Top 10 of 2025: A Year in Review

By: Brian Chilton, PhD | January 1, 2026

As we come to the close of another year and begin 2026, it’s time to reflect on the year of ministry at Bellator Christi and observe which articles were your favorites. This is a chance to hear from you, our readers, and to see the topics you found most interesting and compelling. For this article, we will examine the Top 10 articles read in 2025, note the Top 10 nations that viewed our material, and observe the Top 10 most-read articles that were written in 2025. Without further ado, let’s announce this year’s Top 10 lists!

Top 10 Articles of 2025

1. The Seven Archangels (Dr. Brian Chilton—5,814). This article names the seven angels that are typically observed as the seven archangels. Some of the named archangels are found in Scripture, some in the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, while others are found in early Christian tradition. Nonetheless, you, our readers, found this article so compelling that it made the #1 spot for the most-read article of the year. The Seven Archangels - Bellator Christi
2. New Evidence for the Authenticity of the Shroud of Turin (Dr. Brian Chilton—5,314). Last year’s most-read article dipped one position this year. It discusses the latest research that confirms the Shroud of Turin’s authenticity as Jesus’s burial shroud. New Evidence for the Authenticity of the Shroud of Turin - Bellator Christi
3. Four Levels of Demonic Influence (Dr. Brian Chilton—5,264). Dr. Chilton describes four levels of demonic influence in a person’s life. The work is issued as a warning against the enemy’s ploys. Four Levels of Demonic Influence - Bellator Christi
4. Family is Your First Ministry (Dr. Brian Chilton—1,739). This article is the all-time most-read article on Bellator Christi. While it has declined to fourth place this year, it remains a strongly read piece. Family is Your First Ministry - Bellator Christi
5. The Savior and the Sea: The Theological Meaning behind the Sea’s Absence in Revelation 21:1 (Dr. Brian Chilton—1,513). Dr. Chilton explores the biblical symbolism of the sea and explains why it is likely missing in the depiction of the New Heaven and New Earth. Does it mean that there is no ocean in heaven? Dr. Chilton doesn’t believe so. This article explains why. The Savior and the Sea: The Theological Meaning Behind the Sea's Absence in Revelation 21:1 - Bellator Christi
6. Why Did Paul Persecute the Christians (Dr. Michelle Johnson—1,501). The most popular article of our cherished and beloved colleague, Dr. Michelle Johnson, remains a strong article in 2025. While the article dips to 6^th place this year, it holds a strong place in viewership. Dr. Johnson explains the reasons why Paul persecuted the Christians in response to a viewer’s question. Why Did Paul Persecute the Christians? - Bellator Christi
7. Evidence for the Book of Esther (Tony Williams—1,161). Our investigative specialist, Tony Williams, puts his detective skills in action as he offers a good defense for the book of Esther. It’s a solid read. You, our viewers, agreed, as it holds a strong place in our Top 10 list. Evidence for the Book of Esther - Bellator Christi
8. 8 Reasons Why the Shroud of Turin Might be the Burial Cloth of Jesus (Dr. Brian Chilton—1,160). Interest in the Shroud of Turin continued for our readers in 2025. This article explores some of the most compelling reasons to accept the Shroud of Turin as the authentic burial cloth of Jesus. 8 Reasons Why the Shroud of Turin Might Be the Burial Cloth of Jesus - Bellator Christi
9. Family Matters (Tony Williams—1,026). Our detective is back at it. He offers some compelling reasons why the family unit should matter to us all. Family Matters - Bellator Christi
10. The Crimson Worm (Curtis Evelo—1,000). Curtis Evelo, a former cohost of the Bellator Christi Podcast, a good friend, and colleague, made this year’s Top 10 list once again. His article “The Crimson Worm” continues to be his most-read article on Bellator Christi. The Cowboy Apologist offers details about an oft-forgotten detail and symbol, connecting the crimson worm to Jesus’s crucifixion and the Temple. The Crimson Worm - Bellator Christi

Top 10 Nations of 2025

At Bellator Christi, we are blessed to reach numerous nations for the cause of Christ. In 2025, we reached every nation in the world, except for 14 nations that were primarily located in central Africa. That is a blessing that we don’t take lightly. The following lists the top 10 nations that accessed our resources in 2025.

1. United States (=)
2. Philippines (=)
3. United Kingdom (+1)
4. Canada (+1)
5. Australia (+1)
6. India (+1)
7. Nigeria (-4)
8. Indonesia (+1)
9. South Africa (+1)
10. Brazil (-2)

Top 10 New Articles of 2025

1. Epiphany: The Magi and Why They Matter (Dr. Leo Percer—350). Dr. Leo Percer’s article on the epiphany topped this year’s most-read newest contributions with the first article published in 2025. Dr. Percer examines the tradition of epiphany and describes why the story of the magi’s visit to the Christ child is important to remember. Epiphany: The Magi and Why They Matter - Bellator Christi
2. The Probability of God’s Existence According to AI (Dr. Brian Chilton—335). 2025 will likely be known for the mass popularity of AI apps, particularly ChatGPT. Using ChatGPT, Dr. Brian Chilton calculated the probability of God’s existence with an unbiased set of criteria and Bayes’ Theorem. The results were nothing short of spectacular. Just how strong is the probability that God exists? Check out the article to see for yourself. The Probability of God’s Existence According to AI - Bellator Christi
3. Did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Really Exist? (Dr. Daniel Sloan—333). Dr. Daniel Sloan does a historical deep dive into the existence of the three major patriarchs. Did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob really live? Dr. Sloan thinks so, and he offers some compelling reasons why. Did Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Really Exist? - Bellator Christi
4. Virtue Ethics: Building Strong Foundations for a Flourishing Life (Dr. Thomas McCuddy—238). Dr. Thomas McCuddy is one of our newest members to the Bellator Christi team. He writes on the importance of virtue ethics and argues that biblical virtues build moral foundations that lead to a better and more flourishing life. This is a must-read, especially in a culture that seems to fall deeper into vices than virtues. {{ Virtue Ethics: Building Strong Foundations for a Flourishing Life }} - Bellator Christi
5. Is Jesus God? (Dr. Deann Huff—131). Dr. Deanna Huff wrote a compelling piece on the deity of Jesus using archaeology and biblical data. She describes a mosaic that was found in Israel that dates to 230 AD and offers a clear depiction of the early church’s belief in the divine nature of Jesus. If you like archaeological studies, you will love this piece by Dr. Huff. Is Jesus God? - Bellator Christi
6. Latest Research that Confirms the Resurrection (Dr. Brian Chilton—130). Using the latest data from researchers investigating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Shroud of Turin, Dr. Chilton makes a case for the resurrection of Jesus drawn from the latest findings. If you’re interested in archaeology, the Shroud of Turin, and the resurrection of Jesus, you might find this article fascinating. Latest Research that Further Confirms the Resurrection of Jesus - Bellator Christi
7. In Defense of the Flood (Tony Williams—129). Our detective was back at it again this year, delving into an investigation to defend the biblical flood. Tony makes a compelling case for the flood. Did the flood happen? Be sure to read Tony’s article and decide for yourself. In Defense of the Flood - Bellator Christi
8. What is Christian Fasting? (Dr. Sherene Khouri—121). Dr. Sherene Khouri investigates the concept of fasting. Fasting is not a popular spiritual discipline these days. However, Dr. Khouri shows the benefit that fasting can bring. You may be convinced to add fasting to your list of New Year’s goals and resolutions. What Is Christian Fasting? - Bellator Christi
9. (Tied) My Dear Apologist: Please, Be Kind (Dr. TJ Gentry—99). Former Bellator Christi contributor and Executive Vice President Dr. T. J. Gentry exhorts apologists to be kind in their interactions with others. Given the toxicity of online discourse, Dr. Gentry’s is a must-read for budding and experienced apologists alike. Dr. Gentry’s exhortation tied for ninth place this year. My Dear Apologist: Please, Be Kind. - Bellator Christi    (Tied) The Three Apologetic Safeguards of Irenaeus (Tom Knoff—92). Experienced educator and Bellator Christi contributor Tom Knoff uses Irenaeus as a template to create three safeguards to proclaim Christian truth and to defend against heresies. With the mounting infiltration of non-Christian and heterodoxical teachings into popular Christian theology, Knoff’s article is needed more than ever. The Three Apostolic Safeguards of Irenaeus: A Timeless Guide for Exposing Heresy and Defending Christian Truth - Bellator Christi
10. Myth of Fact (Dr. Deanna Huff—92). During her time working for the Museum of the Bible, Dr. Deanna Huff had the opportunity to walk through a C. S. Lewis exhibit. Dr. Huff reflects on Lewis’s journey from doubt to faith and draws modern applications. Be sure to check out this gem for yourself. The Three Apostolic Safeguards of Irenaeus: A Timeless Guide for Exposing Heresy and Defending Christian Truth - Bellator Christi

Well, there you have it. Our contributors and I would like to thank you for taking the time to read our articles at Bellator Christi. Your support is greatly appreciated. If you would like to help us, the best way to help is to help us spread the word about our ministry. Bellator Christi has been in operation since 2012. For over 13 years, we remain committed to taking up the sword of theology by proclaiming Christian theology and taking up the sword of apologetics by defending Christian truth. 2025 has been a great year. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in 2026. Our hope is that you will join us on this incredible journey.

About the Author

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

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