MIDLAND, Texas (ABP) — The executive director of Southern Baptists' largest state convention is leaving his post after less than three years to return to the pastorate. The Baptist General Convention of Texas announced Dec. 6 that Randel Everett had…
Gilded Age America redux
By David Gushee Since the origin of Christian social ethics in the late 19th century as an Anglo-American academic-ecclesial discipline, economic problems have been at the center of our profession’s concerns. Christian ethics was born during the days in which…
Passport receives Lilly grant for new initiative
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — An international student ministry and historical partner of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has received a $750,000 Lilly Endowment grant to help theologically moderate churches discover God's calling for both clergy and laity. The grant will support…
SBC Executive Committee merging functions, including Baptist Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee will eliminate two vice presidents and merge its news and public-relations functions, Baptist Press reported Nov. 30. Executive Committee President and CEO Frank Page announced consolidations and staff reductions in…
Christmas debt danger
BRADFORD, England (ABP) — A Christian debt-counseling charity in the United Kingdom is calling on people to avoid using credit cards and loans to pay for their Christmas shopping this year. Christians Against Poverty, a ministry that advocates poverty relief…
‘Vilification of religions’ resolution passes United Nations committee
NEW YORK (RNS) — A United Nations committee has adopted a resolution combating the "vilification of religions," but religious freedom advocates who oppose the measure say support for it continues to diminish. The resolution by Islamic countries is scheduled to…
Christian charity warns about danger of holiday debt
BRADFORD, England (ABP) — A Christian debt-counseling charity in the United Kingdom is calling on people to avoid using credit cards and loans to pay for their Christmas shopping this year. Christians Against Poverty, a ministry that advocates poverty relief…
Fair Trade movement has Christian roots
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In 1946, a faithful Mennonite named Edna Ruth Byler took a trip to Puerto Rico and was shocked by the poverty she encountered — and the seeming hopelessness of the artisans who produced goods that could be…
RIGHT or WRONG? Painful church experience
A Barna survey revealed an extraordinary percentage of Americans no longer attend church because of some painful experience. What has happened to cause the place identified as “a hospital for sinners” or put forward as “sanctuary” to be avoided by…
FAITH DIGEST
Americans cite negatives of Christianity. When asked about Christianity’s recent contributions to society, Americans cited more negatives than benefits, according to a recent survey. The negative contribution cited most was hatred or violence in the name of Jesus, according to…
Financial decisions have moral implications, experts say
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Even a financial decision as seemingly mundane as where to buy your morning coffee can have profound moral implications. Does the company that produces or sells the coffee collude with corrupt government institutions to exploit the farmers…
Q&A with Dave Ramsey on moral decision-making
Dave Ramsey is founder of the Lampo Group and one of the most widely recognized experts on the intersection of Christian principles and personal finance. He agreed to an e-mail interview about ethical financial decision-making for Christians. Q: When it…