September 21 A memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona drew tens of thousands, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other prominent conservatives. Citing Luke 23:34, Kirk’s widow, Erika, expressed forgiveness for the man charged with his death and vowed to continue his work as the new leader of Turning Point. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do,” she said. (AP News and Christian Daily)
September 21 The All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) concluded in Nagpur with a call to action, emphasizing that the gathering marks the beginning of ongoing work. The event launched new commissions under the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), such as those on Discipleship, Justice, and Digital and AI, alongside task forces focusing on evangelism, mental health, and leadership development. A draft Nagpur Declaration was introduced as a covenant for future commitment. (Christian Daily)
September 20 Contrary to common assumptions, higher education correlates with greater religious affiliation and attendance for most racial groups. Among African Americans, religiosity significantly increases with education, with graduate degree holders being the least likely to identify as non-religious. White, Hispanic, and Asian respondents show similar trends, though Asians exhibit a flatter relationship between education and religiosity. (Religion Unplugged)
September 19 The Tel Dan Stele, a 9th-century BC basalt stone bearing the earliest extrabiblical reference to the “House of David,” is on display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., through November 3, on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Discovered in 1993, the stele includes an Aramean king’s inscription boasting of victories over Israel and Judah, paralleling 2 Kings 9 and affirming the historical existence of King David and his dynasty. (Baptist Press)
September 19 China has introduced strict regulations controlling clergy’s online activities, further tightening its grip on religious expression. The new code of conduct bans livestreaming, online sermons, use if AI, and religious education for minors, requiring all activities to align with state-approved platforms. The rules, part of China’s “sinicization” policy, aim to assimilate religion into Communist Party ideology, suppressing external influences and independent religious practices. (Religion Unplugged)
September 18 Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a computer tool to analyze the Dead Sea Scrolls, combining multispectral imaging and computer vision. This technology identifies handwriting and parchment details invisible to the naked eye. It has been successfully tested on roughly 20 fragments so far. The approximately 950 manuscripts, discovered in 1947 and dating back over 2,000 years, are considered one of history’s most significant archaeological finds for the study of the Bible. (Christianity Daily)
September 18 A hoard of 22 copper coins from the mid-4th century AD was discovered in Hukok, an ancient Jewish settlement near the Sea of Galilee. Found in a hidden underground complex originally carved during earlier Jewish revolts, the coins date to the Gallus Revolt, the last Jewish rebellion under Roman rule. Researchers believe the coins were hidden with the hope of retrieving them later. The site is being developed for archaeological tourism, and the findings will be presented at an academic conference. (Jerusalem Post)
September 17 Research reveals a divide between parents and church leaders on discipling children. While 95% of children’s ministry leaders believe discipleship starts at home, 51% of parents expect the church to lead. Many parents feel underequipped, with 86% saying their children learn spiritual lessons at church they cannot teach. Researchers recommend a partnership between home, church, and mentors, emphasizing the power of intergenerational connections and Bible engagement. (Barna)
September 17 The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) launched its 75th-anniversary celebrations at the All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM). Founded in 1951, EFI has united churches and launched ministries like the Union Biblical Seminary in Pune. Events include a 75-week prayer initiative, regional thanksgiving services, and “EFI Sundays” to strengthen evangelical identity, plus a historical book, digital archives, and time capsule for EFI’s centenary in 2051. (Christian Daily)
September 17 A social media ad by the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board (IMB) led to Bible studies and baptisms among Arabic-speaking, Muslim-background refugees living in Germany, inviting them to learn about Jesus. Respondents engaged with trained digital responders, joining Zoom Bible studies and connecting with local Christians. The initiative highlights digital engagement’s power to overcome barriers, fostering gospel conversations and connecting seekers to local churches. (Baptist Press)
September 16 Penal substitutionary atonement remains divisive among Christians. Supporters, often Reformed evangelicals, view it as central to the gospel, integrating biblical themes of justice, wrath, grace, and God’s love in providing himself as the solution to sin. Critics such as non-Reformed evangelicals, mainline Protestants, and Catholics argue it is a theological innovation that portrays God as wrathful and punitive. Believers must strive for respectful debate as we seek to understand Christ’s sacrifice. (Christianity Today)
September 15 Everyone continues to be obsessed (for good reason) with Gen Z’s turn toward faith in places like the U.S. and UK. Two recent film projects explore the trend from different perspectives. First, Shine Films’ short series HOPE engages young people with life’s big questions, presenting Jesus as the source of lasting hope. Meanwhile, the documentary The Revival Generation showcases UniteUS-led campus revivals, where thousands of students have embraced Christianity. (Christian Today and RNS)
September 14 Millions are now seeking faith advice from AI chatbots, asking everything from “Jesus’ favorite football team” to questions about sin, depression, and death. Trained on religious texts, these apps often act like priests or pastors, while others claim to channel God himself. While some faith leaders hope they’ll provide comfort and complement faith communities, others express concern over data privacy and the way AI bots prioritize validation over challenging users spiritually. (The New York Times)
September 12 Over 100 Christians were massacred by Islamist militants in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province. Survivors described scenes of devastation, with homes burned and residents abducted. This marks the third wave of mass killings in the region in recent weeks, with thousands fleeing to larger towns for safety. Human rights groups and church leaders condemned the violence, calling for international action to protect civilians and end the ongoing atrocities. (Christian Today)
September 12 The Center for Christianity and Public Life (CCPL) has appointed Alex Arnold as its first Director of Research. Arnold will lead research efforts, develop partnerships, and inform public discourse on integrating Christian thought into civic life. CCPL President Michael Wear praised Arnold’s intellectual rigor and commitment to advancing Christian civic leadership. (Christian Daily)
September 12 Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, vowed to continue his mission with Turning Point USA, emphasizing faith, patriotism, and family values. Urging Americans to join Bible-believing churches and engage in spiritual and societal renewal, she expressed faith that God would bring good from this tragedy, calling on supporters to honor Charlie’s legacy by advancing his vision of a nation rooted in faith, family, and love for God. (Christian Post)
September 11 Faith leaders across the denominational and political spectrum spoke out in prayer and heartbreak over the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah yesterday. Many expressed grief for his widow and two young children, while others — even those who disagreed with his viewpoints — condemned the evil of political violence. Kirk, though a divisive figure in American politics and culture, was praised for his deep faith and his ability to engage Gen Z in impassioned debate over critical issues. (Various sources)
September 10 After 800 years of silence, the world’s oldest Christian pipe organ, dating back to the 11th century, was played again in Jerusalem’s Saint Saviour’s Monastery. Originally brought to Bethlehem by Crusaders, the organ was buried to protect it from invading armies and rediscovered in 1906. A team of researchers, led by David Catalunya, restored the instrument using original pipes and replicas crafted with ancient techniques. (RNS)
September 10 A Pew Research Center report found that 71% of white evangelicals believe Donald Trump’s 2024 presidency was part of God’s plan — as was Joe Biden’s 2020 presidency. Yet only a small fraction attribute these outcomes to divine approval of the candidates’ policies. Meanwhile, despite public perception of ideological division, 80% of American Christians say “‘good Christians’ can disagree about Trump.” (RNS)
September 10 The Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) has launched its largest initiative in 72 years, aiming to reach the 42% of the global population still unreached by the gospel. Announced at the 2025 General Council, the plan focuses on 2,085 unengaged people groups with no access to churches or missionaries — including an estimated 500 million people in Europe alone. (Christian Daily)
September 10 The Rev. Tracey L. Brown made history as the first woman to preach at the National Baptist Convention (NBC) USA’s annual session. The NBC is a 145-year-old historically Black denomination and the second-largest Protestant denomination in America after the Southern Baptist Convention. Her sermon, delivered in Kansas City, Missouri, highlighted the church’s post-pandemic adaptations and expressed hope for the future. (RNS)
September 9 The AI Bible is a new project retelling Bible stories using AI-generated cinematic videos. It has proved popular among younger audiences and non-Christians. While pastors and theologians review scripts for biblical accuracy, critics have raised concerns that oversimplified theology, sexualized character designs, and an action-heavy focus may overshadow deeper biblical messages. The creators hope the project will spark interest in Scripture among those who might not otherwise pick up a Bible. (Christianity Today)
September 9 The Israel Antiquities Authority has launched the Israel National Archaeological Database, a groundbreaking digital archive with nearly four million records, including artifacts, images, 3D models, and excavation reports. This platform provides global access to Israel’s rich archaeological heritage, enabling researchers and the public to explore items like the Dead Sea Scrolls and ancient tools. Users can search by site, artifact type, or location via an interactive map. (Jerusalem Post)
September 8 The Bible is clear that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). But according to a report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, as many as a third of American Christians believe everyone sins — except themselves. Experts blame this discrepancy on a lack of church teaching, with only 3% of sermons addressing sin, leading to confusion about its significance and our need for salvation through Christ. (Christian Today)
September 7 Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as saints during a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, attended by 70,000 people. Both are now patrons of young people, with Acutis becoming the first Millennial to receive canonization. Citing the apocryphal book Wisdom of Solomon 9:17, the Pope highlighted their devotion to Jesus, their commitment to daily Mass, prayer, and Eucharistic adoration, and their ordinary yet profound acts of faith. (Catholic News Agency)
September 6 Researchers at the World Evangelical Alliance highlighted the complexity of defining and quantifying evangelicalism, a movement increasingly centered in the Global South. Depending on the definition and model, estimates of evangelicals range from 393 million to 937 million globally. The majority now reside in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with China hosting the largest evangelical population. (Christian Daily)
September 5 In the ongoing “golden age of Christian media,” the animated film Light of the World is garnering glowing reviews. Produced by the Salvation Poem Project and now playing in theaters, the family-friendly movie tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of a teenage apostle John, blending vibrant animation with a Gospel-centered narrative. One reviewer said that while some moments feel overly didactic, the film excels in emotional storytelling, creative visuals, and relatable character development. (Religion Unplugged)
September 4 The latest “State of the Bible” chapter reveals that regular Bible readers have a stronger sense of self-identity. Among daily readers, 69% reported confidence in knowing who they are, compared to just 38% of those who never read it. Interestingly, occasional readers (once a month) reported even weaker self-identity (33%), possibly due to a sense of inconsistency. Researchers attribute this confidence boost to biblical themes like being created in God’s image and becoming a new creation in Christ. (RELEVANT)
September 4 Archaeologists in Israel uncovered a 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate believed to be the birthplace of Menander, who the church historian Eusebius named as a follower of Simon Magus, the magician mentioned in Acts 8. The site features grand rooms, intricate mosaics, and agricultural installations, including an olive press near a ritual bath, along with a Greek inscription wishing “Good luck!” (Christianity Daily)
September 3 For the first time, digital Bible distribution has surpassed print, with 25.9 million digital copies shared in 2024 compared to 22.5 million printed copies. United Bible Societies reported a rise in digital engagement, including 28.3 billion chapter views on Bible apps such as Bible Gateway. Spanish, Portuguese, and English accounted for half of all printed Bibles, with Brazil leading in distribution by a wide margin (4.2 million), followed by India (1.8m) and China (1.6m). (Christian Today)
September 3 Recent Barna research corroborates earlier reports of a shift in U.S. church attendance trends, with men (45%) attending church more frequently than women (36%) for the first time. Indeed, women’s weekly attendance has been declining for 15 years, though it is now slightly rebounding. Younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials are attending church more often, while Boomers are stepping back. (Barna)
September 2 Good news for “House of David” fans: Season 2 of the biblical drama, based on the story of Saul and David from 1 Samuel, will premiere on October 5, only 6 months after the Season 1 finale. It will first appear exclusively on the Wonder Project platform before becoming available on Amazon Prime Video. A new family-friendly subscription service, Wonder Project will launch with over 125 titles and 1,000 hours of programming — both new releases and old favorites — for $8.99 per month. (Christianity Daily)
September 1 Iran accused 53 Christians of espionage and Bible smuggling as part of a “foreign intelligence-backed Evangelical network.” Many of them were arrested after attending Christian events abroad, as Iran lacks legal places of worship for its estimated 800,000 Christians. A few have been released on bail, but over 40 remain in custody. Religious liberty group Article18 condemned the accusations as baseless and discriminatory toward the Evangelical Christian community. (Christianity Daily)
August 31 Brazil led global Bible distribution in 2024, delivering 4.2 million printed copies and recording over 16 million digital downloads. Globally, 99% of the population has at least part of the Bible available in their native language, with active projects in 3,526 languages across 173 countries, though efforts remain underway to ensure people are aware of their availability. The remarkable progress in Bible translation is part of Vision 2025, aiming to ultimately provide Scripture access to every language. (Christian Daily)
August 31 An “illuminating” discovery: Archaeologists in Yehud, Israel, have found 4,000-year-old lamp wicks, among the oldest ever discovered. Found in clay lamps from the Intermediate Bronze Age (ca. 2000-2500 BC), the wicks were preserved due to rare fossilization, despite the region’s moist climate. Made from recycled linen, they highlight ancient recycling practices and were likely used in burial rituals, symbolizing the soul. (Jerusalem Post)
August 31 The 500th anniversary of the first English New Testament. A “quiet revival” in China through a wildly popular Bible copying initiative. The U.S. leads the “secular west” in Bible engagement — but not necessarily church attendance. Colleges received grants for Bible-tech projects targeting Gen Z. Oh, and a veritable hoard of Bible-related archaeological discoveries — it’s all the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of August!
