Below are this week's Articles of Interest as compiled by Mr. Van Baker. This collection of articles is cultivated by Mr. Baker with the goal of highlighting some of the trends, upheavals, and things to watch for in our society. These articles are not necessarily the express views of the United Church of God, Mr. Baker, or me as the pastor, but they are informative of what is occurring in our nation and culture. In accordance with Christ's warning to correctly discern the times (Matthew 16:1-4), it is wise to be aware of what is going on around us. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For First Time in Decades, Men Lead Women in Church Attendance – “Patterns in church participation showed a reversal over the past 25 years in attendance where women led the household in spiritual growth and church activity. Now, research tells a different story where more men, 43 percent, and fewer women, 36 percent, reported attending church on a weekly basis,” according to Amanda Hughes on HillFaith.com.
https://www.hillfaith.org/culture/something-to-think-about-for-first-time-in-decades-men-lead-women-in-church-attendance/

‘Christianophobia’ resurfaces in Europe as attacks rise against Christians – The term “Christianophobia” has returned to the forefront of public debate in Europe, fueled by a growing number of incidents targeting churches, religious symbols, and believers. While the word recalls wounds long familiar to the continent, its resurgence signals a fresh challenge to the Christian presence in public life.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/266923/christianophobia-resurfaces-in-europe-as-attacks-rise-against-christians

Nearly Quarter Of US Adults Claim Bible ‘Just Another Book’ – Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults think the Bible is “just another book of teachings written by people,” the American Bible Society (ABS) said in its latest release from the 2025 State of the Bible. More people are skeptical of the Bible’s teachings than those who think the Bible is “totally accurate in all the principles it presents,” ABS said Oct. 14 in releasing the study’s seventh chapter focused on trust.
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/10/15/nearly-quarter-of-us-adults-claim-bible-just-another-book

Here are the countries where it's hardest to access the Bible – 33 countries have 'extreme' or 'severe' restrictions on the Bible
https://www.christianpost.com/news/33-countries-have-extreme-or-severe-restrictions-on-the-bible.html

Bible translation accelerates as millions receive Scripture in their own language – The global movement to make the Bible available in every language is gaining remarkable momentum, with new figures showing historic progress in translation efforts.
https://www.christiantoday.com/news/bible-translation-accelerates-as-millions-receive-scripture-in-their-own-language

30+ Christians Beheaded in Mozambique as Radical Islamic Terrorism Runs Rampant in Parts of Africa – More than 30 Christians have been beheaded at the hands of Islamic State terrorists in Mozambique, according to a report. The Islamic State Mozambique Province, or ISMP, announced that they destroyed at least seven churches, committed acts of arson against Christians and village civilians, and shot and beheaded more than two dozen people in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces in the northern area of Mozambique.
https://cbn.com/news/world/30-christians-beheaded-mozambique-radical-islamic-terrorism-runs-rampant-parts-africa

Euthanasia Organ Harvesting in Canada 'Surges' – More recent amendments to MAID [Medical Assistance In Dying] expanded "eligibility" to pretty much anyone who wants it. The trick for some medical professionals is convincing people. "You could die so that others could live" is a compelling case for some of Canada's most vulnerable who are not suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical condition.
https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2025/10/06/maid-in-canada-euthanasia-organ-harvesting-surges-n4944512

Sarah Mullally becomes first ever female Archbishop of Canterbury – Dame Sarah Mullally has told of her joy in making history as the first woman to be named Archbishop of Canterbury while paying tribute to those who paved the way for the moment. The former chief nursing officer for England also acknowledged the challenges ahead as the first female to be top bishop in the Church of England due to the “legacy of deep harm and mistrust” she said existed following past safeguarding failures. Dame Sarah [who is pro-choice] is now Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, ahead of a legal ceremony that will confirm her position as the Church’s top bishop.
https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/sarah-mullally-archbishop-canterbury-welby-church-of-england-b2838605.html

The House of Peter: The Home of Jesus in Capernaum? – Italian excavators working in Capernaum may have actually uncovered the remnants of the humble house of Peter that Jesus called home while in Capernaum.
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-sites-places/biblical-archaeology-sites/the-house-of-peter-the-home-of-jesus-in-capernaum/

15,000 churches could close this year amid religious shift in U.S. – The U.S. could see an unprecedented 15,000 churches shut their doors this year, far more than the few thousand expected to open, according to denominational reports and church consultants. Why it matters: The unprecedented contraction, expected to continue over the next decade, risks leaving gaps in communities nationwide — particularly rural ones, where churches often are crucial providers of food aid, child care and disaster relief. [rest of article requires signing up for free subscription]
https://www.axios.com/2025/10/03/us-churches-close-religious-shift-christians

Cosmic Rays Reveal Hidden Chambers Beneath Ancient Jerusalem – Israeli researchers have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in archaeology, utilizing cosmic rays to detect hidden chambers beneath Jerusalem without disturbing the ground, a development that showcases the country’s growing leadership in cutting-edge archaeological innovation. The technology was successfully tested at the City of David archaeological site, located just outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls, specifically at Jeremiah’s Cistern.
https://israel365news.com/412785/breakthrough-tech-cosmic-rays-reveal-hidden-chambers-beneath-ancient-jerusalem/

Europeans [among others] ditching alcohol for taste and health reasons – Younger Europeans are drinking less alcohol because of the way it tastes and concern over their health, a market research firm said on Tuesday, suggesting slow sales are a result of changing preferences rather than just a financial squeeze. Alcohol sales have been falling in developed countries in recent years, prompting debate over what has driven the declines. Some executives argue it is mostly a result of cyclical financial pressure on consumers, which means sales should bounce back when times get better. But others say the shift is a sign of changing preferences, which could be harder to reverse. Circana, a U.S. market research company, said its survey pointed to a generational shift in Europe, where it found 71% of consumers were buying or consuming less alcohol, and almost one in four 25-35-year-olds had ditched alcoholic drinks altogether.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/europeans-ditching-alcohol-taste-health-090249590.html