The acclaimed Country singer who died on Saturday never seemed that comfortable with public speaking. But a glance at his most famous songs reveal a man of deep Christian faith, observes Derek Walker
A lot of what you’ve been told about Celtic Christianity is plain wrong, argues Nick Page. He sets the record straight
With a surge in interest in spiritual formation, ancient paths and prayer rituals, Celtic Christianity is enjoying a moment. Richard Roberts shares the fascinating tale of the first missionaries to these shores
Basil Scott endured three “horrible” years inside a Japanese prisoner of war camp during the second world war. He explains how God later called him back to Asia, and why reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel
The acclaimed historian’s new book Lower than the angels: A history of sex and Christianity is not a light read. But it’s a useful contribution to ongoing debates, says our reviewer
Whether its hard drugs, soft porn or just internet shopping, millions of us are addicts. But turning off the tap that supplies us with addictive substances won’t solve the problem. Instead, we need to ask why so many are so thirsty in the first place, says Andy Partington
As the best-selling Christian album of the 1980s is remixed and re-released, Tony Cummings shares the inside story of how Adrian Snell worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver a “symphonic rock classic”
Complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since October 7, with reports of some medics “celebrating Hamas attacks” according to The Times. Following Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day which took place earlier this week, Rev Tim Guttman says Christians must learn from history, and redouble their efforts to stand in solidarity with Jewish people
Pope Francis’ latest book gives readers an insight into how major historical events have shaped and influenced the pontiff, says Catherine Pepinster
Why do we eat chocolate eggs at Easter? What’s with school children making bonnets? And why is it called ‘Easter’ at all? Karen Murdarasi shares some little-known facts
The roots of the oddly-named Thursday before Easter come from Jesus’ command to love one another, as well as his foot-washing example, explains Karen Murdarasi
If you are among the millions of people who’ve read Elisabeth Elliot’s bestselling book Through Gates of Splendor (Tyndale), then this biography’s subject will be familiar to you. If not, then keep reading, because evangelicalism on both sides of the Atlantic has been heavily influenced by Elliot.
Interested in revival, the birth of Christian rock music or charismatic renewal? Don’t miss this book, says our reviewer
This year marks 350 years since the writer of ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’ was born. Dr Daniel Johnson takes a closer look at one of Isaac Watts’ lesser-known works
Jessica Wärnberg has a background in religious history and the history of art; she certainly brings an artistic touch to this magnificent book. Painting word pictures using shades, colour and contrast, Wärnberg demonstrates rigorous research and a deft touch in handling complex historical material. This is a majestic piece of ...
The baptised Anglican, Nicholas Winton, rescued hundreds of Jewish children from the concentration camps. A new film pays tribute to his life
How often do you think about the Roman Empire? According to TikTok, if you’re a man, it’s anything from twice a week to several times a day. Whether or not there’s anything in that claim, this book makes twice a week look like rookie numbers.
A crowdfunding campaign has raised over half a million pounds to bring a tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII and dubbed “the birth certificate of the Church of England”, back to the UK.
Maxmillian Ciccone has been widely lauded for his unique style. But having had no formal training, the Italian artist insists his talent and anointing comes from the Holy Spirit. A new renaissance is coming, he says
As Remembrance Day approaches, 102-year-old veteran, Jack Hemmings, celebrates the start of a Christian humanitarian air service formed in the aftermath of the second world war
Like the children in White Nanny, Black Child. Antony Aris-Osula was a Black Nigerian placed into white foster care. He reflects on his own spiritual journey and how he found his identity in Christ
The murder and kidnappings of civilians by the terrorist group Hamas have been described as “Israel’s 9/11”. Journalist Gavin Drake is a frequent visitor to Israel and Gaza. He explains what has taken place, what might happen next, and how Christians should be praying
‘How often do you think about the Roman Empire?’ It’s the question that’s dominating many corners of the internet, and is turning up some surprising results
The marking of Jesus’ ascent into heaven is a profound celebration of his triumph over death, says Rev Dr K Augustine Tanner-Ihm. Here’s why we celebrate it, and what it means for Christians of all denominations
It is 650 years since Revelations of Divine Love, the first book to be written in English by a woman, was published. As Claire Gilbert reflects on losing her mother as a child, battling cancer and living through the Covid-19 pandemic, she finds Julian’s writings are as relevant today as they were six centuries ago
From sleeping monarchs to rancid anointing oil, past coronations have not always been straightforward. Ian Bradley looks back at a litany of errors
Julian of Norwich’s 15th-century classic, Revelations of Divine Love, is widely regarded as the earliest manuscript written in English by a woman. But beyond that text, little is known about the remarkable woman who lived as an anchoress (or hermit) bricked into a small cell on the side of St ...
The journalist and former newspaper editor gives his view on the upcoming coronation of King Charles III
David Smyth shares his experience of growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and considers the role of the Church in sustaining peace
John Spedan Lewis was one of many philanthropist business owners birthed by the Victorian era. Whether his desire to create a wealth structure that benefitted all came from a Christian faith or not, there is much to commend it, says George Pitcher. And much to miss if it is diluted
Jesus Revolution has taken $40m at the box office, making it highest-grossing film released by the studio Lionsgate since 2019. Andrew Whitman traces the history that inspired the movie
In writing down her remarkable visions of God, Julian of Norwich became the first English female writer. As this year marks 650 years since Julian's classic work The Revelations of Divine Love was written, Karen Murdarasi looks at her life and legacy
Victoria MacKenzie’s debut novel imagines a meeting between two famous 15th century mystics, Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe. Jennie Pollock says the book brings colour and life to the women’s theology
As the year draws to a close, Tim Wyatt looks at the most significant stories for the UK Church and beyond
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
Into the darkness of Galilee a great light came. RT Kendall wonders if we could be on the cusp of our own revival this Christmas
As the BBC turns 100, Paul Kerensa reviews the religious broadcasting record of the world’s most prestigious media organisation
A new biopic of John Wycliffe promises to bring the viewer “face to face with a man of true genius”. As Morningstar embarks on a premiere screening tour across the UK, Eddie Arthur says we all owe a lot to this radical translator
Who were the Puritans? Should Christians read them? And if so, why? Tim Chester explores
As Black History Month gets underway, Richard Reddie takes a look at the events that have shaped the Church’s racial justice journey. We may not be where we want to be, he says, but there’s still time to finish the race well
Billy Graham said it bordered on blasphemy. Comedian Tim Minchin dubbed it a ‘radical atheist’ production. But 50 years on from its London debut, this classic rock musical endures. Were the protests of yesteryear misguided?
As we prepare to celebrate 70 years since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, Rev George Pitcher points out the parallels between the Defender of the Faith and the King of Kings
The Booker Prize winning author Julian Barnes has supposedly written a “loving tribute to philosophy”. But our reviewer says his latest novel misunderstands what Christianity is all about
The early Christians found the crucifixion so shocking that they didn’t make an image of it for 200 years. Historian Martyn Whittock charts how the Church has depicted the cross since then
Karen Murdarasi isn’t sure there’s much historical accuracy in the myths and legends that surround the origins of St Valentine’s Day. But that doesn’t mean Christians shouldn’t take the opportunity it presents to love those around them well.
German prisoners said they saw large forces behind the British lines
Is Jesus’ birth really the reason for the season? Or did early Christians simply steal a much older, pagan festival and parachute Christ in? Karen Murdarasi explains
Britain fought amazingly well in the great wars of the twentieth century. In Beyond the Odds, John Scriven provide engaging and detailed accounts of incredible bravery, luck, and courage by British soldiers and generals during the First and Second World Wars and the Falklands War.
This inspiring preacher confounded the expectations of her day for both women and black people
Thomas Johnson was a slave who became one of the first Black men to study at Spurgeon’s College. This is his amazing story
Their Christian faith motivated them to help make the world a better place
Songs of Praise's longest serving living conductor pays tribute to the programme
NYC tour guide Christina Ray Stanton survived 9/11. Here’s what she wants Christians everywhere to know about evil and suffering
John Dickson begins his book with an account of 15 July 1099, when Christian Crusaders mercilessly slaughtered thousands of Muslims sheltering in a sacred precinct in Jerusalem.
It’s 150 years since William Hartley established a brand of jam that is still the market leader in the UK today
CS Lewis’ books communicate some of the most profound truths of the Christian faith in a way that all can understand, and remain classics to this day, says Alister McGrath
It was the D-Day of Bible smuggling: a million Bibles secretly unloaded onto Chinese shores in one night. Forty years on, some of the key players recount the remarkable and often miraculous operation
Catherine Pepinster shares the inspirational stories of Christians who were willing to face death because of their faith
As we approach the centenary of John Stott’s birth, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the global impact of this Anglican priest and theologian
The Black Lives Matter movement is calling on societies to repent of the way black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people have been whitewashed out of national histories. But Dr Peter Harris says this challenge also applies to common re-tellings of church history
The ‘Lady with the Lamp’ was a reluctant celebrity. On the 200 year anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, Karen Murdarasi explains how her love for God inspired her world-famous work
Bestselling author Paul Hattaway gives us a rare glimpse inside China’s underground Church
The co-writer of 'In Christ Alone', Keith Getty reveals some little-known facts about the great Reformer
Marcia Dixon profiles some kingdom pioneers during the UK's Black History Month
Leading New Testament scholar Tom Wright explains why Christians can be confident the gospel accounts are true
Award winning historian Tom Holland is one of a growing number of historians who are reminding a secular culture of their Christian heritage
After spending time with some witches, Rev Peter Laws believes the Church has been guilty of misunderstanding what they believe and practise
John Calvin’s city of Geneva formed the blueprint for many Protestant churches and his theology is still central to reformed Christianity today
Martin Luther’s understanding of salvation ‘by faith alone’ revolutionised the Church and redirected its future
Against the World: When his theological contemporaries attempted to do away with Trinitarianism, Athanasius held firm to the truth he was convinced of
How do you summarise half a century of journalism, spanning 600 editions of a publication that has had at least five different names? As Premier Christianity turns 50 this month, Justin Brierley and Sam Hailes have a go below and here.
To know where we are going we need to know where we’ve been. In the first of a new series, we find out how history’s best known church leaders still influence our theology today.