Leaders, especially those who are elected through a democratic process, usually reflect the spiritual and moral character of a nation. Those who obtain power through deception often come from cultures built on lies. The same holds true for materialistic or violent leaders.

Other times, God puts people in power to carry out his judgment. God referred to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar as "my deputy" ...

The film Amazing Grace chronicles William Wilberforce's (Ioan Gruffedd) efforts to end the British Transatlantic slave trade during his tenure in Parliament in the 19th century.

This scene depicts a dinner party held in Wilberforce's home, at which a group has gathered in an attempt to convince William to take up the challenge of political activism against the slave trade.

Wilberforce asks, "Mr. Equiano ...

"We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world."

—G. K. Chesterton

The movie The Great Raid is based on the true story of the largest mission to rescue American POWs in WWII. Over 500 American captives had been taken by the Japanese to the brutal Cabantuan camps in the Philippines. Lt. Colonel Mucci (played by Benjamin Bratt) led his battalion deep through enemy territory to set them free.

When Colonel Mucci and his troops finally sneak into view of the POW camp, ...

In an age of extraordinary people, Matteo Ricci was one of the most remarkable. Even today, if you ask a Chinese person to name a famous European from the past, they will as likely as not name Ricci.

He was a 16th-century Italian Jesuit scholar who arrived in Macao—a Portuguese possession on the border of China—in 1582. He hoped to work as a missionary in China. The mission was run by another ...

In December of 2005, Reverend Michael Eden threw out a challenge to the congregation of St. Peter and St. Mary's Church in Stowmarket, England. Repairs were needed for the church's 14th century structure, and Eden directed the congregants to the parable of the talents.

In an innovative twist, he gave each of the 90 parishioners 10 pounds (about $18) and instructed them to "go forth and multiply." Amazingly, ...

There are two sides to Allen Johnson. On the one hand, he is a conservative, evangelical Christian living in the mountains of West Virginia. On the other hand, he is an environmental activist and cofounder of Christians for the Mountains, a group of like-minded stewards that have demonstrated against coal companies and participated in Rainbow Family gatherings.

Does Allen see a contradiction between ...

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."

—Henry Ford (1863–1947)

Half-heartedness and mediocrity don't inspire anybody to do anything.

In any given situation, what you are determines what you see; what you see determines what you do.