other works (see issue 34: Luther's Early Years and issue 43: How We Got Our Bible).

Highlights and Lowlights of 1957

In its first full year of publication, CT looked at Civil Rights, Cold War satellites, artificial insemination, and carefully planned evangelism.

The Cameras Missed Me on 9/11

I can’t find any footage of my escape from Manhattan that horrible day. I looked and looked—and finally asked what I wanted to prove.

People in Christian History

Dorothy Sayers

Mystery writer and apologist

Augustine of Hippo

Architect of the Middle Ages

C.S. Lewis

Scholar, author, and apologist

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

German theologian and resister

Athanasius

Five-time exile for fighting “orthodoxy”

Harriet Tubman

The “Moses” of Her People

Catherine Booth

Compelling preacher and co-founder of the Salvation Army

William Wilberforce

Antislavery politician

John Knox

Presbyterian with a sword

Dwight L. Moody

Revivalist with a common touch

Billy Graham

Evangelist to millions

Thomas à Kempis

Author of the most popular devotional classic

Perpetua

High society believer

Justin Martyr

Defender of the “true philosophy”

John of the Cross

Spanish mystic of the soul’s dark night

Teresa of Avila

Carmelite mystic and feisty administrator

Oswald Chambers

Preacher who gave his utmost

Joan of Arc

The courageous and controversial teenager who saved her country

Søren Kierkegaard

Christian existentialist

Learning to Forgive the Country That Oppressed Mine

On Korea’s 80th Liberation Day, I exhort fellow evangelicals to view Korea and Japan’s relationship through one of Jesus’ parables.

The Christian Women Who Helped Build the American West

Reformers like Elizabeth Rous Comstock were not animated by conquest, but earnest—and complicated—charity towards Black migrants.

Jesus People and the Vibe Shift

Half a century ago, established churches looked askance at young men newly interested in Jesus. Let us welcome and exhort them today.

Why Pro-Life Black Christians Rejected Pro-Life Politics

Black and white Christians in America could have been allies in the fight for life across racial and partisan lines. Post-Dobbs, can we learn from recent history?

My Grandfather’s Greatest Legacy

His life as a pastor in rust-belt Illinois was rich in service, dignity, and the imitation of Christ. I want to follow in his steps.

Frederick Douglass Found His Mission in the Black Church

In newly formed Black congregations, the famous abolitionist and others were able to live out their faith—and affirm their full humanity.

Ten Years After Charleston

Chris Singleton’s mother was killed at the Mother Emanuel church shooting a decade ago. He’s still preaching unity and love.

The Religious Roots of Hoosier Hysteria

Indiana’s storied basketball tradition was built on equality and faith—but only for some.

The Country We Could Have Had

An America without immigrants is a lesser America.

Remembering Cherokee Tears and Dying Groans

How some Christians warned about and mourned the Trail of Tears.

The Man Who Taught Us Orphan Care

Charles Loring Brace revolutionized America’s understanding and treatment of poor children—and he did it all for Christ.

Nailing Down the Truth of Christ’s Crucifixion

Apologizing for what I got wrong reporting on an idiosyncratic view on how Jesus died.

The Limits of Open Letters

American evangelicals love big statements—but we must first do the slow work of institution building and local discipleship.

MLK’s Famous Letter Changed a DC Church

A newly discovered note from CT’s first editor, Carl Henry, shows how King’s Birmingham Jail missive shifted a white pastor’s view on integration.

Was Jesus Crucified with Nails?

Why one evangelical Bible scholar thinks the answer might be no.

The Dean of American Church Historians

Memories and reflections on Martin E. Marty, a scholar of remarkable influence, kindness, and wit, from a friend and colleague of 50 years.

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