Mark Woods

• Day one, year zero: October 23, 4004 BC

  How old is the universe? Scientists say it's around 14 billion years; young-earth creationists, perhaps around 10,000 years.

• Yes, 'Gunpowder' is violent – that's what happens when religion goes bad

  Judging by the first episode, the BBC's Gunpowder offers plenty of dramatic bang for the licence-payer's buck.

• Free speech on campus – so why not in church?

  Some things become unsayable. Whether it's questions about sexuality, or doctrine, or church customs and traditions, or biblical interpretation: there are places we just don't go.

• What should churches do about Hallowe'en?

  Many churches will want to celebrate Hallowe'en next week – but in a way that doesn't deny the traditional darkness, but redeems it.

• Why evangelicals have a lot to learn from Pope Francis about evangelism

  Francis has become well known for unbuttoning during flights home from foreign trips, when his off-the-cuff comments are frequently newsworthy.

• Is Charles Darwin's house haunted?

  English Heritage has released a list of its 10 spookiest sites, voted for by members of staff across its more than 400 castles, abbeys and other historical buildings.

• From Zoar to Moriah: 6 church names with a biblical meaning

  There's one corner of these islands where the naming of churches was once practised as a fine art.

• Why does Mike Pence continue to serve a President who mocks his beliefs?

  The revelation that President Donald Trump mocks the religious beliefs of his vice-president Mike Pence shouldn't really have surprised anyone.

• Martin Luther: How the great Reformer shaped the modern world

  Was Martin Luther likeable? Peter Stanford thinks so, and – given that the great Reformer has been dead nearly 500 years – he ought to know.

• Living Without The Gods: Is Britain done with religion?

  'Living With The Gods' will trace 40,000 years of believing and belonging.

• What the Church can learn from Harvey Weinstein

  The list of women claiming they were harassed and assaulted by film mogul Harvey Weinstein grows ever longer.

• How Christians can disagree – and still be kind to each other

  What happens when Christians fall out about the different things we believe – or the things we believe differently?