30+ TOP STORIES FROM ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

Denison Forum – What does the Bible say about Santa Claus? How to turn holidays into Holy Days – The article explores the origins of Santa Claus, tracing his roots to St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and love for children. It also examines the historical accuracy of the Christmas story, highlighting discrepancies between traditional depictions and biblical accounts. The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christian Broadcasting Network – Massive Hindu Idol to Be Raised in US State, Taller Than Statue of Liberty – A 155-foot statue of the Hindu god Murugan is being built in Moncure, North Carolina, as part of the Carolina Murugan Temple Campus. The project, costing around $10 million, includes the main temple, three gopurams, and a surrounding road. 

Christian Post – Majority of pastors now using AI to prepare sermons amid rapid embrace of technology: study – A new study reveals that nearly two-thirds of pastors now use AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Grammarly, to prepare sermons. While AI is seen as a valuable tool for enhancing research and creativity, concerns about ethical implications are rising among church leaders. 

Denison Forum – Why do we have Christmas trees? How a “pagan symbol” became an integral part of our Christmas traditions – The tradition of Christmas trees originated from ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Romans, and Celts, who used evergreen boughs to symbolize life and hope during the winter solstice. The modern Christmas tree tradition began in Germany in the 1500s, popularized by Martin Luther and later adopted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Today, Christmas trees serve as a reminder of hope and life, and can be used as a tool to pray for those in need during the holiday season.

Associated Press – Young adults are waiting in line to worship at this fast-growing Atlanta church – 2819 Church in Atlanta, led by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, has experienced rapid growth, attracting around 6,000 weekly attendees, primarily young Black adults. Mitchell’s sermons, characterized by their intensity and focus on biblical teachings, resonate with many, particularly those seeking authenticity and a challenge to their faith. 

Christian Post – Video footage shows 8 Evangelical leaders’ last moments before they were killed – Video footage shows eight Evangelical leaders being transported by armed men in Colombia before their execution. The leaders, mistaken for members of a rival group, were executed and buried in a mass grave. The Colombian government has condemned the murders and urged increased security in conflict-affected areas.

Fox News – Pastor who’s witnessed to 2,000 celebrities reveals surprising reaction from Ozzy Osbourne before his death – Youth pastor Dylan Novak has shared the Gospel with over 2,000 celebrities, including presidents and rock legends, through personalized Bibles and handwritten letters. Novak’s ministry, which began after a chance encounter with James Taylor, aims to reach famous individuals with the Christian faith. 

Christian Post – Barron Trump interested in supernatural dreams, ‘very close’ to becoming Christian: pastor – Pastor Stuart Knechtle claims Barron Trump is “very close” to becoming a Christian, citing Barron’s interest in supernatural dreams about Jesus Christ reported in the Muslim world. Knechtle shared that Barron found the topic of dreams and revelations, particularly those leading to Muslim conversions, to be a compelling point. Knechtle hopes Barron will embrace Christianity, emphasizing the power of such experiences.

Crosswalk – AI and God’s Creation Mandate – Artificial Intelligence (AI) has raised concerns about its potential for abuse, including manipulating users and disrupting learning. While AI can alleviate futile work, it should not replace human experiences and efforts that reflect God’s creation. 

Christian Broadcasting Network – From Pulpit to Prison: S. Korean Crackdown on Pastor Could Muzzle Religious Expression – Pastor Hyun-bo Son of South Korea was arrested on minor election-law charges and has been held in jail for nearly two months. His supporters believe the charges are a pretext for silencing his opposition to the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Law, which they argue could criminalize preaching against homosexuality.

Crosswalk – YouVersion Reveals 2025’s Most Popular Verse as Bible Reading Hits Record Levels – Isaiah 41:10 was the most read verse on the YouVersion Bible app in 2025, highlighting a global need for reassurance. The verse, which emphasizes God’s presence and support, has been the most popular on the app four times in six years. 

Christian Post – Most self-identified Christians think doing ‘good things’ is enough to get to Heaven – A recent report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University reveals that most self-identified Christians believe doing “good things” is enough to secure a place in Heaven. This belief, held by 53% of self-identified Christians, highlights a widespread misunderstanding of sin, repentance, and salvation among American Christians.

Graphs about Religion – The Bible Says ‘Don’t Work, Don’t Eat.’ But Does That Hold Up in the Data? – The article examines the relationship between religion and employment, using data from the 2024 Cooperative Election Study. It finds that religious individuals are slightly more likely to be employed than non-religious individuals, with the gap remaining consistent across different age groups. 

Denison Forum – New survey reports spiritual impact of Charlie Kirk’s death – A Barna survey reveals that Charlie Kirk’s death has sparked spiritual reflection and action, particularly among younger generations and practicing Christians. While the tragedy is undeniable, the author questions God’s omniscience and why He doesn’t prevent suffering, using personal examples and biblical references to explore the mystery of God’s will.

Christian Post – As Christians put more trust in AI, pastor warns of idolatry – Pastor Ray Miller warns that the increasing use of AI in the faith arena, such as the Text With Jesus app, could become a form of idolatry. He believes AI should be used sparingly as a tool to support human flourishing, not as a substitute for a relationship with God. Miller emphasizes the importance of developing an interactive relationship with God and using AI as a research tool.

Just the News – After Kirk assassination, students less comfortable with ‘controversial’ events on campus – Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, half of college students nationwide feel less comfortable attending controversial events on campus, and nearly half are less comfortable voicing opinions on controversial subjects in class. The assassination has deepened existing ideological divides, with moderate and conservative students becoming less supportive of disruptive tactics like shouting down speakers, while liberal students’ support for these tactics remained steady or increased. 

Prophesy News Watch – Faith & Politics – Vast Religious Differences Between Democrats And Republicans – A Pew Research Center survey reveals significant religious differences between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans are more likely to believe in God, find religion important, and pray daily compared to Democrats. 

Christian Post – Churchgoers gift more money, food at Christmastime to help those in need: study – A Lifeway Research study of 1,200 American Protestant churchgoers found that over 80% give more financial donations during Christmas, with 75% donating new items. Food banks are the top recipient of these donations. Evangelicals and Baptists are more likely to donate to their church’s efforts to help those in need.

National Post – Liberal deal with Bloc means hate-speech laws will lose exemption for ‘sincerely held’ religious belief – The Liberal government has agreed to remove the religious exemption from Canada’s hate-speech laws to secure Bloc Québécois support for Bill C-9. This bill aims to combat hate and terror symbols, including intimidating individuals from accessing places of worship and criminalizing the promotion of hate through hate symbols.

Christian Post – The rise and fall of Christian nationalism – Christian nationalism, once a vague term, has evolved into a movement with varying interpretations. While some embrace it as a term of self-identification, others use it to promote extreme views, including racism, misogyny, and antisemitism. This shift is evident in the rise of figures like Corey Mahler and the endorsement of Christian nationalist podcasts by prominent figures like Andrew Torba.

Crosswalk – Young Men Reading the Bible More Frequently – A Barna study reveals a significant increase in Bible reading among young American men, with 54% of Gen Z and 57% of Millennials engaging weekly. However, only 44% strongly affirm the Bible’s accuracy, highlighting a gap between engagement and conviction. 

Fox News – Turning Point chapter head rips Christian school for banning political groups after org forced underground – Turning Point USA chapter was barred from official recognition. The school, citing a new policy, no longer accepts political clubs and requires political activism to go through the administration. 

Christian Post – Pastors accuse PCA of ‘demonizing’ LGBTQ, sidelining women: ‘Spiritually abusive’ – A group of ethnic-minority pastors within the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) released a petition accusing the denomination of fostering a schismatic culture, sidelining minority and female leaders, and demonizing the LGBTQ community. The petition, titled “A Call to Prayer & Lament,” expressed concerns about a lack of grace and relational dysfunction within the PCA.

Crosswalk – Record Year for FCA as Bible Distribution Surpasses 244,000 Copies – The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) distributed over 244,000 Bibles in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year. The Bibles were distributed at various events and meetings across the United States and 68 other countries.

Christian Post – Kirk Cameron changes stance on doctrine of Hell, says he no longer believes in ‘eternal conscious torment’ – Actor Kirk Cameron, known for his Christian films and evangelistic work, stated he no longer believes in the traditionalist view of Hell as eternal conscious torment. Instead, he supports annihilationism, the belief that Hell is a place of destruction rather than eternal punishment. 

Prophesy News Watch – Will Age Verification Become The Trojan Horse For A National Digital ID? – The global push for mandatory age verification online, while seemingly noble, may lead to a national digital identification system. This system, enforced through age verification, could compromise online anonymity and be used for broader surveillance and control. 

Christian Post – Elon Musk affirms belief in Creator, says ‘universe came from something’ – Elon Musk reiterated his belief in a Creator, stating that the universe could not have created itself. He identifies as a “cultural Christian” and has spoken highly of Christianity’s cultural impact. Musk’s views on God and faith have evolved over time, and he has expressed concern about the loss of Christian culture.

Fox News – North Carolina lawmaker accuses school officials of violating parental rights bill in fiery hearing – North Carolina State Rep. Brenden Jones accused Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools officials of violating the state’s Parents’ Bill of Rights during a heated oversight hearing. Jones claimed the district promoted LGBTQ children’s books, including “Santa’s Husband” and “These Are My Eyes, This Is My Nose, This Is My Vulva, These Are My Toes,” which he argued were inappropriate for young children. 

MovieGuide – UNIVERSE DESIGNED – “Universe Designed” is a documentary exploring the creation of the universe and the interplay between science and faith. It argues for a Biblical worldview, asserting God’s role in creation and the truth of Genesis. The documentary features expert interviews and is well-made, though it includes footage from the September 11th attacks.

Christian Post – A look at how world’s 5 Communist countries are cracking down on Christians: report – The world’s five remaining Communist countries—China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Vietnam—are intensifying control over Christian churches. These governments impose legal, financial, and operational restrictions, including mandatory registration, financial audits, and limitations on religious activities and foreign funding. 

Just the News – School board members sue NY AG James over letter on public transgender debate they find threatening – School board members and parents are suing New York Attorney General Letitia James and Education Commissioner Betty Rosa for allegedly threatening to remove board members for allowing speech questioning gender identity or using pronouns corresponding to biological sex.

Christian Post – ‘None of the government’s business’ what pastors preach on Sundays, Robert Jeffress tells DOJ religious liberty panel –
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas testified before the DOJ’s Religious Liberty Commission, arguing that the government should not regulate sermon content. He recounted an IRS inquiry into his church’s tax-exempt status following a complaint about a patriotic service, highlighting the inconsistency with other churches’ actions. 

Prophesy News Watch – Bill C-9: Canada’s New Speech Crackdown And The Rising Threat To The Gospel – Bill C-9 in Canada threatens religious freedom by criminalizing speech that could be perceived as harmful, potentially targeting biblical teachings. This shift from protecting religious speech to policing it creates fear and could silence Christian voices, impacting evangelism and the public square. 

Crosswalk – Do Near-Death Experiences Point Us to the God of the Bible? – Near-death experiences (NDEs) are consistent across cultures and religions, often describing a personal, loving God of light. These experiences, grounded in verifiable observations and shared by individuals from diverse backgrounds, align with biblical teachings about Heaven and God’s nature. 

Christian Post – Netflix’s promotion of LGBT themes, sexual preferences in kids’ shows ‘pervasive’: report – A new report by Concerned Women for America reveals that 41% of G-rated and TV-Y7-rated series on Netflix feature LGBT content, including trans-identifying characters and same-sex couples. The study analyzed 326 Netflix shows aimed at children, finding that LGBT representation is prevalent across various age categories.

Crosswalk – How Should I Handle Biblical Mysteries? – Biblical mysteries are not obstacles but invitations to deepen our faith and trust in God. When faced with unanswered questions, we should seek wisdom from God, focus on what He has revealed, and lean into our faith community.