Editorial for December 22, 2005 By Jim White What is your favorite Christmas phrase? If the reaction to Wal-Mart's plan to wish us a “Happy Holiday” this season is any indication, “Merry Christmas!” must be the expression of choice. I…
Letters for December 22, 2005
Immoral system of death I would like to applaud Daniel Bagby for writing “Re-examining capital punishment” [Herald, Oct. 27]. As a Baptist and a field organizer with People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, it was very encouraging to see…
NAMB VP Nate Adams tapped for top Illinois Baptist post
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (ABP) — A vice president of the North American Mission Board, who has strong roots in Illinois, has been recommended as the next executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Nate Adams, 47, has been vice president…
Natural disasters dominated news in 2005, Baptist editors say
(ABP) — Two unprecedented natural disasters overshadowed all man-made news in 2005, according to a survey of Baptist editors. Hurricane Katrina and the South Asia tsunami — and the benevolent response that followed each — were the most important Baptist…
Mercer, Georgia Baptist Convention come to terms on ending relationship
ATLANTA (ABP) — Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Convention have agreed to terms that will end their 172-year-old relationship. The convention will end funding of the school after 2007, but Mercer will get control of trustee elections and all…
While megachurches cancel worship, others adjust Christmas schedules
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — While some high-profile evangelical churches around the country are canceling their usual worship services since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, many more are carrying on — though sometimes on modified schedules. Leaders of the…
Progressive Christian leaders arrested while protesting House budget cuts
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In an attempt to call attention to congressional budget cuts, more than 100 Christian leaders were arrested at a frigid Capitol Hill protest Dec. 14. The leaders — from mainline Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical churches —…
Is the ‘war on Christmas’ worth fighting against?
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Is the “war on Christmas” one worth fighting? Despite the dutiful culture warriors lining up to defend the religious trappings of the holiday, some Christian ethicists aren't so sure it's a wise battle to pick. Since November,…
Largest Baptist universities face watershed leadership changes
(ABP) — Three of the largest Baptist universities in the nation have each chosen a different strategy in selecting the president who will shape the school's future. Now pundits wonder which model will emerge as the new face of Christian…
Makers of Jordan River body lotions not deterred by river’s pollution
(ABP) — Would-be pilgrims searching for rebirth in the waters of the Jordan River can now buy it in handy 8 oz. bottles — new body lotions available just in time for Christmas. And buyers won't even have to wade…
Arkansas college president nominated to lead Samford University
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — Andrew Westmoreland, president of Arkansas Baptists' Ouachita Baptist University, has been nominated to become president of Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. The Samford search committee will recommend Westmoreland during a special meeting of trustees Jan.10, the…
No matter the size, churches can point visitors to Christ at Christmas
(ABP) — Regardless of size or budget, any church can make sure visitors hear the message of Christ during the season, according to those involved in church Christmas productions. The live camel, flying angel and quadraphonic sound are nice, but…