How much money should a denominational body have to give to a university in return for the ability to control that university’s governance? Turns out, not much in many cases. As state, regional and national denominational bodies have faced declining…
In this advice, I was wrong
I was wrong in advice I gave to young ministers for many years. My intent was good, but my advice was wrong. The recent intense debate over a Wall Street Journal opinion piece has helped me clarify this. In that…
SBC seminary presidents are ‘complicit with evil,’ revered California pastor says
J. Alfred Smith Sr. is not happy with the six Southern Baptist Convention presidents, who recently issued a declaration against Critical Race Theory. “They are more afraid of Critical Race Theory than the ugly racism that has our democracy about…
Meet the evangelical Trump Truthers: Jenna Ellis and Eric Metaxas
Among the evangelical Christians denying the reality of the 2020 presidential election, there are some expected names: Pat Robertson and Kenneth Copeland, for example. But at the front of the line as the denial of reality persists five weeks after…
California remains a hot spot for churches fighting coronavirus restrictions
California remains a hot spot not only for record-breaking spread of coronavirus but also for churches engaged in litigation over holding in-person services. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, a Northern California church and its pastor were held in contempt of court…
Trump administration expands ability of employers to discriminate on religious grounds
To supporters, it is a “clarification” that protects religious expression. To critics it is yet another misuse of religious liberty language to promote discrimination. The “it” in this case is a U.S. Labor Department rule issued in the last days…
Opposition to capital punishment reportedly growing among conservatives
Opposition to capital punishment isn’t just for liberals anymore. There’s a growing concern about the inequity and ineffectiveness of the death penalty among Republicans, independents and libertarians, according to Hannah Cox, senior national manager of Conservatives Concerned About the Death…
House passes bipartisan resolution against blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws
It turns out there is something Republicans and Democrats can agree on about religious liberty in the current lame-duck session of Congress. On Monday, Dec. 7, the House of Representatives passed on a 386-3 bipartisan vote House Resolution 512, calling…
Fire destroys historic home of Middle Collegiate Church in New York
A six-alarm fire destroyed the historic building of Middle Collegiate Church in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 5. The church, affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Reformed Church in America, has several Baptist connections through staff…