JERUSALEM (RNS) — Israeli archaeologists have discovered a fragment from an ancient sarcophagus cover that bears a carved inscription with the words “The Son of the High Priest” in Hebrew. The High Priest was ancient Judaism's highest religious official and…
Evangelicals say they’re not going anywhere
Faced with a Barack Obama presidency and Democratic gains in Congress, evangelicals are planning their next steps in a transformed political landscape, with hopes for some common ground and plans to continue fighting for social issues that had mixed results…
No victories on pro-life initiatives
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Voters in five states cast their ballots Nov. 4 on measures dealing with life issues, but pro-lifers came up short in all five cases. California and South Dakota voted down ballot initiatives concerning abortion while Colorado…
Not all belief in paranormal phenomena is created equal
WASHINGTON (RNS) — For some Americans, ghosts, Bigfoot and UFOs aren't the stuff of tabloid teasers or X-Files reruns. They believe paranormal phenomena are real — as real as a resurrected Jesus and a devious Satan are to millions. In…
OPINION: An open letter to President-elect Barack Obama
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Dear President-elect Obama, First, congratulations on your successful campaign to become the 44th president of our beloved United States of America. This was a historic election in terms of the massive increase in voter participation as…
American Muslims relieved, hopeful at Obama election
After months of balancing their support for the presidential candidate with concerns that their allegiance could do more harm than good, millions of relieved American Muslims cheered the election of the son of a Muslim immigrant whose middle name is…
RESPONSE: Women and the pastorate
I wish to comment on the 2nd Opinion by David Gushee [“Gender debate ultimately about Jesus”] published in the Religious Herald on Oct 2. Since I am a storyteller, I would like to refer to a favorite tale by Hans…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for November 13, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Robert Belcher, to Stuart Church, Stuart, as pastor. • Garry Edwards, resigning as pastor of Thomas Village Church, Duffield. • Henry Styron, resigning as pastor of North Pamunkey Church, Orange, to accept a pastorate in North Carolina….
Re-energized religious left delivers for Obama
WASHINGTON (RNS) — After the election of Democrat Barack Obama as president, you might expect religious progressives to start polishing their resumes for prominent Washington posts. But liberal faith leaders said they have little interest in securing White House sinecures,…
OPINION: Regardless of politics, a reason for America to rejoice
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Nov. 5, 2008, was the most improbable day of my 34-year-old life. The unlikely elevation of an African American to the presidency is just the latest episode in what the president-elect himself has called “the unlikely story…
Publishers seek to give the Bible a thoroughly modern makeover
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Bible is getting a makeover as publishers try to catch every type of customer's attention and draw in new readers who would be unlikely to pick it up in its traditional form. With different packaging, The…
Baptist World Aid seeks funds for Congo
FALLS CHURCH (ABP) — The head of an international Baptist relief agency has sent out an urgent fundraising appeal to ease the suffering of victims of civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just back from a conference in…