WASHINGTON (ABP) — There's no question that in the last few decades evangelical Christians have asserted their growing power in America's public life. The question, according to two new books, is: By what methods, and to what end? Former Washington…
Stained-glass windows bathe sacred spaces in light, tell stories of faith
FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — If every picture tells a story, the stained-glass windows of Broadway Baptist Church tell tales of grace, sacrifice and love. While the Forth Worth, Texas, church has rested on the same piece of property since…
Spirituality in architecture gets boost from revival of arts
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — “Any building completely devoid of art is devoid of spirituality,” says architect Larry Cook. The Virginian is one of a growing number of architects who welcome the return of symbolism and spirituality to church buildings….
Church building is ‘God’s calling card;’ architecture determines the message
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — If your sanctuary could speak, what would it say? The truth is, it does speak — every day. Whether a towering neo-Gothic steeple that knifes the suburban sky or a one-room clapboard chapel nestled in the…
Midwestern Seminary board meeting ends without action against Roberts
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (ABP) — Despite a public conflict with the chairman of his trustees, the president of a Southern Baptist seminary managed to escape a board meeting Oct. 16. According to a press release from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,…
Opinion: What divides us as important as what unites us
The recent media firestorm over Ann Coulter's comments on whether or not the Jewish people require “perfection” follows the predictable pattern. Like Captain Renault in the movie Casablanca, the hosts of various news programs professed themselves “shocked, shocked” to discover…
CBF council OKs UN anti-poverty goals, hears of year-end budget shortfall
DECATUR, Ga. (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's governing board, at its Oct. 11-12 meeting, endorsed the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, joining many governmental and religious bodies in the global fight against extreme poverty, hunger and disease. Jack Glosgow,…
Yale panel: Does political engagement have a theological foundation?
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (ABP) — Political engagement does have a theological foundation, panelists suggested during a recent exchange at Yale Divinity School. Theologians, lawyers, pastors and ethicists shared their views Oct. 12 at the day-long event, called Voices & Votes…
Evangelicals, liberals seek dialogue on ‘culture war’ issues
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A unique coalition of liberals and conservative evangelicals announced Oct. 10 that they are trying to bring about a cease-fire in the most contentious battles of the so-called “culture wars.” The question is, can they get both…
Gay-inclusive anti-discrimination bill on hold due to transgender provision
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A bill that would provide the first nationwide anti-discrimination protections for gay and lesbian people is on hold while members of Congress debate whether it should include protections for transgender persons as well. On Sept. 27, House…
Budget deficit leads NCC to cut 14 staff positions
NEW YORK (ABP) — Days before hiring a new general secretary, the National Council of Churches cut 14 staff positions due to a budget deficit. The Christian ecumenical group announced Oct. 3 the nomination of Michael Kinnamon, a professor, academic…
In single day, church plants 24,000 Purpose Driven books in S.C. prisons
COLUMBIA, S.C. (ABP) — Giving Rick Warren's best-selling The Purpose Driven Life to prisoners is nothing new for church volunteers. In fact, O.J. Simpson reportedly received a copy of the inspirational book from ministers at Clark County Detention Center in…