Trusted and Triangulated News and Analysis

 I'm not sure how many people need to hear this, but churches are struggling to meet their financial needs.   Approximately 5% of all American adults and 10–25% of regular churchgoers tithe a full 10% of their income.  When Church attendance goes down so does.... Multiple sources, incluing reports from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (Indiana University), Giving USA (annual benchmark), Philanthropy Roundtable, and others, show consistent patterns: Religious people give more overall: Households with religious affiliation donate significantly more annually (e.g., averages around $1,590 vs. $695 for non-religious, per Lilly School data). Practicing Christians (those attending services monthly and viewing faith as very important) are 40% more likely to donate than non-Christians, and churchgoers are 75% more likely than non-attendees (American Bible Society / State of the Bible studies). Regular worship attenders give about 4x more annually ($2,935 vs. $704 for n...

  The Rise of LifeWise Academy: The Rise of LifeWise Academy: Transforming Public Education Through Faith-Based Instruction In an era where public schools face ongoing challenges—from attendance struggles to behavioral concerns—one innovative program is quietly reshaping the landscape by bringing Bible-based character education directly into students' school weeks. LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit launched in 2018, uses the established legal framework of "released time religious instruction" to deliver off-site Bible classes during the school day. What started as a small effort in a few Ohio districts has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, now reaching nearly 100,000 students across 34 states in the 2025-26 school year. This remarkable expansion highlights its surging popularity and its potential to foster positive change in young lives. The story begins with founder Joel Penton, a former Ohio State University defensive lineman who played under coach Jim Tressel. Drawing in...

 A biblical worldview—rooted in a commitment to Scripture as the authoritative guide for life, including marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman—correlates with measurable benefits in joy, marital longevity, and broader well-being, according to numerous social science studies. While not every religious person or Christian experiences these outcomes perfectly (human imperfection applies universally), research consistently shows that active adherence to such principles, particularly through regular religious practice like church attendance and shared faith in marriage, tends to enhance these dimensions of life more than secular or nominal approaches. Greater Marital Stability and Longevity One of the clearest patterns emerges in divorce rates. Frequent religious service attendance is linked to substantially lower divorce risk. For instance, Harvard researchers found that individuals attending services more than once per week had about a **50% lower likel...

The Goat, G.O.A.T., and Baphomet: Intersections of Symbolism in Modern Culture The acronym **G.O.A.T.**—standing for "Greatest of All Time"—has become a ubiquitous expression of admiration in sports, music, and popular culture. Athletes, entertainers, and fans alike proudly declare someone the "G.O.A.T.," often accompanied by goat emojis or imagery. Yet, for some observers, particularly within certain Christian and conspiracy-oriented circles, this celebration of the "goat" carries unsettling symbolic weight when viewed alongside the historical and occult figure of **Baphomet**, a goat-headed entity long associated with Satanism, duality, and esoteric traditions. This article examines the origins and research surrounding Baphomet and goat symbolism, their presence in media, cults, everyday iconography such as truck decals, and the perspective of Christian commentator Joe Schimmel on the cultural implications of calling oneself the "G.O.A.T." Hist...

The Enduring Benefits of Christianity to Global History and Human Freedom Christianity, one of the world's oldest and most influential religions, has profoundly shaped human civilization over two millennia. Emerging from the teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD, it has not only provided spiritual guidance to billions but also contributed significantly to societal progress, ethical frameworks, and the advancement of freedom. This article explores Christianity's historical benefits and its role in fostering liberty, drawing on key examples from history. Historically, Christianity has been a catalyst for education and intellectual development. In the Middle Ages, monastic orders preserved classical knowledge through scriptoria, copying ancient texts that might otherwise have been lost. The establishment of universities, such as Bologna (1088), Oxford (1096), and Cambridge (1209), was often driven by Christian institutions seeking to educate clergy and laity alike. This ...

 In an era often characterized by secularization and declining religious affiliation in the Western world, Christianity is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in some of the most unexpected locations globally. While headlines frequently highlight church closures in Europe and North America, the faith is expanding rapidly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, China, and Iran, driven by a combination of demographic shifts, cultural disillusionments, and innovative outreach methods. This growth not only defies common narratives but also reshapes the global religious landscape, with projections indicating that by 2050, nearly 78% of all Christians will reside in the Global South. This article explores the where, why, and how of this rebound, drawing on recent data and trends from 2025-2026. Where Christianity is Rebounding The epicenter of Christian growth has shifted dramatically from the traditional strongholds in Europe and North America to the Global South. Sub-Saharan Africa stands...