By Bob Allen A former Southern Baptist youth pastor sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of minors criticized his victims for not forgiving him. “If they are unwilling to forgive, then God can’t forgive them,” Mack Allen…
Jesus’ death convicts capital punishment, Baylor prof says in new book
By Brian Kaylor On Good Friday, Christians around the world remember the day a government punished a convicted criminal with the death penalty. For many Christians — including some Baptists — Jesus’ death inspires them to oppose the death penalty…
‘The least of these’ too often taken out of context, says professor
By Bob Allen The “least of these” in Matthew 25 refers not to the poor but rather the Christian baker and florist persecuted because of their Christian faith, says a Southern Baptist Bible scholar. Denny Burk, professor of biblical studies…
IMB drops ban on ‘private prayer language’
By Bob Allen The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has dropped a controversial ban on missionaries who use a “private prayer language” that a decade ago helped stimulate the growth of blogs as a medium for dissent…
Watching wives face criticism toughest part of marriage to ministers, husbands say
By Jeff Brumley The toughest part of being the spouse of a woman minister isn’t assuming a quiet, secondary role at church or even having to take care of the kids while pastor mom is preaching or attending finance committee…
Texas Senate OKs clergy freedom bill
By Bob Allen The Texas Senate gave final approval May 12 to legislation protecting clergy from being forced to participate in same-sex marriage ceremonies that violate their religious beliefs. The bill, supported by the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, now…
BNG dinner to feature authors of new book about Ebola experience
By BNG staff The co-authors of a new book about the United States’ first Ebola victim and the saga that drew the world’s attention will be featured speakers at the annual Friends of Baptist News Global Dinner on June 18…
Midwestern Seminary adopts Danvers Statement
By Bob Allen Future professors of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will be required to teach not only in accordance with the Southern Baptist Convention’s official faith statement, but also must affirm different but “complementary” roles for women and men in…
Baptists helping Texas twister victims
By Leah Allen A deadly tornado that struck the Texas town of Van Sunday, May 10, has affected 204 total homes. Texas Baptists Disaster Recovery is on the ground assessing damage and preparing to begin volunteer mobilization. According to the Red Cross,…
Religious liberty, marriage equality clash, creating legal confusion
By Ken Camp and Jeff Brumley Ministers from across the Lone Star state recently urged legislators to pass legislation protecting clergy from lawsuits if they refuse to conduct same-sex weddings. Welcome to the dance, Texas. Experts say the number and…
Baptist leader celebrates Ebola-free Liberia
By Bob Allen A Liberian Baptist leader celebrated the World Health Organization’s declaration that the country is Ebola-free, making it the first of the three hardest-hit West African nations to bring the epidemic to a formal end. “Forty-two days have…
Study says Baptists losing their market share
By Bob Allen For every American who joins a Baptist church, two others who were raised Baptist are leaving the denomination, according to a Pew Center Report released May 12. The report, America’s Changing Religious Landscape, found nearly one in five (19.2…