Today’s Briefing

Christians working in DC stay grounded in faith as presidential powers shift, changing political priorities and staffing.

The Civil Rights Movement was a Great Awakening that went unrecognized.

From the archives: how Christianity Today reported Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington in 1963, march to Selma, Alabama, in 1965, march on Washington in 1965, and assassination in 1968.

Behind the Story

From politics reporter Harvest Prude: There are times where it’s brought home to me how living in the Washington, DC, area can be a unique experience. The last time I went to the airport, I almost missed my flight because a cadre of cop cars stopped three lanes for at least 20 minutes. We were all confused about why … until a motorcade drove by.

In the days leading up to today’s inauguration, there have also been constant text reminders about road and Metro-station closures. Most days, DC just feels like a regular city. But ceremonial events like these lead to heightened security, worse traffic (if that’s even possible), and an influx of folks from out of town. I’m reminded that a change in government is an actual, physical thing.

If you don’t happen to be in the Capitol this week, would you say a prayer for those of us attending or covering the event? Even as the ceremony has been moved indoors, it’s slated to be the coldest presidential inauguration in 40 years, likely in the low 20s and windy. That’s 20 degrees lower than normal and about 50 degrees lower than I personally am happy with. (But it’s making me very grateful for those wool socks I got for Christmas.)

PAID CONTENT

Are we enablers of the very darkness we lament?

In today’s polarized landscape, many Christians oscillate between cultural withdrawal and aggressive engagement. D.K. Matthews’ A Tale of Three Cities offers a revolutionary “Third City” approach that transcends this dichotomy. Drawing on centuries of Christian thought, Matthews demonstrates why the cosmos faces neither annihilation nor mere restoration and purification, but cosmic death and resurrection – a perspective that transforms how we approach cultural engagement.

Praised as “timely and masterfully executed” by leading theologians, this groundbreaking work provides a framework for Spirit-led cultural influence without succumbing to utopianism or escapism. Discover a new path for meaningful engagement on Amazon today.

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In Other News

Michael Tait announced he is leaving the Newsboys.
A high-ranking Russian priest blamed recent rocket strikes on God’s punishment for abortion in the country.
The two teams in this year’s college football championship—Ohio State and Notre Dame—have been particularly outspoken about faith.
Leaders of Protestant schools plan to launch an alliance of Christian educators across Europe.

Today in Christian History

January 20, 1541: A town meeting in Geneva ratifies John Calvin’s plan to set up a church court that would meet weekly to judge offenders and maintain discipline

Assessing the Israel-Hamas Peace Deal: Amid Tragedy, Cautious Optimism

After 15 months of war and failed negotiations, Israel and Hamas agreed Wednesday to pause fighting and to begin exchanging hostages imprisoned in Gaza for Palestinians in Israeli jails. The…

Racial Unity Is Out of Style

Cultural sentiments can change in unexpected ways. People are complicated, and the direction of our discourse is often unpredictable. After losing the presidential election, Democratic Party leaders are learning—or should…

It’s Time for a New Era of Christian Civility

Over the past few years, our society has continued its trend toward increased political polarization, as the share of people swinging to the far left and right increases. In fact,…

No One Told These Ink-Stained Dreamers to Make Books. They Just Did.

I have been making books my entire life. In grade school, my teacher assigned a series of reports on the provinces of Canada. After writing one each week, I gathered…

in the magazine

Cover of the January / February 2025 Issue

This first issue of 2025 exemplifies how reading creates community, grows empathy, gives words to the unnamable, and reminds us that our identities and relationships proceed from the Word of God and the Word made flesh. In this issue, you’ll read about the importance of a book club from Russell Moore and a meditation on the bookends of a life by Jen Wilkin. Mark Meynell writes about the present-day impact of a C. S. Lewis sermon in Ukraine, and Emily Belz reports on how churches care for endangered languages in New York City. Poet Malcolm Guite regales us with literary depth. And we hope you’ll pick up a copy of one of our CT Book Award winners or finalists. Happy reading!

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