My friend Jim Baucom gave me a copy of best-selling author Jonah Lehrer’s Imagine: How Creativity Works. The sleeve of the book promises “a sparkling and revelatory look at the new science of creativity.” Shattering the myth of muses, higher…
OPINION: Prayers at meetings of lawmakers: What would Jesus think?
On July 12, the Henrico County Board of Supervisors decided to stop having public prayers at its meetings. As one might expect, the decision has generated controversy. The editors of the Richmond Times-Dispatch expressed approval of the decision; a few…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Evangelical group proposes code of ethics for pastors
The National Association of Evangelicals is urging pastors to seek a common moral ground by uniting under a consistent code of ethics. NAE leaders said the new code will provide uniform guidance to church leaders. About 40 denominations comprise the…
LEADERSHIP LINK: The National Association of Evangelicals’ code of ethics for pastors
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. (2 Corinthians 6:3) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27) All who are called by God…
OUT LOUD
“Much of the world refers to America as a Christian nation, but most of our Christian leaders don’t think so. The Bible only uses the word ‘Christian’ to describe people and not countries.” Leith Anderson The president of the National…
Miami school board won’t evict church
By Bob Allen A controversial Southern Baptist pastor claimed victory Aug. 3 after Miami-Dade County School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho decided not to evict his two-year-old church from meeting in a high school for preaching that homosexuality is a sin. The…
Churches aid learning with food
By Bob Allen Before long, youngsters toting backpacks back and forth to school will be a common sight, but for about 40 students at Peck Elementary School in Greensboro, N.C., they will carry something more vital than just notebooks and…
Education ‘today’s civil-rights issue’
By Bob Allen A new kind of “school choice” agenda is gaining ground as more and more young adults — including Christians concerned about social justice — choose teaching in public schools over more lucrative and less challenging careers. U.S….
Texas Baptists name new publisher
By Bob Allen Scott Stevens, former student director at LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, has been named publisher of BaptistWay Press, publishing arm of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Stevens, who has both a master’s degree…
Police investigate IFB pastor
By Bob Allen An Indiana sheriff’s office is investigating a prominent independent Baptist pastor fired from his 15,000-member mega church for alleged sexual misconduct with an underage girl. First Baptist Church in Hammond, Ind., posted a news release on the…
Faith leaders oppose GOP tax plan
By Bob Allen More than 60 Christian leaders and theologians – including several Baptists – signed an open letter Aug. 1 criticizing a proposal backed by House Republicans to extend Bush-era tax cuts to the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans,…
Richard Land announces retirement
By Bob Allen Richard Land, Southern Baptists’ top public-policy spokesman recently reprimanded for plagiarism and racially insensitive rhetoric on his radio show, announced July 31 that he will retire next year. Land, 65, plans to step down Oct. 23, 2013,…