Donald Trump’s infamous Bible photo-op in front of a church last June was an appeal to white evangelicals’ belief that crime, punishment and faith are intertwined, author and historian Aaron Griffith said. That worldview came into even starker relief when…
Pastors feeling political pushback from both sides — and then there’s the younger generation
Some pastors simply can’t win for losing when trying to navigate the politics consuming many American churches. Those who try to stay clear of contentious issues are criticized for avoiding important issues. Those who take up those topics are accused…
Kentucky landscape artist draws calm from the storm of her childhood as a missionary kid
Shawn Marshall paints serene landscapes that bring calm to corporate offices, galleries and homes. These meditative images, however, are a way for her to continue processing the chaos of childhood years spent in a war zone as a child of…
Ministry jobs and more
Baptist News Global provides a free listing of ministry-related jobs for Baptist churches, theological institutions and organizations across the United States. Each free posting is for 30 days and is limited to 150 words. Postings may be extended another 30…
Mohler endorses Trump while Piper disses Trump and feels the backlash
Al Mohler already has voted for Donald Trump, but John Piper won’t vote for either Trump or Joe Biden. Two bits of significant national news within the last week from the Calvinist wing of evangelical Christianity. Mohler, president of Southern…
Study links daily spiritual practices to improved well-being and mental health
A national study conducted by sending text messages to smartphone users demonstrates that consistent spiritual practices can serve as a buffer against depression and boost overall well-being, social scientists say. “This study is unique because it examines daily spiritual experiences…
Trump administration using obscure law to deny entry to immigrants without court process
Federal authorities are using an obscure 1940s law to secretly arrest and deport undocumented immigrants from the U.S., and to terrifying effect. “I know people who are running scared right now,” said Ray Schellinger, global consultant for immigration and refugees…
Diane Ravitch wants you to think of public schools like police or fire departments
Diane Ravitch wants you to think about this scenario: Imagine your community with two or three fire departments with different resources and you have to choose which one to call when your house catches fire. Or imagine your community with…
’Tis the season for a different kind of Advent resource kit
A new Advent resource blends the season’s traditional themes of light and hope with social justice causes — all tied up with the goal of promoting faith and community during the pandemic. The project’s creators, Baptist minister Mary Elizabeth Hanchey…
Southwest Baptist University president resigns in struggle with Missouri Baptist Convention
Missouri Baptists continue to find themselves at the epicenter of the struggle between fundamentalism and non-fundamentalism that has dominated the Southern Baptist Convention publicly since 1979. The latest casualty is Eric Turner, who abruptly resigned as president of Southwest Baptist…
Transitions for the week of 10-23-20
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Bryan Breland, to West Hampton Baptist Church, Hampton, Va., as interim pastor. Terrance Brown, to Oneida (N.Y.) Baptist…
Even Diana Butler Bass finds it hard to focus these days
Peace has been elusive for Diana Butler Bass in a hostile presidential election season, a disturbing Supreme Court confirmation process and the general mean spiritedness of social media. It’s not that the author of books like Grateful, Broken We Kneel…