A controversial Arkansas ballot initiative to “protect religious freedom” from government intrusion narrowly failed in the Nov. 8 elections. Arkansas Issue 3, the “Government Burden of Free Exercise of Religion Amendment,” was not adopted by a 49.57% to 50.43% vote….
Becoming a ‘midwife of grace’ — an interview with Molly Marshall
At age 12, Molly Marshall’s pastor asked if she’d ever considered working with young people as a career option. She thought to herself, “Well of course I haven’t, I am one!” Two years later, at age 14, while at a…
Author explains the history of ‘Peace Be Still’ and its social influence
One of “the most beloved gospel songs of all time” achieved that status by offering Americans hope during some of the darkest moments of the 19th and 20th centuries, according to Robert Marovich, founder and editor-in-chief of the Journal of…
Truett Seminary names theologian for breakaway Methodist group to chair Wesleyan Studies program
A theologian for a breakaway group of conservative Methodists has been named professor of Christian theology and the first person to hold a new chair in Wesleyan studies at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. The new academic chair is named in memory…
First Amendment isn’t enough to protect religious conservatives against Respect for Marriage Act, lawyer for Colorado website designer says
The Respect for Marriage Act — headed toward passage in Congress as early as this week — will inflict “undeniable harms” on “countless Americans,” according to an opinion piece in World magazine tweeted out by Al Mohler over the weekend….
Hardin-Simmons and McMurry reach agreement on nursing school
A dispute between Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University — both located in Abilene, Texas — over the future of a shared nursing school has been resolved, according to a joint news release. Hardin-Simmons, a Baptist school, will establish its own…
Panelists say supporting Respect for Marriage Act is a matter of faith
Advocating for same-sex marriage and encouraging LGBTQ couples and parents is an act deeply rooted in religious values for many Americans, Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline said. He spoke during a Nov. 17 interfaith rally to promote the Respect for…
Amazed by its win against the U.S., Nigeria’s U-17 soccer team ascribes its victory to God
In the usual post-match analysis of soccer matches, many players and coaches like to ascribe their team’s success to tactics and skills. Some openly talk about God’s influence. One such team is the Nigerian Women’s U-17 soccer team that participated…
Many people who watch Jeopardy know the Bible better than the show’s writers
Question: This show’s writers made an enormous biblical blunder by assuming the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews and that it is an epistle. Answer: What is Jeopardy? The popular game show best known for its backward syntax on…
Virginia Baptists make history with Faison’s election as executive director
The Baptist General Association of Virginia made history Nov. 16 when it elected Wayne Faison executive director. Faison, who is Black, is the first executive director in the BGAV’s 200-year history who is not a white male. He was elected…
Occupation of historic Ottawa church tied to Canada’s Christian Right
Until late September, William Komer and his United People of Canada fringe grouping (known as TUPOC) vowed not to vacate St. Brigid, a historic deconsecrated church in Canada’s capital. Residents fumed that the type of crowds Komer’s group attracted hints…
After the pandemic, ask where you’re going, not where you’re leaving, author advises
Jeff Henderson wants to be known by what he’s for rather than what he’s against. That’s why his 2019 book was titled Know What You’re For: A Growth Strategy for Work, an Even Better Strategy for Life. It’s also why…