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February 2025 Bible News Roundup

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Here it is, your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of February 2025 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.

Updated regularly throughout the month.

Week of February 9

  • February 10 — Pop quiz: which animal is mentioned more than any other in the Bible? The answer is the humble sheep. Researchers believe the sheep was first domesticated in the Cappadocian region of Turkey some 8,000 years BC. By Biblical times they were used for food, textiles, paper (including Torah scrolls), sacrifices, and more. So important were they to daily life that gods and kings were often referred to as shepherds. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
  • February 10 — Larry Sanger, who co-founded Wikipedia in 2001 and spent 35 years as a non-believer and skeptic, publicly confessed his Christian faith on his blog. The lengthy post details his Lutheran upbringing, loss of faith, systematic questioning, return to the Bible, and “quiet and uncomfortable” conversion back to Christianity. (Christian Today)
  • February 9 — A man suffering from “serious mental health issues” vandalized the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, throwing candelabras to the ground and attempting to remove the altar cloth. Security quickly restrained and handed him over to Italian authorities. The basilica, a major pilgrimage site that has already seen over 1.3 million visitors this year, was previously attacked in a protest in June 2024 and a knife threat in 2019. (Aleteia)

Week of February 2

  • February 7 — A Stewardship report shows regular churchgoers in Britain donate nearly five times more to charity than the average person. Committed Christians, defined as those attending church and reading the Bible weekly, are especially generous, with younger Christians leading in giving. The study links faith, trust in Christian organizations, and generosity. (Christian Today)
  • February 7 — Tyler Staton, pastor and author, explores how Millennials and Gen Z are rediscovering the Holy Spirit. Many younger Christians seek authentic, experiential faith rather than intellectual arguments. Staton critiques extremes in how the Spirit is viewed—either ignored or sensationalized—and emphasizes the Spirit’s role in daily life, not just dramatic moments. (Relevant Magazine)
  • February 7 — The Super Bowl, with its rituals and traditions, is likened to a quasi-religious event by scholars. Some criticize the event for promoting values contrary to Christianity, but fans and churches alike embrace the game as a cultural moment, blending faith and football. Sociologist Matthew Vos critiques its contradictions but acknowledges its cultural significance. (Religion Unplugged)
  • February 6 — For the first time in 750 years, forensic science has reconstructed the face of St. Thomas Aquinas, offering a glimpse of the influential theologian. Using partial remains of his skull, researchers created a digital bust, revealing a “humble” face that reflects his character. Aquinas’ teachings, including his Summa Theologica, continue to shape Christian theology and philosophy. (Christian Today)
  • February 6 — St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) offers wisdom that resonates deeply with today’s challenges. His Confessions chronicles a journey from a life of materialism and doubt to profound faith, mirroring struggles many face today. A photo gallery accompanying the article pairs Augustine’s timeless insights with masterpieces of modern art, illustrating the enduring relevance of his teachings. (Aleteia)
  • February 5 — Access to Braille Bibles remains a significant challenge for Zimbabwe’s 125,000 blind citizens, with costs reaching $600 per set. Advocates emphasize Braille as a tool for empowerment, but few churches or schools have full copies. While audio Bibles exist, many prefer the personal connection of reading. Stigma and limited resources often exclude the visually impaired from church life. (Religion Unplugged)
  • February 5 — Prison Fellowship International (PFI) is transforming prison ministry with a targeted approach inspired by the Pareto Principle. By focusing on 20% of inmates, programs like The Prisoner’s Journey have led to significant cultural shifts, reduced violence, and lower re-offending rates in prisons worldwide. Participants report spiritual renewal and prison staff also note improved behavior. (Christian Today)
  • February 5 — The Christian prayer app Hallow may face a ban in the EU due to strict regulations on religious apps, according to CEO Alex Jones. The EU’s Digital Services Act, which limits handling sensitive data like religious beliefs, is cited as a potential barrier. Hallow, downloaded over 22 million times globally, offers guided prayers and meditations. (Christian Today)
  • February 5 — Pope Francis emphasized “unlimited availability” to God as the only logical response to His plans. Reflecting on Mary’s faith in the “God of the impossible” and her journey to serve Elizabeth, the Pope highlighted her selflessness and trust. Quoting theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar, he stressed that true faith requires total openness to God’s will. (Aleteia)
  • February 4 — The three oldest preserved Bibles offer invaluable insights into the process of canonization. The Ge’ez Ethiopian Bible (330–350 AD) includes 81 books, including Enoch and Jubilees. Codex Sinaiticus (330–360), found in an Egyptian monastery, contains the earliest complete New Testament and other early Christian writings. And Codex Vaticanus (300–325), housed in the Vatican Library, is a meticulously crafted Greek manuscript. (Aleteia)
  • February 4 — Faith-based travel is experiencing a significant resurgence, with the market projected to grow from $1.29 trillion in 2024 to $2.01 trillion by 2031. Pilgrimages and visits to sacred sites across all major religions are increasingly popular, with destinations like Notre Dame, the Camino de Santiago, and Mecca seeing record numbers of visitors, while new routes and virtual pilgrimages provide greater accessibility. (Religion Unplugged)
  • February 4 — UK theological schools face a crisis, with half of Bible colleges predicted to close within two years due to declining enrollment, financial struggles, and societal secularization. Institutions are adapting with nontraditional models like online hubs, microcredentials, and bivocational training to attract students. Leaders see this as a chance to revitalize faith in the UK. (Christianity Today)
  • February 3 — The self-improvement industry promises fulfillment through productivity hacks and external achievements, but Annie Eisner argues that true contentment comes only through Jesus. She critiques the church’s tendency to turn faith into another self-help plan and encourages Christians to live from a place of wholeness in Christ. (RELEVANT)
  • February 3 — A 13th-century fresco in Ferrara, Italy, depicts an Islamic tent used in a medieval church, revealing cultural exchanges between Islam and Christianity. Historian Dr. Federica Gigante identified the artwork, which highlights the influence of Islamic art on European religious practices. (Jerusalem Post)
  • February 3 — The word “church” originates from the Anglo-Saxon “chyrcan,” derived from the Greek “kyriakos” (house of the Lord), and translates the biblical “ekklesia,” meaning assembly. Initially referring to gatherings, it later encompassed buildings, services, and denominations. Over time, its meaning broadened, while some groups avoided the term entirely. Today, “church” reflects diverse uses. (Christian Today)
  • February 2 — A silver amulet discovered in a Roman graveyard near Frankfurt, Germany, dating to AD 230–270, is the earliest Christian artifact found north of the Alps. The artifact underscores the faith’s rapid expansion and historical significance. Meanwhile, Jordan’s “Dawn of Christianity” exhibition in Rome showcases over 90 artifacts from 34 archaeological sites, narrating Christianity’s history in Jordan. (Jerusalem Post)
  • February 1 — Born into slavery around 1798, Betsey Stockton became a pioneering missionary and educator. (The Gospel Coalition)
  • February 1 — Bible sales and (some) Christian colleges are booming… but so is religious persecution. Churches helped out in the California fires, taught English to immigrants through Bible reading… and started getting taxed in Zimbabwe (and maybe Canada?). Open World celebrated 60 years and Anabaptism celebrated 500. Archaeologists uncovered ancient religious shrines and Medieval saints’ bones. Read the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of January!

View news archives here.

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