James Tabor opens his book, “Lost Mary: Rediscovering the Mother of Jesus,” with a paradoxical statement: “Jesus’s mother, Mary, is the best-known, least-known woman in history.” He argues that she’s been lost through “the thick fog of later tradition and theology” and “systematically erased over the past two millennia.”

The Pennsylvania governor’s new memoir, “Where We Keep the Light,” explores his Jewish identity, principled stances on Israel and political risks. He recounts antisemitic attacks, early ties to Israel and his refusal to soften controversial views during 2024 VP vetting, offering a candid reflection ahead of a potential 2028 run.

(REVIEW) Ryan Burge has created the most important and readable book right now to understand religious decline and polarization in the U.S. His message to commit your life to a shared community is one America needs right now. But it will be up to others to create and maintain the compelling shared vision that binds together the community that Burge wants. 

Robert D. Wolgemuth, a respected Christian author, publisher and literary agent whose quiet leadership helped shape evangelical publishing for more than five decades, died on Jan. 10. He was 77. His family said Wolgemuth succumbed after “a brief but intense battle” with pneumonia complications. He was widely regarded as a servant-leader whose influence extended far beyond book contracts.

Popular Christian writer Philip Yancey has confessed to “a sinful affair with a married woman” that lasted eight years. The 76-year-old author of “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” and “Where Is God When It Hurts?” said he would not share more details about the adultery out of concern for the privacy of the other family. Yancey said his actions “caused deep pain” for his wife and family.

(REVIEW) Children’s constant attachment to their screens — and how that behavior impacts their mental health and development — is an issue of much consternation for parents today, and one that’s virtually impossible to avoid or ignore. “Connected: Parenting Faithfully in the Digital Age” looks to equip parents to combat the ill effects of unlimited digital access — centered around a God-seeking family life.

(ANALYSIS) In his final book, “Stop, in the Name of God,” Charlie Kirk praises Shabbat as a restorative, sacred pause rooted in Jewish tradition — while simultaneously arguing it must be stripped of Judaism to be acceptable for Christians. Drawing on Jewish thinkers, Kirk recasts Shabbat as a Christian practice in service of his broader nationalist vision.

(REVIEW) A new book traces the footsteps of Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem for nearly a millennium before the Crusades, and the path differs significantly from the path tour guides take travelers on today. “But do the walk as you wish, and commemorate each station however you choose. From revisiting the material to simply enjoying the walk.”

When Julian Voloj heard about the first Jewish Comic Con, he had to meet its creator, Fabrice Sapolsky. Voloj had authored a number of graphic novels, including “Ghetto Brother,” the story of former gang leader Benji Melendez. Voloj and Sapolsky connected at the 2016 convention and realized they shared a vision: A comic recounting diverse Jewish stories.

(REVIEW) In “Miracles and Wonder,” historian Elaine Pagels examines the life of Jesus through historical, textual and theological lenses. Balancing faith and skepticism, she revisits questions of the virgin birth, miracles, crucifixion and the resurrection — ultimately portraying Christianity’s enduring power as rooted not in certainty, but in hope.

Clarkson’s work goes against the cultural current. In an age where many loud voices urge us to put away thoughts of self-criticism and turn instead toward radical self-acceptance, he argues that to truly value ourselves is to understand where we have failed and where we need to grow. He encourages readers to spend less time bemoaning the people who are making the world worse.

(REVIEW) Faith-based films about sex trafficking are becoming more common, reflecting cultural anxieties and a push toward grittier storytelling. “Still Hope” exemplifies this trend, offering a sincere portrayal of recovery, but ultimately faltering through one-dimensional characters, didactic messaging and a tendency to prioritize education over authentic stories.

(REVIEW) “Moses the Black” is a gritty, well-crafted independent film exploring faith, violence and redemption through a Chicago gang leader’s encounter with a historical saint. Anchored by strong performances and confident direction, it offers a rare, authentic portrayal of religious experience largely absent from Hollywood and deeply rooted in lived belief.

(REVIEW) “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” comes out. This film functions less as a fourth sequel to “28 Days Later” and more as a direct one to “28 Years Later,” following the events from that film. In a shift, “The Bone Temple” makes the antagonists Satanists rather than Christians. This reflects a world, very much like ours, where Christianity is no longer atheism’s chief rival.  

(REVIEW) The faith-based film industry is going through major changes. It’s starting to break into the mainstream, with critical and box office success. As a result, there’s a new film genre called “based faith” targeting conservative, Christian male audiences, but if “The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” premiere is any indication, this new genre has a rocky road ahead.

(ANALYSIS) Sam Kinison, the famed comedian, is remembered for his intensity, volcanic punchlines and the wild nights that carried him far beyond the boundaries most people never cross. But long before the fame, he lived in a world far more holier. Born into a family of Pentecostal preachers, he grew up where faith was the structure around which life revolved.

(ANALYSIS) One of the things few people discuss about the “Avatar” films is how deeply “faith-based” they are. In fact, their spirituality may be one of the most influential things about the franchise in Hollywood. Since the first film graced theaters in 2009, Hollywood has followed its example in portraying religiosity on film — both for good and ill.

(ANALYSIS) The hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” has consistently woven religious symbolism into its supernatural horror storytelling. Nowhere is this more striking than in the way the villain Vecna functions as a dark, inverted reflection of Jesus — especially in the show’s fifth and final season. 

(ANALYSIS) Many characteristics of Shaker life and belief set them apart from other Protestants, but their name derives from one of the most obvious. Early Shakers manifested the holy spirit they believed dwelled within them by shaking violently in worship. The film “The Testament of Ann Lee” brings this movement to life for modern audiences. 

(ANALYSIS) There’s no doubt that faith-based films blew up in 2025. Whether that’s in the faith-based film industry putting out record-breaking theatrical releases of “The Chosen” and other Jesus movies or Hollywood exploring religion with a newfound earnestness in the horror genre or blockbusters, faith was everywhere this year. 

A California artist walks the streets of Los Angeles, drawing portraits of and talking with unhoused people, producing moving art, and life-changing conversations about self-worth, dignity and resilience. Before his first semester at Biola University, Leith, a practicing Christian, prayed, asking whether he should do art or missions. The response was clear.

The final months of 2025 brought another dimension to the ongoing discussion about AI among church leaders as a music “artist” named Solomon Ray climbed the charts. It came as another AI artist, Breaking Rust, did the same on the country digital charts. AI can help generate ideas, it cannot be a final source for the music sung during worship

Churches and cathedrals around the U.K. hold works of art by some of the most important and exciting artists of the past 100 years. But unless you know where to look, many can be hard to find. High-profile examples include significant commissions by Elisabeth Frink, John Piper and Graham Sutherland at Coventry Cathedral.

Because Mary herself was from the eastern Mediterranean, the subtle incorporation by Renaissance painters of abstractly rendered Arabic or Hebrew in religious art linguistically linked their sacred subjects to the region’s Biblical past as well as its bounteous wealth.

In a small Santa Clara classroom at Mission City Church in Northern California, a group of students huddle together, their voices rising in harmony. Leading them stands Makayla Hannah, their vocal coach for Youth Utilizing Power and Praise. Hannah is teaching more than pitch and breath control. She believes hope is not lost in a generation often dismissed.

When Western Christian missionaries arrived in Africa in the 19th century, they disallowed the use of native musical instruments in church, which they associated with demonic worship. But now, all these years later, the instruments are making a comeback in churches across the continent to the delight of millions.

Their historic building awaiting sale just a block away, former members of the Central Church of Christ gathered with guests including singer Amy Grant at a downtown campus of Lipscomb University to celebrate what would have been their congregation’s 100th anniversary.

It’s been occupied twice by military forces; it’s been expanded to house Franciscan friars, and these days, it’s part museum, part sacred space. The Church of San Francisco’s building tells the history of its host city, La Paz. Founded in 1549, the church is best known by the name of the founder of the Franciscans, which was one of the first orders to arrive with the Spanish conquerors. 

(ANALYSIS) Bad Bunny is more than a global music phenomenon; he’s a bona fide symbol of Puerto Rico. The church choir boy turned “King of Latin Trap” has songs, style and swagger that reflect the island’s mix of pride, pain and creative resilience.

(REVIEW) Visitors to Canterbury Cathedral in the U.K. have been surprised to find that parts of the building’s majestic architecture are currently daubed with eye-catching graffiti. But this is not the work of vandals. The colorful graphics are part of a thought-provoking art installation centered on the idea of asking questions to God.

Olympic biathlete Paul Schommer embraces a sport defined by extremes — grueling endurance followed by total stillness. As he prepares for his final Olympics in Milan, Schommer reflects on faith, redemption and perseverance, seeing parallels between biathlon’s challenges and life, where growth comes through adversity, focus, and grace beyond results.

More than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries have gathered in Milan-Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, creating a unique opportunity. Southern Baptists are partnering with IMB missionaries and local churches to engage fans and athletes, sharing Christ boldly and praying the outreach sparks long-term ministry across Italy. The Winter Olympics conclude on Feb. 22.

A new ad from Kraft’s Blue Square Alliance Against Hate will beam to millions, part of his years-long, multimillion dollar initiative to combat the Oldest Hatred. The campaign has given us two previous Super Bowl spots: One in which MLK’s speechwriter Clarence B. Jones urged us to speak against silence and, last year, as a counterpoint, one where Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady yelled at each other.

Behind the medals and records, some Olympians say faith and spirituality play a meaningful role in how they train and compete. Faith can offer athletes a framework for resilience, especially in a world defined by so much pressure and scrutiny. This year’s Winter Games in Milan/Cortina will conclude on Feb. 22.

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the focus is fixed on the New England Patriot and Seattle Seahawks. Beyond the game, the Super Bowl is a cultural touchpoint. Watched by millions, it remains the most-viewed event on American TV. While commercials and the halftime show are all big draws, faith once again plays a part in the biggest football game of the year.

It all began on a sunny day at a local park. missionaries Russell and Tori Minnick were watching their kids have fun on a playground when, at the far end of a field, a group of men were running routes and huddling over playbooks. Both men could tell they were practicing American football, so he made an inquiry.

David Halimi grew up Jewish in Tehran, watching “Bonanza.” He now produces rodeos in Northern California and owns a bar modeled on “Cheers.” At 73, Halimi is known as the man behind a Western wear store stocked with cowboy boots, a rodeo circuit and a U-shaped bar where locals joke about who might be the town’s version of Norm.

(OPINION) Christians understand what science reveals: masculinity and femininity are fixed moral categories that God has made and declared to be good. When societies reject God’s moral law, anarchy results. God’s people must boldly declare to the world what is true. At the same time, we must communicate the good news of the Gospel to those who disagree.

(REVIEW) “The Gridiron Gospel” is a wonderful addition to the study of religion and sport. It focuses on schools like Notre Dame, BYU and Liberty University. Historian Hunter M. Hampton convincingly shows that college football was not just shaped by faith, but actively helped form how millions of Americans understood Christianity throughout the twentieth century.

Did a touch of the divine play a key role in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dramatic AFC North title clincher? Steelers fans — especially if you’re Catholic — certainly believe so. Father Maximilian Maxwell sprinkled holy water in one end zone — the same one where Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed as time ran out.

The most-striking element of the London event was knowing that faith remains a big part of some players’ lives: Arsenal players praying together, Crystal Palace’s Bible study groups and the rise of social media accounts like “BallersinGod” suggest a generational shift. Younger players are more willing to publicly integrate belief into their lives.

In just under seven months, the new pontiff has curated a jersey collection worthy of a sports museum or a Windy City man cave. Each of these jerseys, often delivered by dignitaries or guests from the U.S., reveals something about Leo XIV’s identity as both a clergyman and a fan.

The line into one of the stadiums at Tokyo’s Komazawa Olympic Park stretched out the door and down the street. The crowd waited patiently in the crisp fall air for a chance to watch the volleyball semifinals at Deaflympics, a worldwide event that brings deaf athletes together to compete every four years.

Two soccer teams — each comprised of eight Muslims and eight Christians — faced off as a mixed crowd cheered. Only months earlier, 52 people were killed in yet another religious massacre nearby. Some of the players on the field had lost relatives in that attack. Yet, they chose sports over revenge.

For quarterback Justin Fields, Sunday’s win was about more than football. It was a testament to perseverance, faith and the belief that every struggle serves a greater purpose. Whether this marks a turning point for the New York Jets remains to be seen. For Fields, the win affirmed something deeper.

The competition — called “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025” — had been originally scheduled to be played in Dubai with teams from Chad, Libya and the host nation UAE. FIFA confirmed that the tournament would instead be be played in Morocco, starting on Sunday, with a revised lineup that includes the Afghan refugee squad, Chad, Tunisia and Libya.

Touchdowns may be scored on the field, but what goes on off it? Fans are praying, warding off evil, consulting mediums and even wondering if angels or aliens are silently shaping the fate of their favorite teams. The study, conducted by Free Bets, surveyed over 2,000 fans across all 32 NFL teams to uncover just how many of them believe in the supernatural.

When fans of the soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv were assaulted in the streets of Amsterdam after a game last November, the violence drew comparisons to pogroms. It even prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dispatch rescue planes to evacuate Israeli citizens. Once again there are fears of a repeat outbreak of violence, this time over a match in Birmingham, England.

(ESSAY) In a world where sports and spirituality don’t often intersect, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt stood as a remarkable exception. Best known as the chaplain and No. 1 fan of Loyola University Chicago’s men’s basketball team, Sister Jean captured the hearts of millions during the team's improbable March Madness runs.

The upcoming “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” marks the convergence of sports, politics, religion and human rights. For the Afghan refugee players, it’s a real chance to reclaim their place in the game. For FIFA, it’s a test of whether its commitment to women’s soccer extends beyond symbolic support — and whether it is willing to confront the contradictions within its own global family.

(ANALYSIS) Christians who oppose sports betting do so by applying biblical principles that discourage greed, materialism and irresponsibility. With a new NFL season upon us, concerns are also raised about the predatory nature of the gambling industry and its potential to cause addiction and harm to vulnerable people.

If veteran broadcaster Monte Moore is doing the telling, stories swapped at the Athletics Hall of Fame induction will include baseball, family and church. The folksy voice of the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics — the MLB team’s previous homes before their current, temporary stint in West Sacramento, Calif. — will be inducted into the A’s Hall of Fame.

Churches of Christ in Albania sponsor their own basketball league, Rebound. The Tirana team is about half Roma. They named themselves “Wings of Eagles” after Isaiah 40:31. Fushë Krujë also has a team, though some of its members joined before learning to dribble. They dubbed themselves “The Sons of Thunder,” the nicknames of apostles James and John in Mark 3:17.

Pastors and college football fans George Schroeder and Dean Inserra have kicked off the third season of “Gridiron and the Gospel,” a podcast dedicated to the sport but also faith. Schroeder’s sports journalism career stretched nearly 30 years and included stops at USA Today and Sports Illustrated as well as Baptist Press editor. He currently serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Fairfield, Texas.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s engagement in Riyadh highlights Saudi Arabia’s evolving — but still inconsistent— social norms. Once governed by strict Islamic law, the kingdom has relaxed restrictions under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms. Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodríguez live openly as an unmarried couple — something that remains risky for ordinary Saudis, especially women.

The case of a high school football coach praying on the field has been in the spotlight since the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling. But another football controversy first emerged in 2015, when two Christian schools made it to the state championships. The games were run by the state’s athletic association. Officials barred them from conducting a prayer over the loudspeaker before kickoff.

Over 10 weeks, boys progressed from basic stances and footwork to live sparring, with each session building confidence alongside muscle memory. What started as tentative jabs evolved into combinations as the young fighters learned to face adversity head-on. “I learned to protect myself,” said 9-year-old Kohanim Chavez. “I had a good time with my dad, and he was one of the best trainers.”

Terry Bollea — better known as Hulk Hogan — carried an oversized presence during a career that spanned nearly a half-century and included countless ripped shirts, bandannas and leg drops. His biggest splash came in December 2023, though, as Hogan and his wife, Sky, were baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Largo, Fla.

Success and Scottie Scheffler have become practically synonymous lately. Yet, it’s the world’s top-ranked golfer’s comments on what constitutes true meaning — and more to the point, what doesn’t — that keeps grabbing attention. It comes within an interesting context. Sheffler cruised to a four-stroke win in The Open Championship with a 17-under performance.

Evan Carter helped the Texas Rangers win the World Series in 2023. But Carter — still just 22 — has faced multiple challenges over the past two seasons. He talked to Religion Unplugged about his journey as a ballplayer and, more importantly, as a person of deep Christian faith. “Baseball is what I do, but I try and not make it, as the cliché goes, who I am,” he said.