I was interested to read a recent article about baptism [Herald, July 20]. As it happens, I was raised in an independent Christian church and baptized around age 14. About 12 years later, after my wife and I were married…
Baptismal practices
It amazes me that there are well-meaning church folk who continue to squabble over issues such as proper baptism practices. Do we understand that when we fret over “distinctive Baptist practices” that few in our society understand or care about,…
The first fight
I just read a wonderful review of a new book on the America gospel written by Jon Meacham. It said that America's first fight was over faith. It went on to say that when the Founding Fathers gathered for the…
In the schoolhouse or the church house?
Fifty years ago most children received some exposure to the Judeo-Christian faith tradition in the tax-supported public schools. My faintest recollection is that my school had opening exercises with the pledge to the flag, some Bible verses and a prayer….
ANOTHER VIEW: The stem cell veto
President Bush's veto July 19 of any change in his stem cell research policy was derided by many as a sop to his conservative base. But the price that the president and his party are sure to pay for this…
A Mormon for president?
With one Mormon looking like a serious contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, it may be time to ask the question Americans asked about Catholic candidate John F. Kennedy in 1960: Is the country ready to elect a…
Missions Connection is ‘hands of Jesus’
“This is my first time to Missions Connection; it's been a great week!” commented one lady from Hardy Central Church. “I want to volunteer to be a youth leader in 2007; I'd like to work with the Pregnancy Center,” stated…
SW Network plans fall training events
The Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network announces a series of leadership training events for Fall 2006. The Network provides leadership training for ministers and laypersons in Southwest Virginia. Upcoming events include: • August 15: “Overcoming Overload,” Reed Island Springs Church,…
EDITORIAL: Aunt Ida’s garden
Dear Jimmy, I wish you could see our garden! I guess we've had just the right amount of rain because we've got an abundance. This morning I gathered a dishpan full of green beans and enough okra to fry up…
ANOTHER VIEW: Middle East peace: A Kingdom road map
The apostle Paul didn't know anything about Hezbollah or the Israeli defense ministry. But he did know something about hatred and hostility between irreconcilable people groups. And, more importantly, he knew something about the Kingdom of Christ. Everyone watching the…
South of the border
Several Virginia Baptists — including this columnist — found their way south of the border to Mexico City for the recent gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. In a sense, I once again was following in the footsteps of my…
ANOTHER VIEW: All noncombatants are equal
The Bush administration's failure to act decisively for peacemaking in the war in Lebanon sadly resembles its failure to act decisively for the poor in Katrina-destroyed Louisiana. Beirut deserves our nation's best efforts at restraining Israel's disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks…