It's human nature to focus inward, especially during lean times. We do it as individuals, as families and as a nation. Let the world take care of itself for a while, we say. Enough already with endless global crises and…
Unto us a child is born
The crowd waited patiently at the international arrivals gate, holding signs and posters, whispering to each other and frequently shifting left or right like a giant caterpillar. A group of 50, young and old, were eagerly awaiting their first glimpse…
Merton’s legacy looms large 40 years after his death
TRAPPIST, Ky. (RNS) — This month, many contemplative Christians — including an ever-growing number of evangelicals — are remembering the life of Trappist monk Thomas Merton, who died 40 years ago in a freak accident. Merton, who influenced generations of…
OPINION: The need for a new religious freedom statute
In the colonial period of our history, Baptists played a prominent role in promoting religious toleration. Their efforts gave birth to the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, which disestablished the Anglican Church. The statute rejected the government's preference…
BOOK REVIEW: Great Prayers of the Old Testament, By Walter Brueggemann (Westminster John Knox
In every culture throughout human history, people have prayed. But the manner in which they pray depends upon the deity they address. Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann reminds readers that people in the Hebrew Scriptures specifically prayed to the God…
Christians have opportunities to shape lives through foster care
While Scripture advocates taking care of orphans and widows, the church has abdicated that responsibility to the state, some Christian child-advocates insist. “It shortchanges people and the church,” said Robbi Haynes, of marketing and recruitment for MBCH and Family Ministries,…
NEW: Former SBC missionary accused of embezzling IMB funds now suspected in insurance sca
GULF SHORES, Ala. (ABP) — The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention declined to press criminal embezzlement charges in 2005 against a man now accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in an Alabama insurance scam. According…
At 72, gospel music’s best-selling artist won’t slow down
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Bill Gaither may not be an A-list celebrity in some circles, but over a half century he has sold 20 million recordings and 20 million DVDs — more than any other gospel performer. And his impact exceeds…
21-C will challenge Va. Baptists to take risks
RICHMOND — 21-C is Virginia Baptists' premier vision-casting, evangelism and leadership-equipping conference that provides a networking and learning opportunity for church staff and lay leaders to explore innovative ways of reaching people for Christ in the 21st century. The 2009…
House churches under new threat in China
WASHINGTON (BP) — China's ministry of civil affairs has issued a statement calling for the elimination of the Chinese House Church Alliance, according to reports circulated by China Aid Association and Voice of the Martyrs, a move some say “could…
Kentucky Baptist paper names journalist as editor
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Kentucky Baptists have tapped veteran denominational journalist Todd Deaton to become the next editor of their historic newspaper, the Western Recorder. Deaton, 45, has been managing editor of the Baptist Courier, newspaper of the South Carolina…
BOOK REVIEW: In Search of a Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Trusting God, By J.P. Mor
This is an excellent book, written by two college professors, but it doesn't have the feel of one written by scholars. While their research and scholarship are evident, the book is neither difficult to read nor dry. One of the…