By Bill Leonard “It is no longer illegal to carry a gun to church.” Scott Lewis, a Texas community college student, made that point recently as a rationale for his support of pending legislation to allow college faculty, staff and…
Where have all the revivals gone?
By Bill Leonard Recent articles in Baptist periodicals cite “professional evangelists” who confess that their preaching schedules have been reduced considerably since “churches are just not holding revival meetings” as they once did. For many congregations the tradition of one-to-two-week…
Marriage and the ‘Times’
By Bill Leonard For a study of religious and cultural trends in American life, consider reading the wedding announcements in the “Sunday Styles” section of the New York Times for at least a year. New York weddings may represent an…
Witness
By Bill Leonard “Can I get a witness?” Our pastor, the Rev. Darryl Aaron, asks that question at least once in every sermon, especially when he wants the congregation to join him in response to a particular gospel imperative. The…
Getting to know the ‘nones’
By Bill Leonard As noted earlier in this space, recent polls give evidence of a dramatic increase in the number of Americans who self-identify as having no religious affiliation — with their share of the population up from 7 to…
Here come the ‘nones’
(Editor’s note: This is a special edition of Bill Leonard’s biweekly column. It will return to its regular publication schedule with another edition next Thursday, Jan. 6.) By Bill Leonard In a new book called American Grace: How Religion Divides…
Will CBF make it another 20?
By Bill Leonard “Will the CBF make it another 20 years?” That question is asked frequently these days as individuals inside and outside the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship consider its future. While the question is sobering, it need not be discouraging….
Bankrupt Crystal Cathedral a family fluke or sign of times?
(Editor’s note: ABP is pleased to announce the addition of prominent Baptist historian and author Bill Leonard to our team of regular contributors. He will write a bi-weekly column offering his perspective on developments in American Christianity. Leonard retired this…
Baptists (Cooperative and uncooperative) face the future, Part II
(Editor’s note: This is the second of two commentaries adapted from a presentation that the author gave at a recent retreat for executives from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and its partner agencies. The first is available here.) By Bill Leonard…