Some Christians before 1609 held what many refer to as distinctively Baptist beliefs. Baptists in 1609 practiced believer's baptism, but they didn't immerse. Even so, most church historians agree Baptists emerged as a distinct movement 400 years ago. From their…
SECOND OPINION: Is your church an open door?
The church my family and I attended in my early childhood was always unlocked. In fact, I don't think they even had a key to the door! In this country setting where everyone knew everyone else within several miles of…
Baptist history a continuing search for the New Testament church
Some Baptists stress evangelism, and others emphasize the social gospel. Some believe Christ died for all people; others say Christ died only for the elect whom God predestined to salvation. Historically, some defended slavery; others championed civil rights. Even a…
OUT LOUD
“We have one suggestion for Baptist Christians — that they avoid words to describe evangelism (or telling the gospel story) which appear threatening to others, such as ‘evangelistic crusades.' Nor is it necessary to be critical of another faith in…
Scholars disagree on Anabaptist, Baptist connection
DURHAM, N.C. (ABP) — While much writing about Baptist history in the 20th century focused on what distinguishes Baptists from other Christians, a group of contemporary scholars believes the Baptist movement now needs to reconnect to its ecumenical roots. Most…
RIGHT or WRONG: Should I pray for a president I didn’t vote for?
The United States has elected a new president, but my candidate did not win. My Sunday school teacher observed that the Apostle Paul said we should pray for the king. I fail to see the application of that Scripture to…
Dan Goodman, N.C. seminary professor, dies suddenly
BOILING SPRINGS, N.c. (ABP) — A 40-year-old professor at a North Carolina Baptist divinity school died unexpectedly Jan. 13. Gardner-Webb University officials released a statement saying Dan Goodman, the Bob D. Shepherd Chair of New Testament Interpretation at the college’s…
Deadly Zimbabwe cholera outbreak crime against humanity, group says
NEW YORK (ABP) — The cholera outbreak that has killed thousands in Zimbabwe should be considered a crime against humanity and laid at the feet of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, an international doctors’ group said in a new report. Physicians…
Faith leaders urge Obama to ban torture on Inauguration Day
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A broad coalition of faith leaders has written a letter asking President-elect Barack Obama to make banning torture one of his first acts in office. Thirty-three leaders from Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions asked Obama to “restore…
U.S. team’s mission changes after Costa Rica earthquake
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Ten mission volunteers in Costa Rica to provide safe drinking water and vision clinics turned to disaster relief when a 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Jan. 9. This grandstand is staging area for a feeding operation being staffed…
Baptists, Muslims say dialogue a step in right direction
Baptist and Muslim scholars recently gathered at Andover Newton Theological School near Boston for a historic dialogue. (PHOTO/S. Farooqui) NEWTON CENTER, Mass. (ABP) — Several dozen Baptists and Muslims gathered Jan. 9-11 to repair a relationship better known for harsh…
UPDATE: Warren’s church says violence no excuse for divorce
(Editor's note: This story updates, replaces and corrects one issued Jan. 8, which incorrectly attributed the domestic-violence comments to Warren rather than Holladay. ABP regrets the error.) LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Comments on the Saddleback Church website that the Bible does not…