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As theological debates on sexuality and marriage become more and more central, many Christian denominations are being asked to clarify their views.
One of the largest icebergs ever recorded has changed the outline of the Antarctic Peninsula forever. Experts say this will not result in sea level rises.
One third of the world now faces seasons of extreme heat. “For heat waves, our options are now between bad or terrible”, study says.
Miguel Wickham comments on the United States decision to leave the Paris Agreement and encourages Christians to commit themselves to the biblical mandate of stewardship.
The US may have left the Paris climate agreement, but Christians cannot avoid their responsibility in preserving God’s creation, says Antonio Cruz.
Political and religious leaders heavily criticise the decision. France, Germany and Italy reject Trump’s assertion that the climate deal can be redrafted.
The President of the Evangelical Philosophical Society, Angus Menuge, explains what AI is, its limits and the enduring differences between artificial and human intelligence.
The Renew Our World campaign is “calling on Christians worldwide to join in prayer and action to respond to the negative consequences of climate change.”
The ancient town is mentioned in the books of Joshua and 1 Samuel. Excavations start in August.
At about 40 light-years from Earth, it is possible that some of them could have water on their surface.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK will face court action if they don't set out plans to cut NO2 emissions.NO2 caused almost 70,000 premature deaths in Europe in 2013.
The response of the European Churches to climate change, as with all environmental issues, has been patchy, but there are signs that this is beginning to change.
Astronomers found the Milky Way is speeding away from a large, previously unseen void.
Research shows that around 70% of US Evangelicals believe evolution is probably or definitely false, while 28% of them said that the climate is not changing.
There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke, a study says.
According to a Rice University study, both religious and non-religious scientists criticize the way Dawkins deals with religion.
The Southern Ocean will be sheltered from fishing in the next 35 years. The agreement comes after five years of negotiations. Russia was the last one to accept it.
I have always found striking, the discrepancy between the public support for euthanasia (among those who are healthy) and my patients’ desire for continued life.
A team of Russian archaeologists announces “a discovery of international significance” in the ancient Greek site of Phanagoria (Crimea). Darius I is mentioned in the book of Ezra.
“Many atheists are beginning to see that their loud, aggressive attitude is not working”, says Mathematics Prof. John Lennox in an interview with Evangelical Focus. “We need to spend time to get to know Scripture at beyond a kind of Sunday school class level”.
What mysterious properties do the Oikopleura dioica have to challenge God and cause such religious tremors?
Researchers are able to show the “stunning explosion of zinc fireweorks” after a human egg is activated by a sperm enzyme.
This is the first scientific evidence that “confirms the numerous anecdotal accounts from across the Pacific of the dramatic impacts of climate change.”
The seal must have belonged to a senior Egyptian official, who “filled a similar position to that held by Joseph in Egypt”, archaeologist says.
The scientist and theologian believes that Galileo’s story has been distorted, and accuses Dawkins of “staining science.” An interview published in Spain’s El País.
NASA and NOAA studies revealed that global temperatures were more than one degree above average, and Arctic sea ice was at a record low this January.
UK scientists allowed to genetically modify embryos. Christian scientists Antonio Cruz and John Wyatt warn against this kind of research.
“Here is a narrative which has been suppressed, here is a way of thinking that people are trying to drown out.” An interview with acclaimed Christian apologist Alister McGrath about his new book, Inventing the Universe.
“The honest answer is at this point that we do not know what could be the power source for ASASSN-15lh”, scientist says on Nature magazine. It is some 20 times as luminous as the entire output of the 100 billion stars of our Milky Way galaxy.
A Christian voice in a Paris that attempts to lay a green mantle over a mourning city.
Studying nature cannot be left to scientists alone. What is required for wisdom is not only the detached rational enquiry of science but also the immersed, meditative contemplation of artists and poets.
The huge investment in agriculture transformed the semi-arid Al Badia region into fields of maize and cotton, by means of subsidies to farmers and the drilling of thousands of wells. This added to the pressure on water resources.
Government announced the creation of an ocean sanctuary the size of France, to preserve marine life in the South Pacific. It is expected to be in place by October 2016.
“Accepting what the scientists are saying about climate change and understanding that other species have value to God, is a threat to our greedy lifestyles”, thinks David Bookless, member of environmental care NGO A Rocha.
Following the publication of Pope Francis´ encyclical “Laudato Si”, Christian experts Miguel Wickham and Antonio Cruz analyse the current debate from an evangelical perspective.
Palaeontologist Simon Conway-Morris to Evangelical Focus: “There is absolutely no problem in combining a scientific career with being a person of faith.”
The stance of scientists created huge pressure for MPs who risked being labelled ‘ignorant’ or uncaring for objecting. But the question is not nearly as simple as it looks on first appearance. These new regulations are dangerous.
Alister McGrath thinks "people are realizing that New Atheism is very empty, shallow and aggressive".
The US withdrawal will make climate change solutions more difficult, and climate catastrophe more likely. The decision is unjust, immoral and unworthy of a great nation.
The cache of nine bronze coins may have been stashed fleeing Christians en route to Jerusalem as Persians invaded the land in 614 CE.
Personal journeys, radical agendas and perplexing dilemmas.
Transgenderism is the next major issue that Christians are going to have to come to grips with – theologically, morally, medically, legally and pastorally. Many in our churches have been taken by surprise.
Scientists say human emissions of CO2, the warming of the Arctic, and El Nino were the main factors of the new high. “God has called us to be responsible stewards of creation”, Christian activists say.
Any society that wants to survive must care for the weak and vulnerable in their midst.
According to archaeologist Douglas Petrovich, inscriptions in stone slabs from Egypt contain an early form of Hebrew, with references to figures from the Bible.
It is the earliest extra-biblical source to mention Jerusalem in Hebrew writing. Radiocarbon dating has determined it is from the 7th century BCE.
A look at European statistics on five key biomedical issues: surrogate parenthood, gender transformation, the new eugenics, euthanasia and abortion.
Developers claim this is the first ever 3D digital hologram of the human brain fibre connections. The tecnique is called “Fibre Tractography”.
They have also found Philistine pottery, lending credence to the biblical account of them living in the city until being vanquished by King David.
The cemetery has been found outside the walls of the Israelite port city of Ashkelon. The discovery of more than 200 bodies will reveal many details about how the Philistines lived.
Ahead of the referendum, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance and two Evangelical Parties oppose the proposition of allowing more research in medically assisted reproduction.
Air pollution is responsible for 9% of mortality in France, according to a study made public this week. The only things that are more deadly to the French are tobacco and alcohol.
Karen L. King’s announcement got much media attention in 2012. After and in-depth research of The Atlantic magazine, she admits she probably was deluded by “fabrications.”
Some of the ways that evangelical organisations are taking up the global challenge of implementing creation care as a mission task.
A Christian Maths student is interviewed about her faith on the back cover of a secular Spanish national newspaper.
The media’s interpretation of the significance of the discovery a few months before it was made reflects the need most humans feel to find ultimate spiritual reality.
It reveals the high status of its owner and confirms the important role of some women during the First Temple period, as described in the book of Proverbs.
Social media users share great ‘Aurora Borealis’ pictures.
Authorities in Israel called it the oldest discovery of its kind in the area. The historic site was found while authorities were doing roadwork.
Why Einstein’s theory of relativity is actually a powerful argument for absolute truth.
“We’ve confused our politics with our faith”, the respected evangelical atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe thinks. “If we really believed what the Bible says, we would be on the forefront of this issue.”
The moon, seen from the Earth and from space. Images captured by the NASA in 2015.
Today, the earth has approximately 3 trillion trees left, but each year more than 15 billion are lost.
Autonomous weapons will “appear on the black market and in the hands of terrorists”, warn prominent researchers like Stuart Russell, Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking.
Israeli archaeologists have unearthed evidence of early small-scale agricultural cultivation at Ohalo II, a 23,000-year-old hunter-gatherers’ sedentary camp on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Raymond McCauley, an expert in biotechnology, analyses the advances he sees in genetics: “In a short period of time, everybody will have chips implanted in their bodies.”
A study in 15 European cities confirmed the existence of socioeconomic inequalities in many of the main causes of mortality.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem professor Yuval Noah Harari, fabricates a future with no Creator: “Humans will become God-like cyborgs within 200 years.”
The theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer can tell us much about how Christians should care for the environment, says Dutch researcher Steven Van den Heuvel in his doctoral thesis.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition offers some of the best nature photography. See the 10 finalists from last year's competition.
Scientist Dr Holder analyzes the relationship between Faith and Science, the Big Bang Theory, the scientific and theological debate about the design of the universe, and the role that the New Atheism plays in our society.
Paralysed rats have regained the ability to walk after using a new implant and undergoing several weeks of training.
I’ve found that biographies are a great way to take our minds to other periods, “live” someone’s life, learn some of their lessons, and reassess our own lives.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be good enough to "compete" in heaven!
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.
Gary Wilkerson: The Bible, the Holy Spirit and the Reformation
Pastor Gary Wilkerson talks about what all evangelical Christians can learn from the Protestant Reformation and underlines the need for more churches with both a sound doctrine and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Israel, the UN resolution and the long conflict
Shira Sorko-Ram, pastor and journalist in Israel, shares her views and a historical and biblical context on the latest events.
Lindsay Brown: Islam and the Gospel in Europe
Is the arrival of thousands of Muslims to Europe a threat to Christianity? What is the growth of evangelical churches in Eastern and Southern Europe? An interview with theologian and Lausanne Movement representative Lindsay Brown.
Giovanni Traettino: “Pope Francis is my brother in Christ”
Evangelical Focus asked the well-known Pentecostal pastor about his “open” approach to Roman Catholicism. Traettino defended his position about ecumenism during the Italian Evangelical Alliance 2016 assembly (8-9 April, Rome).
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.
Thomas Bucher: Vision of the EEA
Influence in society, evangelical identity and projects in Europe. An interview with Thomas Bucher, secretary general of the European Evangelical Alliance.
Evi Rodemann: Youth and mission
“We want to see the youth not just being equipped, but also being multipliers”, Evi Rodemann director of Mission-Net. The European Congress took place in Germany from December 28 to January 2.
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".
Pablo Martinez comments on Evangelical Focus’ launch
Author and international speaker Dr Pablo Martínez discusses the main challenges in Europe nowadays and hopes Evangelical Focus will be a useful tool to help build bridges between churches and society.
I am not on sale
Young Christians gathered at Madrid’s central square Sol to denounce human trafficking. A flashmob highlighted the work of three evangelical NGOs which support women who escape sexual slavery in Spain.
The abilities of Mefi-Boset
Christian ministry Mefi-Boset has been working with people with intellectual disabilities in their leisure time, and supporting their families in Terrassa and Barcelona (Spain) for 20 years.
Re-evangelise Europe and renew the biblical church
The 2017 European Leadership Forum gathered hundreds in Poland to celebrate the Reformation and connect to better share the gospel in diverse national contexts. See picture gallery.
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.
‘Reconciliation’ in the Basque Country
Bilbao hosted the Spanish Evangelical Alliance's annual meeting (assembly). Politicians, professors and evangelical representatives shared views on social reconciliation. The theme was also analysed from a theological perspective and in workshops.
WPF17: A look at the world’s current issues
A selection of pictures of World Press Photo 2017.
The Progress of Europe, deeply connected to Bible
Indian author Vishal Mangalwadi spoke about how the biblical worldview shaped the West. 300 professionals attended annual GBG meeting on faith and work in Cullera (Spain). Photos: J.P. Serrano, S. Vera.
Impressions of Lausanne's #ylg2016
Around 1,000 young Christian leaders from 150 countries are participating in the 2016 Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering, to reflect on global mission.
“Spain, we pray for you”
Hundreds of evangelical Christians from many denominations marched in Madrid (Spain) to pray for their city, the authorities and asking God to bring hope to its society. Many gathered in other cities on June, 11.
Walk
A two-minute video on the meaning of Jude 24.
How can local churches evangelise their communities?
Evangelist Michael Green speaks on how to mobilise the local church for effective evangelism.
What is scientism?
“Scientism is the view that Science provides knowledge, and that is the only source on knowledge”, says Rik Peels, Researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.
Living without your favourite things
A video by Open Doors UK & Ireland explains to children what it means to be a refugee.
Playmobil animation on Luther’s life
British video platform GoChatter uses 4,000 individual photos to create stop motion video on Martin Luther's life.
Individualism: from the Protestant Reformation to 21st century capitalism
Indian author Vishal Mangalwadi on how the Protestant Reformation underlined individualism as a means to please God, and how secular Europe corrupted it.
Students in Europe: “We are present”
A summary video of the IFES Europe conference which brought together 1,700 students from many countries in Aschaffenburg (Germany) to reflect on God's mission in society.
You-To live-How?
The Roldan Camacho are a Spanish couple with deafness. They tell us how the whole family experiences everyday life through sign language. A video report by Gabriela Pérez.
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.
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Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
