It begins by recognizing the name above every name. We’re having to write this two months before Inauguration Day. But one doesn’t need the gift of prophecy to project that Christians will divide over the new administration. Each side, in an attempt to support or challenge an unprecedented and tenuous administration, will inevitably find itself …
Why it’s good for Protestants to hear from the Apocrypha. When Cardinal Timothy Dolan moved to the podium to pray at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, his prayer may have struck you as oddly familiar. The passage he prayed from is very similar to Solomon’s prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3. But, it’s not the …
What Paula White’s Washington moment implies for the prosperity gospel’s future. Donald Trump discovered Paula White the same way legions of fans and followers did: on television. Fifteen years of prayer, visits, and friendship later, the Florida preacher now serves as the top spiritual adviser for America’s president-elect and, essentially, his guide to the country’s …
The Israelites were never subject to withholding upward of 15 percent. No, It’s Robbing Yourself Frederica Mathewes-Green My husband and I were newly Christian and in seminary when a friend told us about tithing. She stressed the importance of giving a full 10 percent before taxes, before anything else, so that we would be giving …
I have to let go of how inappropriate it feels to approach Christ with such boldness. “Come on and lift your hands to honor God right now,” my church’s worship leader exhorted the congregation. We sang the chorus for “I Will Exalt You.” Across the room, arms began rising in a physical amen. I hesitantly …
Why we must resist the ‘Santaclausification’ of the great leader. In the 2012 superhero film The Avengers, a serpent-like, mechanical behemoth is closing in on our ragtag team of heroes. Tired and overmatched, their only hope lies hidden within the mild-mannered frame of scientist Dr. Bruce Banner, who morphs into the big, green and powerful …
Four core aspects of recovery that are essential for addressing addiction. Many people see addiction . . . as a character flaw or a bad choice. They don’t recognize that addiction is in fact a chronic disease of the brain.” That statement by Vivek Murthy, surgeon general of the United States, reflects the current medical …
New law requiring resignation after age 70 or 20 years in pulpit would affect 90 percent of evangelical pastors. The surprise resignation of Nigeria’s highest-profile pastor has exacerbated a debate among West African Christians on the merits—and limits—of pastor tenure. Last weekend, Enoch Adeboye resigned his role as general overseer of the 5-million-member Redeemed Christian …
Two Christians explain the intensifying world debate over Israel’s West Bank settlements. Though the Obama administration has just one week left in office, Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to a Paris peace conference this weekend in a last-ditch effort to advocate for the two-state solution he strongly endorsed last month. In an unusually …
In an interview with CT, ‘Silence’ director reveals why he is drawn to ‘wretches.’ I’ve heard a lot of sermons. And thus I’ve heard a lot of illustrations drawn from movies. Most of them have pointed to “Christ-figures”: the William Wallaces, the Eric Liddells, the patriotic battlefield heroes, the martyrs, and the rebels against our …