That's according to Google Analytics, which tracks web traffic. Google also showed that readers were particularly interested in the controversy over pastor Rob Bell's book, with three stories about Bell making the Top 10.
Following is the complete Top 10 list for 2011, with each story accompanied by a brief description:
1. "FIRST-PERSON (Glenn Stanton): The Christian divorce rate myth (what you've heard is wrong)." During February, Glenn Stanton of Focus on the Family wrote a column challenging the notion that the Christian divorce rate is roughly the same as the world's divorce rate. It's a myth, he said, and "it's not even close" to being true. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34656
2. "Hard-hitting Rob Bell interview goes viral." This Baptist Press story from March reported on an interview with controversial pastor Rob Bell conducted by MSNBC's Martin Bashir. Bashir asked Bell a series of tough questions that many orthodox Christians thought had been left unanswered. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34851
3. "HOMESCHOOLING: Prosecution is waged abroad; troubling trends abound in U.S." This story from February reported on the growth of homeschooling and a "marked increase" in the scrutiny that parents and students face when they choose to pursue an education at home. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34699
4. "Chick-fil-A stands firm during gay clamor, gains support." A decision in January by a Pennsylvania Chick-fil-A restaurant to donate food to a pro-biblical marriage seminar sparked controversy in the homosexual community and caused a university to pull the franchise's food. The company, though, refused to back down, and customers showed their support. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34564
5. "Despite May 21 prediction, no one knows 'the day or hour,' scholars say." The end-of-the-world prediction by Harold Camping drew secular attention, and Baptist scholars responded with a firm biblical critique. The scholars said that the prediction did not square with the biblical teaching that says no one knows when Christ is returning. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35349
6. "Rob Bell book 'Love Wins' stirs controversy, denies core Christian beliefs." The March release of Rob Bells' book "Love Wins" caused controversy within the Christian community for its denial of hell and affirmation of universalism. Bell said he had not written anything unbiblical, but evangelical scholars disagreed. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34843
7. "Gay leaders meet with SBC president." A coalition of homosexual leaders and their allies met for more than 30 minutes with Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright in June, with the leaders demanding an apology from the SBC. Wright refused to budge, saying that Scripture is clear on calling homosexuality a sin. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35556
8. "FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Clarifying what is at stake." In September Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. found himself in an ongoing debate over whether Adam and Eve were real historical people. Mohler argued that a rejection of a historical Adam and Even leads to a "denial of the biblical doctrine of the Fall" and a "very different way of telling the story of the Bible and the meaning of the Gospel." http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=36110
9. "Daytona winner is an outspoken Christian." During February the racing world -- and those outside of it -- learned about Trevor Bayne, a Christian driver who at 23 became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest race. Bayne often uses social media like Twitter to talk about his faith. He attends a Southern Baptist church when home. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34693
10. "Rob Bell: what SBC leaders are saying." Rob Bell's book, "Love Wins," comprised three spots in Baptist Press' Top 10 list, including this story that sampled what Southern Baptist leaders were saying about it. All of them said Bell had denied key doctrines essential to the Christian faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34844
Compiled by Michael Foust, associate editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
Copyright (c) 2011 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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