It’s that season again. For the third year in a row, two important things are happening at the same time in my life. The first is vacation Bible school. Next week, the hallways of our church will be covered in…
What is democracy?
This is the first in a BNG series of articles on Christianity and democracy that will lead toward the July 4 celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The series has been curated by Carol McEntyre, senior minister at First Baptist Church…
Be still and know a keyboard crusade will not ‘save’ the church
Over the last decade, the so-called “MAGA” movement has infected nearly every aspect of American life, including Christianity. Evangelicals, Catholics and Orthodox Christians in the United States have been forced to endure what’s been dubbed the “Bro” movement — an…
The fascinating people who make us happy
Since 2004, a million people have shared their secrets on PostSecret.com. The secret can be a fear, regret, betrayal, confession or humiliation. These anonymous secrets have to be true and must never have been shared with anyone. The secrets include…
Why Mohler’s take against female podcasters misses the mark
Recent remarks by Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, asserting women should not interpret Scripture on podcasts, have sent shockwaves across the Southern Baptist Convention and throughout the evangelical world. Mohler’s bizarre comments regarding female podcasters have laid…
America is imperiled, but Baptists can save it
Last week, the annual meeting of the National Leadership Council of the American Baptist Churches USA took place in Atlanta under the theme, “Claim, Distinguish and Proclaim the Markers of American Baptists.” That should be considered a big deal for…
The moral side of redistricting
Virginia voters said yes. That is what makes this moment so revealing. In April, Virginians narrowly voted on and approved a constitutional amendment that would have allowed lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections….
The human side of health insurance
Imagine, for a moment, that you have two sick children at home, and you’ve just received a pre-authorization denial for an MRI scheduled for next week. Frantically, you call the insurance company, only to be met by an automated phone…
Why are Christians drawn to transgressive politicians?
On Election Day in Texas, I was working out at the Elzie Odom Recreation Center down the street from my home. As I reached the top of the stairs, I encountered signs pointing right to the Democratic polling room and…
In conversation with Logan Morrison
Nearly three years ago, I interviewed Logan Morrison, who had made national headlines for being forced out of a soccer coaching job at an evangelical college for open communication related to sexual orientation. (That interview was reported with a previous…
In conversation with Meredith Stone about Mohler’s amendment
As Southern Baptists prepare to consider Al Mohler’s so called “Truth and Unity Amendment” at their annual meeting in Orlando next month, many Baptist women are becoming weary of Southern Baptist men defining “unity” as joining together to silence women….
More Baptist Faith and Message 2000 fallout
As 20,000 expected messengers gather in June in Orlando, the Southern Baptist Convention plans to further dismantle a great denomination once united around missions and evangelism. Through a proposed constitutional amendment, women will be further exluded in ministry and pastoral…