SAN ANTONIO (ABP) — A second-generation Baptist theologian who taught during three decades at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary died March 26 in Texas. David Mueller David Mueller was 80. He moved to Kerrville, Texas, after retiring from the seminary in…
Laws legalizing gay marriage move homosexuality to front burner for churches
WASHINGTON (ABP) — State laws legalizing same-sex marriage are becoming the newest battle line in American Christianity's ongoing civil war over the church and homosexuality. Religion News Service reported recently on a dilemma for churches in the District of Columbia…
Legal gay marriage pushes sexuality to forefront for churches
WASHINGTON (ABP) — State laws legalizing same-sex marriage are becoming the newest battle line in American Christianity's ongoing civil war over the church and homosexuality. Religion News Service reported recently on a dilemma for churches in the District of Columbia…
Conservative Baptist activist Nancy Schaefer dead in apparent murder
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. (ABP) — Nancy Schaefer, a conservative Christian activist and former two-term state senator in Georgia, was found dead with her husband March 26 in their north Georgia home in what is being described as a murder-suicide. Nancy Schaefer…
A Time to Laugh: Grieving comic says faith, hope and laughter abide
SHREVEPORT, La. (ABP)—Jinny Henson began doing stand-up comedy when she was a student at Baylor University. While working on a master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, she began touring nationwide. Jinny Henson entertains at Gateway Church in South Lake,…
A Time to Laugh: Was Jesus a jokester?
(ABP) — The story goes that Jesus and Satan had argued for days about who was more tech-savvy, and God grew sick of the bickering. He told them he would judge a two-hour task set. They e-mailed, e-mailed with attachments,…
A Time to Laugh: Humor an important spiritual practice, theologian says
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (ABP) — Humor doesn’t show up on most lists of spiritual gifts, practices or disciplines. But theologian Richard Olson thinks it should. “Humor is a very important spiritual practice, especially for those under stress and turmoil,” he…
Expert: Churches might come out of recession with clearer fiscal focus
WINCHESTER, Va. (ABP) — Tough economic times may actually result in stronger, healthier and smarter churches and Christian ministries, according to Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. In times of economic stress, contributors prioritize giving. So,…
A Time to Laugh: Baptist humorist says to paint a picture with words
SAN ANGELO, Texas (ABP) — The secret to being humorous is the same as most things in life, Bill Thorn believes — take what God has entrusted to you, work hard to polish it and be the individual you were…