The landscape of Baptist theological education is changing yet again, with news that one of the freestanding seminaries created out of the Southern Baptist Convention schism of the late 20th century is merging with one of the oldest Baptist schools…
TikTok trends and three questions you and your church should ask this year about rest
We’re a month into 2023, and you know what that means. People are starting to abandon their new year’s resolutions. Of course, not everyone sets aside their personal goals so quickly, but it’s likely most gyms have a large spike…
Why most everything you think you know about global migration is probably wrong
When it comes to discussing the issue of global migration, most Americans speak with certainty of their views as though they had been briefed by the United Nations. Yet what passes as conventional wisdom in the United States often doesn’t…
What did Pope Francis say, and what did he mean, in AP interview on homosexuality?
What did Pope Francis actually say about homosexuality last week? And what did he mean by what he said? On the surface, the pontiff condemned laws that criminalize homosexuality, urging Catholic bishops who support these laws to be more welcoming…
Nonreligious young adults say they are more open to religion than older adults, but campus ministers say that’s still a delicate opportunity
According to a recent Gallup Poll, 75% of U.S. adults who have no religious preference say they are “not interested at all” in exploring religion in the future. But broken down by age, young adults are more inclined than older…
del Toro’s Pinocchio is a tale of faith that is not wooden
Little did Pinocchio know as he stood amidst the congregation, playfully mimicking the crucifix with outstretched arms and joined feet, that he would soon be hung on a cross as well. In Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, now streaming on Netflix, del…
Reverend Roboto: Artificial intelligence and pastoral care
“Write a sermon on this week’s lectionary text.” “Write a Country and Western song about Job.” “Write a prayer for Reddit.” “Write a Bible song about ducks.” “Add a prayer to go with that sermon.” “Write a worship song about…
Life post-Roe: Is there middle ground between religious liberty and medical freedom?
This weekend marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade, the court case that decriminalized abortion nationwide. But it was not the kind of anniversary celebration pro-choice advocates wanted to celebrate. Opponents of abortion,…
Boebert babbles about God, Satan and the Second Coming
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., never has been bashful in spouting her theological beliefs. Most recently, she told fellow Republicans at a dinner in Knoxville, Tenn., she believes humanity is “in the last of the last days” with the “Second…