CT Daily Briefing - 10-28-2024 - Christianity Today

October 25, 2024

This edition is sponsored by SEMILLA

Today’s Briefing

The Ghanaian praise group behind the viral gospel song “Defe Defe” is accused of stealing lyrics.

Azerbaijan is erasing Armenia’s Christian heritage by destroying ancient monasteries and graveyards, according to reports from archaeologists using satellite imagery to research the region.

Lord, deliver us from our screens.

Today’s evangelicalism calls for a recovery of Christian love.

Former Republican campaign pro Mike Murphy talks to Russell Moore, Mike Cosper, and Clarissa Moll about swing states on the latest episode of The Bulletin.

Behind the Story

From news editor Daniel Silliman: If you are googling “Bible costume” ahead of a church trunk-or-treat this week, you are not alone. Some of us here are brainstorming too, and Google Trends show the search term spikes every October.

The search is most common in West Virginia, where Spirit Halloween Headquarters stocks costumes for people who want to dress up as Jesus or his mother. A store in neighboring Kentucky has multiple options for people who want to go as a pharaoh. Californians who want to dress up as the Bible itself are out of luck. Halloween Express’s four locations are sold out. Alabamians, however, have lots of Bible options: Caesar, a Centurion, Jesus, Joseph, deluxe Joseph, or just “biblical wig and beard.”

We don’t have any costume advice at Christianity Today. But if you’re thinking about how to navigate this odd holiday with wisdom, maybe we can help. Consider what Christians can learn from Halloween’s dark history; why we should be wary of domesticated evil; the reason you should laugh on Halloween; or why we should celebrate the Christianization of the devilish celebration and take it as an opportunity to remember the reasons for the hope in us.

Actually, on second thought, we do have one bit of costume advice: Don’t do the Adam-and-Eve couples costume. Just don’t.

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In Other News

There are 96 new places for evangelicals to worship with fellow believers in Spain this year. The number of congregations has grown more than 25 percent in the last decade.
Anglican archbishop Justin Welby said he affirms sexual activity outside marriage if it takes place in a “committed relationship,” which is different than the church’s official teaching.
A rural Christian hospital in Kenya opened a one-of-a-kind heart surgery center.
Willow Creek Community Church has written 11,000 letters of encouragement for the next president of the United States.

Today in Christian History

October 28, 312: According to tradition, on this date the 32-year-old Roman emperor Constantine defeated Maxentius at Milvian Bridge. Before the battle, Constantine had seen the symbol of Jesus, chi-rho, in a vision, accompanied with the words “By this sign conquer.” He is considered Rome’s first Christian emperor (see issue 57: Converting the Empire).

Voting Is Important to Me. That’s Why, This Year, I Won’t Vote.

“Vote Biblically!” At least here in Michigan, it’s impossible to miss the signs. Among evangelical Christians, they seem as ubiquitous as the ichthus fish bumper sticker. I’m sympathetic. All my life,…

Radical Hope in an Age of Climate Doomsday

One of the worst feelings in the world is seeing a disaster unfold that you can’t stop. The car crash you see happening a split second before impact. The sick…

Vince Bantu Fired After Fuller Seminary Investigation

Fuller Theological Seminary has fired assistant professor Vince Bantu five months after his local accountability group contacted the school with claims he was engaged in ongoing sexual misconduct and had…

Gen Z Christians Aren’t Sold on Trump or Harris

Sophia Cappawana was elected to public office before ever casting a vote in a presidential election. At 19, Cappawana serves on the local council in Duncannon, Pennsylvania; she conscientiously noted…

in the magazine

Cover of the September/October 2024 Issue

Our September/October issue explores themes in spiritual formation and uncovers what’s really discipling us. Bonnie Kristian argues that the biblical vision for the institutions that form us is renewal, not replacement—even when they fail us. Mike Cosper examines what fuels political fervor around Donald Trump and assesses the ways people have understood and misunderstood the movement. Harvest Prude reports on how partisan distrust has turned the electoral process into a minefield and how those on the frontlines—election officials and volunteers—are motivated by their faith as they work. Read about Christian renewal in intellectual spaces and the “yearners”—those who find themselves in the borderlands between faith and disbelief. And find out how God is moving among his kingdom in Europe, as well as what our advice columnists say about budget-conscious fellowship meals, a kid in Sunday school who hits, and a dating app dilemma.

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