By Ken Camp Leaders of the Atlanta-based Cooperative Baptist Fellowship introduced Suzii Paynter, director of Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission, nominated as the next executive coordinator of succeeding Daniel Vestal, at a press conference Jan. 17. George Mason, pastor of…
Nominee called ‘person of the moment’
By Ken Camp Leaders of the Atlanta-based Cooperative Baptist Fellowship introduced Suzii Paynter, director of Texas Baptists’ Christian Life Commission, nominated as the next executive coordinator of succeeding Daniel Vestal, at a press conference Jan. 17. George Mason, pastor of…
At holidays, churches ready for ‘CEOs’
By Ken Camp Christmas provides churches with a rare opportunity to touch the lives of those on the fringes of congregational life, the Christmas-and-Easter-only worshippers. Some roll out the red carpet for what ministers jokingly refer to as the “CEOs.”…
Church reaches out to anti-oil protestors
By Ken Camp Hospitality offered by Austin Heights Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas, shattered stereotypes of Christianity for secular-minded 20-somethings engaged in non-violent civil disobedience to stop a controversial oil pipeline from Canada. Meanwhile, budding friendships gave church members new…
Flynt: Religious/political ties ‘complicated’
By Ken Camp Polarized politics in 21st century America are rooted in the cultural conflict of the 1960s, with race and religion at the forefront, historian Wayne Flynt told a conference at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas….
Prof: Feminism left mark on Baptists
By Ken Camp The women’s movement of the 1960s and 1970s deeply affected Southern Baptist life, an Oregon State University women’s studies professor said during a two-day conference on how Baptists have shaped American culture. Ironically, feminism made a stronger…
Scholars discuss faithful citizenship
By Ken Camp Jesus established the principle: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s,” but some American Christians struggle with how to put the principle into practice. About 10 years ago, theologian Marcus Borg said,…
Two Texas schools challenge Obamacare
By Ken Camp East Texas Baptist University and Houston Baptist University have filed the latest legal challenge to a preventative services mandate in the Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama in 2010. The two Texas Baptist schools…
Study charts impact of Eagle Scouts
By Ken Camp The Boys Scouts of America long have noted the conspicuous presence of Eagle Scouts among astronauts, military officers, top athletes and high-ranking elected officials. But a nationwide scientific survey involving researchers from Baylor University provides the first empirical evidence…