Christianity Today

September/October 2025

Volume 69, Number 5

October 15, 1956
July/August 2025

The Christian story shows us that grace often comes from where we least expect. In this issue, we look at the corners of God’s kingdom and chronicle in often-overlooked people, places, and things the possibility of God’s redemptive work. We introduce the Compassion Awards, which report on seven nonprofits doing good work in their communities. We look at the spirituality underneath gambling, the ways contemporary Christian music was instrumental in one historian’s conversion, and the steady witness of what may be Wendell Berry’s last novel. All these pieces remind us that there is no person or place too small for God’s gracious and cataclysmic reversal.

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Essays

Sacred Reverb

From Gregorian chants to CCM mega-hits, we need music that confronts us with the gospel’s strangeness.

An Exhortation to the Exhausted Black Christian

Many Black Christians left evangelicalism after 2020. I almost joined them—until God showed me justice in his Word.

Alien Mercy

A conversation with Atlantic journalist Elizabeth Bruenig about capital punishment.

Don’t Silo the Saints

Spiritual formation isn’t a solo project. It’s a shared table across generations.

How Can I Help? Ask the Church.

After a disaster like Hurricane Helene, volunteers and donations need systems—and that’s where local congregations come in.

News

The Secret Prayers of Gamblers

Locating the spiritual longing hiding in America’s obsession with betting.

Review

One Machine to Rule Them All

Paul Kingsnorth paints an apocalyptic picture of digital captivity.

Public Theology Project

A Different Kind of Darwinism Is Winning

In a world conditioned by evolutionary advantage, Christians are called to welcome those who seem naturally selected for failure.

Review

Wendell Berry’s Grief and Gratitude

They go together in his latest novel, as they will for readers who realize it might be his last.

It Was ‘Good,’ Not Perfect

The language of creation can reframe the way we view people with disabilities in the church.

Review

The Uneasy Conscience of a Christian Introvert

Introverts don’t need to become extroverts. But sometimes I’ve let my introversion excuse my failure to love God’s people as I should.

News

The 2025 Christianity Today Compassion Awards

Meet CT’s inaugural class of winners—seven organizations doing good work in the name of Christ.

News

Rebuilding Broken Walls with The Nehemiah Foundation

After rumors tear apart a community, churches join in serving immigrants.

News

Incentivizing Life Change at Springs Rescue Mission

A homeless shelter helps short- and long-term guests find housing and purpose.

News

Hurdling Cultural Barriers at More Than Welcome

Asylum-seekers find opportunity and refuge in Christ.

News

Educating Low-Income Boys at Delta Streets Academy

The Christian school is defying the stereotype that “private school is for white people.”

News

Navigating the Law at the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center

In hostile political times, this Pittsburgh ministry helps lawful immigrants stay in the US.

News

Stepping In for Struggling Parents at Safe Families

Children avoid the brokenness of the US foster care system through temporary stays at churchgoers’ homes.

News

Showing Love to Fearful Migrants at Restoration Outreach Programs

Refugees receive the help they need, even as they look over their shoulders for ICE agents.

Prologues

Grace Beggars Not Culture Warriors

A note from CT’s editorial director in our September/October issue.

A Generation Seeking Transcendence

A letter from Mission Advancement in our September/October issue.

Testimony

I Was the Enemy Jesus Told You to Love

As an extremist Muslim, I beat a Christian boy and left him to die. His faithful prayers for me led to my salvation.

Qualms & Proverbs

Families Use Our Church to Get into Private School. What Do I Do?

CT advice columnists also weigh in on theological disagreements at church and living above reproach.

Backstories

News

Where USAID Funded Evangelical Ministry in Africa

Before Elon Musk slashed America’s humanitarian spending, here’s where some of it went.

News

Papua New Guinea Adds the Trinity to Its Constitution

And other news from Christians around the world.

Readers Agree: ‘The Creed Is Cool!’

Responses to our May/June article about the Nicene Creed and other stories.

Additional Articles

All Archives

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