NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Amid declining enrollment at seminaries and new models being developed as alternatives to traditional theological education, LifeWay Research has released a survey finding the vast majority of pastors value the training they received while in seminary…
Veteran humorist recommends paint a picture with words
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The secret to being humorous is the same as most things in life, Bill Thorn believes — take what God has entrusted to you, work hard to polish it and be the individual you were created…
Humor an important spiritual practice, theologian asserts
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Humor doesn’t show up on any spiritual practice list. But Richard Olson hopes to make that happen. “Humor is a very important spiritual practice, especially for those under stress and turmoil,” he said. Richard Olson Listing…
Baptist minister Grady Nutt was a pacesetter for Christian comedy
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Singer-songwriter Don McLean’s 1970s hit record “American Pie” mourned the 1959 plane crash that killed rock-and-roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper as “the day the music died.” For a generation of humor-loving…
Laughter is the best medicine … except when it’s a bitter pill to swallow
Something that strikes one person as funny—even something heard at church — may seem inappropriate to another. How can believers strike a balance as they use h — mor and laughter in ministry? Individuals need to understand the human experiences…
Grieving comic says humor, like hope, springs eternal
SHREVEPORT, La. (ABP) — Jinny Henson, a native of Houston, began doing stand-up comedy when she was a student at Baylor University. While working on a master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, she began touring nationwide. Against the advice…
A time to laugh: What’s the role of humor for Christians?
“For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh,” according to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. What is the role of laughter and…
FAITH DIGEST
Who is responsible for tackling poverty? A phone survey of 1,002 adults revealed 66 percent of Americans believe the United States has an obligation to assist poverty-stricken children around the world. The survey asked respondents whose responsibility it is to…
Fewer than half of Americans link Easter to the Resurrection
WASHINGTON (RNS) — While most Americans describe Easter as a religious holiday, fewer than half of the adults surveyed link it specifically to the Resurrection of Jesus, a Barna Group study shows. Seven in 10 respondents mentioned religion or spirituality…
Grady Nutt a pacesetter for Christian comedy
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Singer-songwriter Don McLean’s 1970s hit record “American Pie” mourned the 1959 plane crash that killed rock-and-roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper as “the day the music died.” For a generation of humor-loving…
Poll finds religious support for comprehensive immigration reform
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A new survey finds broad support across party lines and religious groups for comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the rule of law and respects the dignity and wholeness of immigrants and families. Robert Jones The study, released March 23 by…
Scholars dedicate book to memory of CBF leader
COVINGTON, La. (ABP) — A group of Baptist scholars who started meeting together to discuss theology in 1990 reflect on faith and friendship in a collection of essays dedicated to a member of the group who died in 2009. Fisher…