CP's top 10 most popular stories of 2018
5. Black Christian leaders call on Paul Ryan to censure Maxine Waters’ ‘call to extremism’
Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) urged the public this past summer to protest and harass Trump administration officials at restaurants, gas stations and stores and tell them they’re not welcome anywhere.
Her “call to extremism” was denounced by black Christian leaders, including Star Parker of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and Bishop Aubrey Shines of Glory to God Ministries.
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"[Waters is] asking those who follow her and those that are part of her party to make sure that individuals like myself are accosted — not just the cabinet — wherever we are," Shines said.
4. Christians must ‘unhitch’ Old Testament from their faith, says Andy Stanley
Popular Atlanta pastor Andy Stanley delivered a sermon series and later a book that encouraged Christians to unhitch themselves from the Old Testament, arguing that the Jewish scriptures sometimes prove to be a stumbling block that prevent many from embracing Christianity.
"The Bible did not create Christianity. The resurrection of Jesus created and launched Christianity. Your whole house of Old Testament cards can come tumbling down. The question is did Jesus rise from the dead? And the eyewitnesses said he did," he said.
His comments sparked controversy, with many rejecting the push to downplay the role of the Old Testament.
Months after taking on the helm of Relentless Church (formerly Redemption Church) in South Carolina, Pastor John Gray surprised the congregation by allowing those in need to take cash from the offering baskets.
Single moms and dads and widows, among others, were called up to the front of the church to take what they needed.
Gray criticized “pulpit pimps who want to get fat off people but don’t want to meet the needs of the poor people.”
2. Inland Hills Pastor Andrew Stoecklein takes life after battle with depression, anxiety
Pastor Andrew Stoecklein’s suicide sent shockwaves across the community and church world. After battling depression and anxiety, the 30-year-old pastor of a megachurch in Chino, California, attempted to take his life and died as a result.
His death prompted discussions on the widespread epidemic of depression among pastors. His wife, Kayla, has vowed to continue speaking on suicide to spread awareness and help prevent others from taking the tragic step.
Read more about clergy suicides.
1. Pure Genocide: Over 6,000 Nigerian Christians slaughtered, mostly women and children
The most read story of 2018 was the release of statistics by the Christian Association of Nigeria: over 6,000 persons, mostly children, women and the aged have been killed by armed Fulani herdsmen this year alone. The report was released in June.
Fulani herdsmen, who, some say, have been taken over by jihadis, have increased their attacks this year, particularly against Christians.
“What is happening in Plateau state and other select states in Nigeria is pure genocide and must be stopped immediately,” the association declared.
