Every year since Christianity began, our brothers have experienced persecution; we've encouraged each other through great tragedies, important leaders of the faith have been called home, and outsiders have challenged the veracity of our claims.

So what makes Crosswalk's list of the most important Religion News stories of 2007 any different? Well, nothing really, except that these are both the reminders that there's nothing new under the sun, as well as the sometimes-uncomfortable reality of what Christ has called us to. None of us will spend eternity on this earth (praise God we will do so with Him), but what do we do with the time He has placed us here?

Do we turn a blind eye to the suffering of our brothers in other countries? Or do we risk being taken hostage because we're so desperate to share the Gospel? Do we fear the advance of belief (or non-belief) systems that oppose us, or do we stand firm, creating institutions that defend the biblical account?

And what of our own 'account'? Will your Lord embrace you with the same fervor as the recently departed giants of Christianity? Why or why not?

These are the ten stories that got our editors thinking the most about the world-wide state of Christianity over the past year...

10) MOTHER TERESA'S LETTERS PUBLISHED, INDICATING POSSIBLE CRISIS OF FAITH

Why it's Important: Whether you're Catholic or not, the world's most recognizable, selfless "suffering servant" for the poor having her doubts about God is surprising, if not disturbing.

Begs the Question: Why go through all that if there's nobody up there in Heaven? Would it still be worth it? For Catholics, is her sainthood affected? Or is Mother Teresa still ministering comfort even in death as others with doubts feel they can relate?

See
Mother Teresa's Dark Night
A Suffering Servant: The Letters of Mother Teresa 
Pope on Mother Teresa: She Suffered from 'God's Silence'

9) ATHEISM IS IN

Why it's Important: Attacks on Christianity specifically and religion in general can make us feel uncomfortable at best, rejected at worst. But are there other opportunities here, such as taking the chance to learn how to defend our faith against fair questions?

Begs the Question: Can an intellectual accept biblical teachings on faith? How can Christians settle for themselves - and explain to others - that they aren't believing a lie, and that this truth is for all?

See
Militant Atheism Gives Rise to Christian Apologetics 
The Faith of Richard Dawkins 
Making Room for Atheism

8) HEROD'S TOMB DISCOVERED

Why it's Important: Anti-faith "findings" such as "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" and "The Gospel of Judas" receive much more media coverage, so it's always fun when archaeology supports the biblical account. As one of our readers commented: "Although I don't need archaeological evidence to 'prove' what I believe about Jesus Christ and the Word of God to me, finds such as Herod's tomb give credibility to my testimony of the Christ I follow."

Begs the Question: What else is out there that will be found to support what we already know is true? And will we use it to help skeptics to believe?

See
Discovery of Herod's Tomb Excites Jews & Christians 
Archeologists Find Tomb of King Herod the Great 
Update: Herod's Tomb Photos