That's according to Google Analytics, which tracks web traffic. In fact, four of the Top 10 stories for 2012 were about Chick-fil-A. But the list also shows readers were interested in matters of doctrine and Bible history.
Following is the complete Top 10 list for 2012, with each slot accompanied by a brief description and a link to the original story:
1. "'Guilty as charged,' Cathy says of Chick-fil-A's stand on biblical & family values." In July Baptist Press re-posted a story from the Biblical Recorder newspaper that quickly put Chick-fil-A in the national spotlight -- and eventually led to hundreds of thousands flocking to the restaurant for Mike Huckabee's Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. It remains the most-read story in Baptist Press' history on the Internet. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38271
2. "Statement on Calvinism draws approval, criticism." In May a group of current and former Southern Baptist leaders signed a statement affirming what they called the "traditional Southern Baptist" understanding of the doctrine of salvation. It sparked a debate over what Southern Baptists believe on the issue and whether there is room for both sides in the convention. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37939
3. "Andy Stanley's stance on homosexuality questioned." In April and May megachurch pastor Andy Stanley was criticized for a sermon illustration involving a gay couple in which he labeled adultery, but not homosexuality, a sin. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37742
4. "Chick-fil-A's Christian ties stir college opposition." In March, before the Chick-fil-A media storm truly started, Baptist Press ran a story about opposition to Chick-fil-A restaurants on college campuses. The story spotlighted the student senate at Northeastern University which voted to end negotiations to bring the fast-food chain to campus. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37344
5. "Chick-fil-A, in nat'l media storm, swims against cultural tide." The nation began focusing on Chick-fil-A in July and August, and it quickly became obvious that the restaurant was different from businesses such as General Mills, Nabisco, JC Penney and Target, all four of which seemingly compete to appear the most supportive of gay marriage. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38301
6. "Q&A: A first-century fragment of Mark found?" In February, a New Testament professor said during a debate that a first-century fragment of Mark's Gospel may have been found. If true -- and confirmation could come in 2013 -- it would be the earliest-known fragment of the New Testament, placing it in the very century of Christ and the apostles. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37197
7. "As Titanic sank, he pleaded, 'believe in the Lord Jesus!'" The Titanic sank 100 years ago, and Baptist Press remembered the anniversary by posting a column by Douglas Mize recounting how one of the victims -- pastor John Harper -- pleaded with those onboard the ship to trust Christ before they perished. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37601
8. "Obama: Sin is what doesn't match 'my values.'" In the first few months of 2012, an interview President Obama conducted in 2004 about his faith got a second look after being re-posted on a popular website. It showed that on several major doctrinal issues -- including sin, heaven and the Gospel's exclusivity -- he steps outside historic Christianity. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37310
9. "Some Chick-fil-A news reports called 'distorted.'" With the nation focusing on Chick-fil-A in July, Biblical Recorder editor K. Allan Blume -- who wrote the story that started the storm -- said many of the media reports of his conversation with the company's president were "distorted." http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=38314
10. "T.D. Jakes says he has embraced doctrine of the Trinity." In January, Bishop T.D. Jakes said he has moved away from a "Oneness" view of the Godhead to embrace an orthodox definition of the Trinity -- and that some in the Oneness Pentecostal movement now consider him a heretic. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=37054
Michael Foust is 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) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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