Top Ten Christian Events of the Year

[Michael Patton]

From the Christian Post

1. Ted Haggard Speaks on Scandal for First Time

Two years after Ted Haggard stepped down from the top post at the National Association of Evangelicals amid a sex and drug scandal, the former evangelical leader spoke of his past struggles openly for the first time at a small church in Morrison, Ill. There, he revealed that a man sexually abused him as a child and that his dark past came back to haunt him in his adult life.

2. Thousands Pay Tribute to Christopher Laurie/Son of Evangelist Greg Laurie Dies in Accident

3. Palin-God Cartoon 'Despicable,' Says Pentecostal Leader

4. Top Hamas Leader’s Son Converts to Christianity

5. Christian Music Artist's Confession Shocks Believers

Christian Contemporary Music veteran Ray Boltz shocked fans when he revealed that he had given up his private struggle with homosexuality and came to terms with his same-sex desires. The award-winning singer/songwriter's announcement drew up a firestorm in the Christian blogosphere as many believers expressed disappointment in Boltz's decision to live "a normal gay life."

6. Myths Exposed on Charismatic Christianity in America

With the growth of charismatic Christianity in the United States, a Barna Group study set out to dispel myths about the movement that is typically associated with gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues. One of the major myths the study identified was charismatic churches strictly belonging to its own group of denominations when in reality, charismatic churches cross denominational boundaries.

7. Wicca Experts Encourage Christians to Engage America's 'Fastest-Growing' Religion

Marla Alupoaicei, one of the authors behind the book Generation Hex, warned Christians about Wicca, claiming it to be the fastest-growing religion in America. With most eyes monitoring Islam, Wicca is growing "under the radar," the author said. Alupoaicei hopes to educate Christians on the movement that is little-known and encourage believers to reach out to Wiccans, rather than avoid them.

8. Joel Osteen Maintains Homosexuality as Sin

While many Christians question the theology of Joel Osteen, pastor of the largest church in the country, he affirmed that he and the leaders at Lakewood Church believe homosexuality is sin. Osteen had met with Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, who made a failed attempt to convince Osteen, among other prominent pastors, to change his view on gays and lesbians.

9. Obama Suggests Jesus Christ Not the Only Way to Heaven

As then Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama's faith was under much scrutiny, a report by The Associated Press revealed that Obama does not believe in the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. The now president-elect said he believes non-Christians who live moral lives are also "children of God" and that his late mother, who was not a believer, is in heaven.

10. Outreach 100: Largest and Fastest-Growing Churches in America

Read full report here.

[Jason]

Interesting.

[JL Vaughn]

Funny, not one of those made my top ten.

[Lisa Robinson]

Wow, where have I been? I missed about half of these.