WASHINGTON (RNS) — Major frauds exposed by federal investigators in recent years have targeted Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptists and other religious groups, from $190 million lost in a three-year scam promoted by a Christian radio host in Minnesota to an estimated $1.4…
No black and white answers to lack of diversity among atheists
DALLAS (RNS) — Alix Jules is an atheist, but for years he felt uncomfortable at gatherings of nonbelievers. The reason: He’s black. “I got really tired of going back and forth to free-thought events and being the only black person…
Most Americans support upcoming congressional probe of Muslims
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Americans haven’t heard much about congressional hearings on the radicalization of U.S. Muslims, but more than half think it’s a good idea, and nearly as many believe Muslims here haven’t done enough to fight extremists in their…
SBC’s Executive Committee inaugurates new president and CEO
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention gathered Feb. 21 to witness a new chapter in denominational life with the inauguration of Frank Page as president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee. Page, a former pastor…
National debt a new hot issue for evangelicals
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Many economists warn the government’s huge national debt is a looming threat to long-term prosperity. And according to a growing number of conservative Christians, it also is immoral. As Washington debates President Obama’s proposed 2012 budget, the…
Memories, lessons recalled from historic bombed church
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) — Carolyn McKinstry pointed to a doorway in the balcony of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and memories started rushing back — good ones. “I used to run all over this place as a little kid,” she said….
Church membership trends unchanged
NEW YORK (ABP) — Pentecostals, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses gained ground, mainline churches continued to decline and growth in the largest two denominations — Roman Catholics and Southern Baptists — remained stagnant, according to new statistics compiled by the National…
American values in Egypt
By David Gushee Imagine the United States as seen in the Declaration of Independence. Here is a feisty new nation declaring independence on the basis of the belief that under God all people are created equal, that they are “endowed…
Looking to find your center of creativity? Unplug
Dad, I want you to confiscate all my technology this weekend so I can find the creative center of myself.” These words of wisdom from our middle child, the comedic genius of the family, brought many laughs and “likes” as…