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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Oates institute director resigns
Vicki Hollon LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — The Wayne E. Oates Institute has announced a $40,000 challenge gift from anonymous donors to honor leadership of Vicki Hollon, the group's executive director since 1996 who steps down at the end of November….
‘Fireproof’ actor Kirk Cameron shares testimony at Baptist college
HANNIBAL, Mo, (ABP) — Actor Kirk Cameron drew amens from 1,100 listeners as he shared his salvation experience, lessons he learned from a movie about marriage and information about his current project. Kirk Cameron (Hannibal-LaGrange University/Beth Sowers photo) Cameron, best…
Harry Potter presents contemporary gospel narrative, professor says
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — A bespectacled teenaged wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead might not look like an image of Christ to most people, but evangelical pop-culture observer Greg Garrett sees similarities he says are definite. “Harry Potter…
Concert benefits hunger ministry
FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — A free concert at a Texas Baptist church turned into a blessing for the city's hungry and homeless. When members of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra approached Broadway Baptist Church about staging a concert as…
Harry Potter presents contemporary gospel narrative, professor says
AUSTIN—A bespectacled teenaged wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead may not fit most people’s picture of Christ, but Christian pop culture observer Greg Garrett definitely sees the similarities. “Harry Potter is one of the most clearly identifiable examples…
VITAL SIGNS: No winners
One of the most painful parts of our political process is the heated rhetoric of the campaign season. Most of us are so disgusted by the vitriol of political ads that, by election day, we are willing to vote for…
About one-third of BGAV churches represented at 2010 annual meeting
RICHMOND, Va. — About a third of eligible churches were represented at the Nov. 9-10 meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia — a percentage that has remained fairly stable for several years despite variations in overall attendance at…