Newsmakers

Former astronaut Charlie Duke is known for being the youngest man to walk on the moon. But Duke, 91, is also a strong Christian who has a fascinating perspective on aliens and UFOs, subjects that have received a plethora of attention of late. The astronaut, who was the spacecraft communicator for the Apollo 11 Moon landing and spent 265 hours in space during that time, told CBN News he once wasn't so sure about his beliefs on the true nature of aliens and UFOs. "For a long time [years ago] I was praying about UFOs, and asked for a sign," Duke said. "I felt like UFOs were demonic ... but I was saying that at rotary clubs and stuff like that, and people were laughing me off the stage." So, he asked the Lord to help him come to a definitive conclusion that would settle the matter once and for all. "I said, 'God, if I'm really right about this, then give me a sign tomorrow morning that a very good friend of mine at breakfast will start talking about UFOs,'" he said. "And this guy's a businessman. He never talks about science stuff or ... stuff like that. So the next morning at breakfast, we sat down, he said, 'Charlie, come on over. I wanna start talking to you about UFOs.'" Duke interpreted this as an answer to his prayer. The former astronaut then appealed to Scripture to make his case, looking at the Bible's description of Satan to further conclude his position. "The Lord says what we're seeing is real, but the devil can appear as an angel of light, the Bible says," he said. "And so what I believe ... is the UFOs are trying to turn us away from the truth and run after these alien beings, which are really not beings at all. They're demonic." Ultimately, Duke said he's unconcerned with those who might laugh at him or mock his perspective on the matter. "You can laugh at me if you want to, but that's ... what God showed me, and I'm sticking to it," he said. Duke said he never personally viewed anything on his flight to the moon that would be considered alien or UFO-like.

This week on Newsmakers, three powerful stories of faith, courage, and crisis. Operation Israel founder Adi Vaxman reveals how the horrors of October 7 propelled her into action to help save the lives of Israeli soldiers — and how faith and divine intervention have guided her mission. Then, author Ben Peterson sounds the alarm about artificial intelligence and what Christians need to understand as AI rapidly transforms our world. He discusses his new book, When Intelligence Isn't Human: Navigating Your Faith in the Age of AI, and the spiritual questions believers can’t afford to ignore. Plus, Brad Brandon, founder of Across Nigeria, shares a rare story of hope from Nigeria, where Christians continue to face brutal persecution for their faith. Watch Newsmakers on the CBN News Channel, and find the full interviews on CBN News’ YouTube channel.

On this episode of Newsmakers, Billy Hallowell sits down with three compelling voices to unpack stories of faith, legacy, and America’s future. Author Jonathan Cahn reveals the story behind a recent in-flight encounter that made international headlines. Apologist Frank Turek reflects on Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy one year after his assassination. And former Secret Service agent and 9/11 survivor Darren Kinder recounts his harrowing experience and shares what he fears too many Americans have forgotten since September 11. Plus, discover CBN’s Investigating the Supernatural: Angels and Demons, an evidence-informed investigation into angels, demons, spiritual warfare, and the supernatural through a Christian lens. Watch Newsmakers and find the full interviews on the CBN News YouTube channel.

Mel Gibson is once again sharing new details about "The Resurrection of the Christ." Speaking at FanExpo Toronto, Gibson said he believes people who love the Bible will enjoy the two-film series. “I don’t think it’s what anyone expects, but it doesn’t deviate from the truth and the essence of the story. It’s just an imagining of it,” the actor and director said. Billy Hallowell and Raj Nair break down the story.

Actress Anna Faris recently revealed that she and her 14-year-old son Jack have different religious views and that her son recently asked her to accept Jesus Christ. Here’s what she said in a recent podcast interview: “I told him that I would do anything for him, including this, but it’s going to take a whole lot of long conversations." It's a fascinating story that involves her former husband actor Chris Pratt as well. Billy Hallowell and Raj Nair break down the details.