7) CREATION MUSEUM OPENS, EXCEEDS ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS

Why it's Important: Ken Ham's Answers in Genesis ministry has created a state-of-the-art museum in northern Kentucky (near the Cincinnati airport) from which to study and teach how science jives with the biblical narrative. Even the museum's detractors - and there are many - admit the facility is impressive and the message consistent without being heavy-handed.

Begs the Question: When are you going? But seriously, can belief in God's Word being literal co-exist with what science tells us?

See 
Creation Museum Offers Every Visitor a Choice 
Fear and Loathing at the Creation Museum 
Creation Museum Passes 100,000 Mark

6) POLITICANS SHOW THEIR RELIGIOUS SIDES

Why it's Important: It became a leading issue as things geared up for the 2008 presidential elections. Democrats wanted it known that Republicans don't have a monopoly to run on a faith-and-values platform, so began sharing their stories of religious upbringing and belief. But is anyone buying? Republicans, meanwhile, haven't yet produced a candidate that all evangelical voters will rally around.

Begs the Question: Does it, and should it, matter? Which "Christian values" matter most: socially-responsible ones, or conservative ones? Are Christian values always preferable to having a seasoned politician? Will Christians support a Mormon candidate?

See
Missing the Point: 'God Talk' and Politics 
The Church-goer Vote 
Should a Candidate’s Religious Faith Matter?

5) PERSECUTION IN INDIA AT ALL-TIME LEVELS; ANTI-CONVERSION LAWS ESTABLISHED

Why it's Important: India is the world's second-most populous country (behind China), with 3.75 times more people than the United States packed into a geographical area a third the size. The country is mostly Hindu religiously, but with so many people, even a small percentage of Christians make up quite a substantial group. Lately, those Christians are not only being persecuted for their beliefs like never before, but are being restricted from sharing the gospel, with many Indian states adopting "anti-conversion" laws.

Begs the Question: Are things going to get better or worse for Indian Christians in 2008? Have human laws ever been ultimately successful at preventing the spread of the good news?

See
Persecution in India Called Worse than U.S. Report Indicates 
2007 Most Violent Ever for Christians in Modern India 
'Anti-Conversion' Law in Force in 4th State in India

4) CHRISTIAN POPULATION DISAPPEARING IN IRAQ, GAZA

Why it's Important: We're talking about some of the world's original Christian peoples in the Assyrians and Chaldeans of Iraq, and the Christians of the Gaza Strip. Their losses and emigrations have increased dramatically in just six months. Once they're gone, who then will represent Christ in those regions of the world?

Begs the Question: Have some things actually gotten worse in Iraq than they were under Saddam? What would a Middle East devoid of Christians look like?

See 
The Painful Death of Iraq's Christian Community
Life for Iraqi Christians: Better or Worse? 
Hamas 'Complicit in Persecution of Gaza Christians' 
Gaza's Forgotten Christians