6. Thousands of Christians in Iraq and India displaced by persecution
The mass exodus of Christians from Mosul, Iraq, skyrocketed after two weeks of murders in October. Almost half of Christians in the area fled for Turkey, Syria or the West, abandoning one of the world’s oldest Christians communities. Meanwhile, in India, Christians became scapegoats for Hindu extremists after their leader was murdered by Maoists in August. Continuing violence has killed as many as 500, destroyed at least 117 churches, and displaced tens of thousands now living in refugee camps or the jungle.
Read more:
India's Campaign to Eliminate Christians
India: A Timeline of Persecution
No Respect for Iraq's Oldest Community

7. Double disasters in Burma and China present huge challenges to relief workers
Cyclone Nargis claimed an estimated 150,000 lives when it hit Burma in early May. Ten days later, a massive earthquake in Sichuan province of China killed 87,000, many of them only children under China’s one-child policy. Burma’s junta turned away literally tons of aid from the U.S. government and hampered outside relief efforts even in hard-hit Irrawaddy Delta region. China, trying to avoid any more bad publicity before the Olympics, welcomed in relief workers and gave journalists a comparatively free rein.
Read more:
Myanmar Cyclone: Relief Assessment Begins
Aid Reaches China Earthquake Victims

8. Fallout continues after the passage of California’s Proposition 8
Proposition 8 may have toppled the might and money of Hollywood, but retribution from Prop 8 opponents rages on. Protestant and Mormon churches largely responsible for the motion’s success have found themselves targeted by angry mobs and riots. Lawsuits against the voter-approved amendment have swiftly followed. The motion has passed, but the literal fight on the gay marriage issue isn’t over yet.
Read more:
So Much for Tolerance: The Aftermath of Prop 8
Jack Black, Jesus and Proposition 8

9. Jeremiah Wright controversy garners national attention for black liberation theology
Obama’s long relationship with mentor Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who infamously proclaimed “God d*** America,” highlighted the prevalence of a social/political gospel in the African American mega-church. Although Obama eventually divorced himself from Wright and Trinity Church because of the surrounding controversy, America got an insider’s view of a theology which celebrates black empowerment – and revolution – over a still-oppressive government.
Read more:
Obama, Rev. Wright, and a Dubious Political Theology
Is Jeremiah Wright Mainstream?

10. Christian film "Fireproof" makes a highly successful run in theaters
The third film from the media arm of a Sherwood Baptist George in Georgia, “Fireproof” proved that Christian-themed films can hold their own with American families. The film won the number 4 spot at the box office its opening weekend, and beat out the opening of "Religulous" the following weekend. Critics dismissed the film, but "Fireproof" stayed in the top 10 for three weeks.
Read more:
Fireproof Befuddles Many Critics