All History articles
-
Magazine FeaturesThe Iranians stormed this church and forced its closure. But I’ll never forget the Christians I met there
When Tara Jamali returned to Iran after an absence of 20 years, she was shocked to discover the church she attended as a student boarded up. Pressure on Iranian Christians is growing she says, but glimmers of hope are present in the darkness
-
InterviewsWhy the director of Bonhoeffer is fed up with refuting lies
Contrary to what its detractors have claimed, Angel Studios’ new film Bonhoeffer is not trying to endorse a modern political agenda. That’s according to the film’s director Todd Komarnicki, who says he’s grown frustrated at how critics are linking this film with “the opposite of what it’s trying to do.”
-
ReviewsThe surprising stories behind your favourite Christmas carols
Deck the Hall offers a blend of scholarly research and accessible storytelling - revealing the surprising origins of 27 beloved Christmas carols
-
OpinionWhat Wolf Hall teaches us about the Reformation
Whether historically accurate or not, the BBC’s Wolf Hall gives us an insight into the events that surrounded the greatest schism in Church history. It is a timely reminder of the importance of Christian unity, says Tony Wilson
-
OpinionJesus wasn’t a Palestinian
Some have objected to the casting of Israeli actors in Netflix’s new film Mary. It’s a demoralising example of misguided attempts to erase Christ’s Jewish identity, says Michael Coren
-
Magazine FeaturesCould faith go viral again? Malcolm Gladwell’s new book has the answer
One of the world’s leading non-fiction writers doesn’t write much about his own Christian faith. And yet when you apply Malcolm Gladwell’s Revenge of the Tipping Point to the Church’s evangelism the implications are exciting, says Martin Saunders
-
ReviewsBonhoeffer: This provocative biopic is a warning to Christians
Bonhoeffer isn’t a nice story about someone standing up for their faith. It’s a warning to all Christians not to tie themselves to any one political identity, says our reviewer
-
Magazine FeaturesJosephine Butler: The Christian feminist who took on the Victorian sex trade and won
She was a devout Christian, a passionate feminist and the most distinguished woman of the 19th Century. So why did Josephine Butler vanish from the pages of history?
-
ReviewsThe Bible is not safe
This global history of the Bible is full of fascinating stories, says our reviewer
-
OpinionSam Sharpe: the slave-turned-preacher who helped to bring about abolition
Sam Sharpe was a Jamaican Baptist deacon who was hung for inciting a riot in 1831. He played a key role in ending the enslavement of Africans in the Caribbean. This Black History Month, Rev Dr Carlton Turner pays tribute to the faith of a man who sought to bring freedom to his people
-
Magazine FeaturesThe Brighton bomber nearly killed my father. But Daddy forgave him - and invited him to breakfast
Could you forgive the man who nearly killed your father? That’s the journey Lani Charlwood has been on. As this weekend marks 40 years since the Brighton bombing, she explains how forgiveness and reconciliation are possible, even in the most painful of circumstances
-
OpinionKris Kristofferson (1936-2024): When it came to faith, his lyrics did the talking
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
-
Magazine Features6 lessons from Celtic Christianity
A lot of what you’ve been told about Celtic Christianity is plain wrong, argues Nick Page. He sets the record straight
-
Magazine FeaturesHow the British Isles were evangelised
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
-
Real Life‘I spent my childhood in a Japanese prison. Then God sent me back as a missionary’
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
-
ReviewsReviewed: Diarmaid MacCulloch’s history of sex and Christianity
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
-
Magazine FeaturesWe’re living in the age of addiction. Here’s what every Christian needs to know
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
-
Magazine FeaturesHow Adrian Snell’s ‘The Passion’ became a Christian classic
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”
-
OpinionChristians can’t let history repeat itself when it comes to antisemitism
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
-
Reviews‘Evangelism is the reason for the Church’s existence’ says Pope Francis in new memoir
Pope Francis’ latest book gives readers an insight into how major historical events have shaped and influenced the pontiff, says Catherine Pepinster
