February 19 A Pew Research study revealed five key shifts in U.S. religious life since 2020. Roughly 30% of Americans reported the pandemic impacted their spiritual lives. In-person church attendance has declined, offset by a roughly equal growth in online worship. In general, religious participation grew or remained steady across every demographic, with the largest growth among Jews (by far), Catholics, and Gen Z. (Lifeway, from Pew Research)
February 19 Historian Shannen Dee Williams shed light on the overlooked story of over 2,500 Black Catholic nuns in the U.S. — three of whom are on the road to sainthood. Key figures include Mother Mary Lange, founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, and Venerable Henriette DeLille, who created the Sisters of the Holy Family. They advanced Black education, antislavery, and desegregation, while championing obedience to Christ. (The Christian Century)
February 17 It’s not hard to imagine why the people of Jesus’s Judaea disliked tax collectors — especially those serving their Roman rulers. But the discovery of a large Roman boundary stone in northern Israel adds context. Dating to the late 200s AD, the stone marked tax zones which were imposed on all lands, whether or not they were in use. This system likely strained small villages, leading to depopulation and abandonment of ancestral lands. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
February 17 Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized in Rome due to a respiratory infection causing a “complex clinical picture,” after first being admitted for bronchitis on February 14. He is reportedly in stable condition with no fever, but his treatment has been adjusted, requiring extended hospitalization. He remains in good spirits, praying, working minimally, and expressing gratitude for the worldwide outpouring of support and well-wishes. (Various sources)
February 17 Amazon MGM Studios secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights for all seasons of The Chosen on Prime, plus theatrical distribution for the final chapters. The partnership includes a first-look agreement for more faith-based content such as The Chosen in The Wild, a survival series with Bear Grylls. Season 5 of The Chosen premieres in theaters during Holy Week before streaming in June. Meanwhile, the family-friendly King of Kings released its first full trailer. (RELEVANT and Variety)
February 16 Archaeologists near Jerusalem uncovered the remains of a Byzantine-era female ascetic, challenging the belief that extreme religious practices in the ancient church were male-only. Found in chains at Khirbat el-Masani monastery, her burial was linked to severe penance. Dating from 350-650 CE, the find aligns with records of women practicing asceticism but reveals unprecedented physical self-denial. (Jerusalem Post)
February 14 The Sarum Master Bible, a 13th-century illuminated manuscript, has returned to Salisbury Cathedral after nearly 800 years in private hands. About the size of a mass-market paperback, this Vulgate Bible features a tiny font with intricate, colorful initials and was likely commissioned by a wealthy individual for private use. It will be displayed at the Cathedral from February 28 to March 20, 2025. (The Guardian)
February 14 The ESV announced its first edits in nearly a decade, including 68 word changes, 57 footnote modifications, and 14 punctuation adjustments. One such change is reverting the ESV’s controversial change of Genesis 3:16 from its 2016 version (“Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you”) to its original 2001 translation (“Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you”). (Christian Today)
February 14 Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin are bringing a modern retelling of the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz to Netflix with their film “R&B.” Set in Tennessee, the story follows a young woman who leaves Atlanta’s competitive music scene to care for an elderly widow, discovering love and a maternal bond she never had. The film also features music from icons like Babyface, Jermaine Dupri, and Lecrae. (RELEVANT)
February 14 UPDATE: The Rabbi of the Western Wall, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, demanded that the stone being shone at Ben-Gurion Airport’s History of Israel exhibit be returned to its rightful place on the Wall. “The stones of the Western Wall are sacred,” the Rabbi wrote in an open letter. “While showcasing Jewish history and heritage is important, the stones of the Wall should never be removed for this purpose.” (Jerusalem Post)
February 13 A kayaker was swallowed by a whale off the coast of Joppa — no, wait, that was a different one — Patagonia, boat and all. Unlike Jonah, he was spat out within a matter of seconds — long enough, though, for him to fear that the creature “had eaten me, that it had swallowed me.” The ordeal was captured on video by the kayaker’s father. Both managed to return to shore (miraculously) unharmed. (The Guardian)
February 13 There are no fewer than five Bible-based movies and TV shows coming out in the first half of this year alone — and most of them look pretty good! Amazon Prime has a Game of Thrones-style series about David; Oscar Isaac is voicing Jesus in an animated, family-friendly take on the Gospels; there’s an Office-style mockumentary about the Exodus; and of course The Chosen‘s season 5. (RELEVANT)
February 13 If you find yourself traveling to Israel this year — even for a layover — you can enjoy a close look at the nation’s 3,000-year history without even leaving the airport. Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is hosting an exhibit by the Israel Antiquities Authority and other groups throughout 2025. It will feature a variety of archaeological artifacts from Israel’s past, including an original, five-ton stone from the Western Wall. (Jerusalem Post)
February 12 The rising popularity of the “social media priest” is creating new opportunities and challenges for Catholic clergy and other religious leaders. Father David Michael Moses, for example, is a millennial priest with nearly a million followers who uses humor and memes to share Catholic teachings. But he acknowledges the challenge of balancing the addictive nature of online influence with traditional pastoral duties. (RNS)
February 11 Christianity is being embraced in Silicon Valley, led by controversial yet charismatic figures like Peter Thiel. Initiatives like the ACTS 17 Collective, founded by Michelle Stephens, are encouraging tech and entertainment leaders to explore faith in low-stakes, relatable ways such as professional networking events. Opinion remains divided on the sincerity of the trend, especially given the region’s history of secularism. (The New York Times)
February 10 Why was pork banned in the Torah? First domesticated around 10,000 years ago (beating the sheep, below, by 2,000 years), pigs were initially a vital food source, due to their prolific breeding and adaptability. But they are largely stationary, which didn’t suit the mobile, pastoral lifestyle of the early Israelites. The ban also helped establish a unique cultural identity against neighboring cultures, such as the Philistines. (Archaeology)
February 10 Pop quiz: which animal is mentioned more than any other in the Bible? The answer is the humble sheep. Researchers believe the sheep was first domesticated in the Cappadocian region of Turkey some 8,000 years BC. By Biblical times they were used for food, textiles, paper (including Torah scrolls), sacrifices, and more. So important were they to daily life that gods and kings were often referred to as shepherds. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
February 10 Larry Sanger, who co-founded Wikipedia in 2001 and spent 35 years as a non-believer and skeptic, publicly confessed his Christian faith on his blog. The lengthy post details his Lutheran upbringing, loss of faith, systematic questioning, return to the Bible, and “quiet and uncomfortable” conversion back to Christianity. (Christian Today)
February 9 A man suffering from “serious mental health issues” vandalized the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, throwing candelabras to the ground and attempting to remove the altar cloth. Security quickly restrained and handed him over to Italian authorities. The basilica, a major pilgrimage site that has already seen over 1.3 million visitors this year, was previously attacked in a protest in June 2024 and a knife threat in 2019. (Aleteia)
February 7 A Stewardship report shows regular churchgoers in Britain donate nearly five times more to charity than the average person. Committed Christians, defined as those attending church and reading the Bible weekly, are especially generous, with younger Christians leading in giving. The study links faith, trust in Christian organizations, and generosity. (Christian Today)
February 7 Tyler Staton, pastor and author, explores how Millennials and Gen Z are rediscovering the Holy Spirit. Many younger Christians seek authentic, experiential faith rather than intellectual arguments. Staton critiques extremes in how the Spirit is viewed—either ignored or sensationalized—and emphasizes the Spirit’s role in daily life, not just dramatic moments. (Relevant Magazine)
February 7 The Super Bowl, with its rituals and traditions, is likened to a quasi-religious event by scholars. Some criticize the event for promoting values contrary to Christianity, but fans and churches alike embrace the game as a cultural moment, blending faith and football. Sociologist Matthew Vos critiques its contradictions but acknowledges its cultural significance. (Religion Unplugged)
February 6 For the first time in 750 years, forensic science has reconstructed the face of St. Thomas Aquinas, offering a glimpse of the influential theologian. Using partial remains of his skull, researchers created a digital bust, revealing a “humble” face that reflects his character. Aquinas’ teachings, including his Summa Theologica, continue to shape Christian theology and philosophy. (Christian Today)
February 6 St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) offers wisdom that resonates deeply with today’s challenges. His Confessions chronicles a journey from a life of materialism and doubt to profound faith, mirroring struggles many face today. A photo gallery accompanying the article pairs Augustine’s timeless insights with masterpieces of modern art, illustrating the enduring relevance of his teachings. (Aleteia)
February 5 Access to Braille Bibles remains a significant challenge for Zimbabwe’s 125,000 blind citizens, with costs reaching $600 per set. Advocates emphasize Braille as a tool for empowerment, but few churches or schools have full copies. While audio Bibles exist, many prefer the personal connection of reading. Stigma and limited resources often exclude the visually impaired from church life. (Religion Unplugged)
February 5 Prison Fellowship International (PFI) is transforming prison ministry with a targeted approach inspired by the Pareto Principle. By focusing on 20% of inmates, programs like The Prisoner’s Journey have led to significant cultural shifts, reduced violence, and lower re-offending rates in prisons worldwide. Participants report spiritual renewal and prison staff also note improved behavior. (Christian Today)
February 5 The Christian prayer app Hallow may face a ban in the EU due to strict regulations on religious apps, according to CEO Alex Jones. The EU’s Digital Services Act, which limits handling sensitive data like religious beliefs, is cited as a potential barrier. Hallow, downloaded over 22 million times globally, offers guided prayers and meditations. (Christian Today)
February 5 Pope Francis emphasized “unlimited availability” to God as the only logical response to His plans. Reflecting on Mary’s faith in the “God of the impossible” and her journey to serve Elizabeth, the Pope highlighted her selflessness and trust. Quoting theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar, he stressed that true faith requires total openness to God’s will. (Aleteia)
February 4 The three oldest preserved Bibles offer invaluable insights into the process of canonization. The Ge’ez Ethiopian Bible (330–350 AD) includes 81 books, including Enoch and Jubilees. Codex Sinaiticus (330–360), found in an Egyptian monastery, contains the earliest complete New Testament and other early Christian writings. And Codex Vaticanus (300–325), housed in the Vatican Library, is a meticulously crafted Greek manuscript. (Aleteia)
February 4 Faith-based travel is experiencing a significant resurgence, with the market projected to grow from $1.29 trillion in 2024 to $2.01 trillion by 2031. Pilgrimages and visits to sacred sites across all major religions are increasingly popular, with destinations like Notre Dame, the Camino de Santiago, and Mecca seeing record numbers of visitors, while new routes and virtual pilgrimages provide greater accessibility. (Religion Unplugged)
February 4 UK theological schools face a crisis, with half of Bible colleges predicted to close within two years due to declining enrollment, financial struggles, and societal secularization. Institutions are adapting with nontraditional models like online hubs, microcredentials, and bivocational training to attract students. Leaders see this as a chance to revitalize faith in the UK. (Christianity Today)
February 3 The self-improvement industry promises fulfillment through productivity hacks and external achievements, but Annie Eisner argues that true contentment comes only through Jesus. She critiques the church’s tendency to turn faith into another self-help plan and encourages Christians to live from a place of wholeness in Christ. (RELEVANT)
February 3 A 13th-century fresco in Ferrara, Italy, depicts an Islamic tent used in a medieval church, revealing cultural exchanges between Islam and Christianity. Historian Dr. Federica Gigante identified the artwork, which highlights the influence of Islamic art on European religious practices. (Jerusalem Post)
February 3 The word “church” originates from the Anglo-Saxon “chyrcan,” derived from the Greek “kyriakos” (house of the Lord), and translates the biblical “ekklesia,” meaning assembly. Initially referring to gatherings, it later encompassed buildings, services, and denominations. Over time, its meaning broadened, while some groups avoided the term entirely. Today, “church” reflects diverse uses. (Christian Today)
February 2 A silver amulet discovered in a Roman graveyard near Frankfurt, Germany, dating to AD 230–270, is the earliest Christian artifact found north of the Alps. The artifact underscores the faith’s rapid expansion and historical significance. Meanwhile, Jordan’s “Dawn of Christianity” exhibition in Rome showcases over 90 artifacts from 34 archaeological sites, narrating Christianity’s history in Jordan. (Jerusalem Post)
February 1 Born into slavery around 1798, Betsey Stockton became a pioneering missionary and educator. (The Gospel Coalition)
February 1 Bible sales and (some) Christian colleges are booming… but so is religious persecution. Churches helped out in the California fires, taught English to immigrants through Bible reading… and started getting taxed in Zimbabwe (and maybe Canada?). Open World celebrated 60 years and Anabaptism celebrated 500. Archaeologists uncovered ancient religious shrines and Medieval saints’ bones. Read the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of January!
