3Nov19 Christian News Bulletin

GROWTH OF CHRISTIANITY
According to Christianheadlines.com, the 2019 Status of Global Christianity report shows there were 2.5 billion Christians in the world as of mid-2019—a major increase from the 1.98 billion Christians in 2000 and more than double the number of Christians (1.2 billion) in 1970. Christianity is growing worldwide at a rate of 1.27 percent each year and outpacing population growth (1.20 percent) — and is booming in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

CHRISTIANITY AND SCIENCE
In a recent debate on science and religion, Oxford professor Alister McGrath said that atheism was "hopelessly simplistic", while Christianity offered a more compelling framework within which to explore science. "I felt [atheism] was hopelessly simplistic, or at least the forms I knew. And I think what really drew me to Christianity was this deep sense that it offered me a bigger picture of things," he said. "A way of making sense of myself, of our world, and also providing conceptual space for science.”

'VEGGIE TALES' SERIES RETURNS
Eternity News reports that the animated VeggieTales series that entertained millions of kids and parents during the 1990s is returning to screens this December. Over the next three years, 18 new episodes of the Christian-based cartoon will be rolled out. The new series will kick off with The Best Christmas Gift, soon to be released on DVD and digital, accompanied by an album featuring six new songs from the episode.