Features
Scientists welcome: A challenge for congregations
The geophysicist's talk had none of the triumphalism of efforts to prove God exists. It was the testimony of experience—and it was unequivocal doxology.
Called to account: The importance of pastoral evaluations
Some churches have well-developed processes of assessment, support, and goal setting. Others have no review mechanism whatsoever.
Repent and celebrate: The Reformation after 500 years
October 31, 2017 draws near. How should we mark it, especially those of us who care about Christian unity?
Sacred inwardness: Why secularism has no meaning
Perhaps the real lack of faith in modern society comes down to a lack of reverence for the people around us.
Considering the heavens: Astronomer Guy Consolmagno
"Everybody thinks the church stopped supporting science with Galileo. That's a myth tied up in the politics of the 19th century."
Cosmos from nothing? Questions at the edge of science
Modern cosmology indicates that the universe cannot have been created without any constraints. So where do we find the elusive nihilo?
A broader appeal: How crowdfunding inspires creative ministry
Decades ago, when a need arose at a church in rural Kansas, the finance chair would ask, "Who'll give 25 dollars?" Today, we have Kickstarter.
A violent sorting out: Middle East expert Joshua Landis
"What's going on is a nation-building process. It's similar to what happened at the end of World War I, when major empires were destroyed."
Bridge to God
By the third century, the gesture of giving became miniaturized.
Choices and lives: The changing politics of abortion
There has been a broad and dramatic shift toward more abortion restrictions in the United States. This will almost certainly continue.
The people’s preaching class: Fred Craddock in retirement
Craddock let the word out that he would be available at no charge for preaching and teaching. Only non-seminary graduates should attend.
To give and to receive
Christmas recommendations from Century editors and columnists.
Militarized policing: The history of the warrior cop
In the 19th century, the U.S. adopted a "social peacekeeper" model of policing. Then the Civil War left behind a surplus of firearms.
From ignorance to engagement: Scott Anderson on interfaith relations in Wisconsin
"I hope the shootings in Oak Creek will lead to interfaith education around the state," says Scott Anderson, director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. "There is a hunger for this kind of engagement."
Wary of Morsi
Is Egypt's president fighting for democracy against a military regime? Or is he trying to institute an Islamist takeover?
Seven days in Chile’s climate of fear
A report from Santiago, five months after the U.S.-backed 1973 military coup by Augusto Pinochet.