Charisma (magazine)

History

The magazine was founded in 1975 as the members' magazine of Calvary Assembly of God in Winter Park, Florida, with Stephen Strang as publisher. In 1981, Strang bought the magazine for $25,000 and broadened its mission to serve the charismatic movement at large. The first year proved to be difficult, with a $100,000 loss, but the magazine later emerged as the "main magazine of the Christian charismatic movement". Strang continues to run the magazine today through his company, Charisma Media (formerly Strang Communications).

In 1986, Charisma merged with Robert Walker's Christian Life magazine, which had been established in 1948, and Christian Life moved from Du Page County to Charisma's base in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The merger, after which Walker served as a mentor to Strang, was described "a step towards bridging the gap between evangelical and charismatic Christians." Charisma became Charisma + Christian Life, and served as the flagship for Strang's organization. The magazine continued to grow over the subsequent years, and by 1997 it had a circulation of 250,000. With the growth of the magazine and Strang Communications, Strang's influence grew as well, to the point where he was listed by Time in 2005 as one of "The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America".

The content of the magazine is a mixture of news, interviews, "Christian living" features, Bible teaching, and essays by columnists. Regular columnists include Joyce Meyer and Don Colbert.

Controversy

Charisma News has drawn criticism for politically charged articles. One article called for violence against Arabs and Muslims on biblical grounds, and was taken down after criticism. Another article claimed that Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is "deserving of death" for being gay.

Publishing

Charisma House, a sister to Charisma magazine, publishes books by authors such as Jonathan Cahn (under the Frontline imprint), Jentezen Franklin, John Bevere, Don Colbert, and John Eckhardt.

References

References

1. "''Charisma'' media kit, 2009".
2. (October 25, 2022). "The Desecrations of Michael Flynn". The Atlantic.
3. (August 23, 2022). "The Right-Wing Christian Sect Plotting a Political Takeover". The New Republic.
4. James D. Davis. (August 17, 2000). "25 Years Reporting 'What God is Doing'". Sun Sentinel.
5. Buursma, Bruce. (August 15, 1986). "Magazine gets new home, revitalized approach to youth". Chicago Tribune.
6. Kates, Joan Giangrasse. (March 14, 2008). "Robert Walker: 1912 - 2008 - Trailblazing Christian journalist - Magazine founder guided by spirituality". Chicago Tribune.
7. Lawson-Young, Liz. (17 March 2008). "Robert Walker: Beyond Paper and Ink". Christianity Today.
8. Warren, Mindy. (April 12, 1997). "Spreading the gospel - Couple believe time is right for African-American Christian magazine". Arlington Morning News.
9. (2005). "Stephen Strang".
10. "Columnist Bio". Charisma.
11. "Why right-wing Christians are actively promoting genocide". Salon.
12. (8 September 2014). "Christian News Site Publishes Op-Ed Calling For Violence Against Muslims".
13. (28 July 2016). "Anti-Islam Discourse in the United States in the Decade after 9/11: The Role of Social Conservatives and Cultural Politics". Journal of Ecumenical Studies.
14. "TOP EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN WEBSITE SAYS PETE BUTTGIEG'S HOMOSEXUALITY MAKES HIM 'DESERVING OF DEATH'". Newsweek.
15. (15 February 2020). "Pete Buttigieg 'deserving of death' for being gay, says top evangelical Christian website". [[The Independent]].
16. "About Us".