ADVERTISING
We live in a society in which admitting one’s own sins is seen as a sign of weakness.
Elias (Elijah) and Maria are number one in Germany. Noah and Lukas (Luke) are the most popular in Switzerland and Austria.
Photo: Michal Bar Haim (Unsplash, CC)
In a secularised Europe, parents still choose biblical names for their children. In 2016, Hebrew names were very popular in German-speaking countries, especially among boys.
In Germany, the statistics of the Society for the German Language show that six of the ten most popular names in 2016 were from the Bible: Elias (1), Paul (2), Ben (7), Jonas (8), Noah (9) and Lukas (10).
The most popular name for girls was Marie (1) and its variation Maria (4). Other names in the female top ten included Anna (8) and Hanna (9).
In Austria, the biblical names top the list as well. According to Der Standard, the four most chosen names for boys were: Lukas (1), David (2), Jakob (3), and Elias (4), closely followed by Jonas (7), Paul (8) and Tobias (9). Among girls, Anna was the number one and Maria, number three.
In Switzerland (where the population speaks German, French and Italian), the most popular name in 2016 for baby boys was, again, from the Bible: Noah. According to official data, five other biblical names were in the top ten: Gabriel (3), Luca (4), Elias (6), David (7) and Samuel (8). Among girls, just one name made it into the top ten: Anna (8).
WHAT ABOUT NAMES FROM A MUSLIM BACKGROUND?
Interestingly, no name from an Arabic background appeared among the top twenty in any of the three countries. In Germany, Mohammed/Muhammed (a very common name amongst Muslims) was on place 26. In Austria, on place 36.
The God “who played the cosmos into being” delights himself in the World Cup but delights in higher things still.
The Bible says there is rejoicing in heaven when we do something worthy of God's character.
Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
Are Christians called to make a difference in environmental care? What has creation care to do with "loving our neighbours"? An interview with the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director of Tearfund.
Kathy Bryan: Online sex trafficking in the USA
“Prostitution is nobody’s dream, it’s a very traumatic lifestyle”, says Kathy Bryan, director of the Elevate Academy. She mentors former victims.
Christians in politics?
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
Michael Ramsden: Communicating the Gospel in today’s societies
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Analysing current issues in the light of the Bible
At the 2018 Apologetics Forum in Comarruga (Spain), Michael Ramsden, Pablo Martinez, Ruth Valerio and José de Segovia analysed how society and the Bible approach the issues of personal identity, integrity, sexuality, pop culture, and environmental care.
European “Bridges to Inclusion” gathering 2018, in Riga
The network of Christian ministries working for the inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrated its tenth continental meeting in Latvia with the participation of 12 countries.
Coexistence in the church - a model for society
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
'Ungi kulimi changana'
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
The President in an evangelical church on Christmas Eve
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
Trailer: “The Peace Between”
A film about the experience of refugees in Europe. Churches, small groups and individuals are encouraged to use it during Refugee Week: 17-24 June.
How can churches better support singles?
Tina Tschage, on some areas in which other Christians can encourage singles.
The Church of Scotland debates historic doctrines
The Kirk has begun official procedures to investigate the status and the role of the Westminster Confession of Faith within its denomination.
Be safe on social media
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
In Mission
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
Heart
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
If you want to comment, or