WASHINGTON — Could a Baptist preacher become the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee — or more? Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's surprisingly strong showing in the Aug. 11 Iowa Straw Poll has significantly raised the profile of the pastor-turned-politician. But if…
SECOND OPINION: Responding to the immigration crisis
Without question immigration currently is a hot button issue for all Americans, all Christians and all Virginia Baptists. Daniel Carro, coordinator of the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists and professor of divinity at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies,…
Pentagon investigation faults generals for endorsing evangelical ministry
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A group of high-ranking Pentagon officials improperly endorsed and aided an evangelical Christian ministry, according to a Defense Department investigation recently made public. The Department of Defense inspector general's report was dated July 20 and released to…
Imagining the future
In the summer of 1877, “the June meeting” or annual meeting of the General Association was held in Danville. Jeremiah Bell Jeter, one of the grand old men of the Association, was present and actively engaged in the meeting. Jeter…
History conference draws diverse group of Baptists
CHARLESTON, S.C. (ABP)—Perhaps the most notable thing about the recent “Baptist History Celebration,” held in the mother church of Southern Baptists, is that it happened at all. But historians from an astonishing array of Baptist groups—liberal, conservative, fundamentalist, moderate, African-American,…
Baptist experience
At a time when many are trying to rewrite Baptist history and many are ashamed to put the name “Baptist” on their church sign, the publication by William E. Hull of his newest book, The Meaning of the Baptist Experience,…
Progressive Baptists protest hip-hop lyrics, global warming & Iraq war
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Delegates to the annual meeting of the Progressive National Baptist Convention have called for protests of music lyrics demeaning to women and minorities. “We are speaking out publicly against the denigration of women, minorities and the kind of self-hatred…
OUTLOUD
“Martin loved jokes. He said, ‘If a preacher can't tell a joke, don't fool with him 'cause he can't preach either.' ” Samuel Billy Lyles The Memphis, Tenn., pastor was recalling the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King during…
BAPTIST BRIEFS
Some SBC leaders endorse blog. Several prominent Baptist leaders have publicly endorsed a groundbreaking blog operated by reform-minded pastors within the Southern Baptist Convention. The endorsers include the presidents of three SBC entities and a college president—Morris Chapman, president of…
FAITHSHAPERS: Parenting part 2
Last month we talked about the dangers of short-term thinking and the advantages of staying focused on the long-term. When we have our goals firmly in mind, we are able to be strategic in our daily decisions. I would like…
Some Christian readers bewitched by Potter, wild about Harry
DALLAS (ABP)—J.K. Row-ling isn't likely to repeat John Lennon's mistake. She probably won't compare the record-setting popularity of her Harry Potter books to that of Jesus Christ, but the global reach of the title character's adventures is undeniable. The last…
North Carolina WMU decides to leave convention’s control
CARY, N.C. (ABP) — The Woman's Missionary Union of North Carolina has voted to remove itself from the North Carolina Baptist Building — and the state convention executive director's attempt to assert authority over its staff. The dramatic move culminates…