Using methods of biblical exegesis and theological construction similar to its founders’ defense of slavery, a Southern Baptist seminary’s leaders continue the institution’s history of discrimination and oppression, but with different targets.
Rather than ‘spiritualizing’ Mary’s song, let’s be open to its subversive message
“Mary’s Song” is a reminder that when the biblical message gets difficult (as it frequently does), the Church often “spiritualizes” the text and its subversive message.
Damaging fundamentalist theologies aside, in Advent we proclaim Christ’s return and re-creation
Now that we have passed the midpoint in the journey of Advent, it’s helpful to remember that Advent is an unfamiliar word for many in our world and in our evolving American culture. It’s a “churchy” word, like Lent or…
Cheap grace, shattered witness: clergy sexual abuse among Independent Fundamentalist Baptist churches sounds another alarm for us all
Investigative reporting by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram exposed widespread sexual abuse among Independent Fundamentalist Baptist pastors. It should be another wake-up call to all religious communities across the theological and denominational spectrum.
Letters to the Editor for 12.14.18
BTSR and mission immersion by Sam Harrell, CBF Global Missions, Decatur, GA
Letter to the Editor – BTSR and mission immersion
As I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the imminent closure of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, I’m trying to make a conscious pivot from sorrow and sadness to gratitude.
Advent: a good time to remember the power of blessing – for the ‘blesser’ and the blessed
Advent is a great time to notice how much of the Good News of Jesus Christ is couched in words of blessing. All week long the people in our churches are brutalized by words which attack them, devalue them and challenge their core worth. These souls are crying out for the healing balm of a blessing.
Lost in the debate over Trump’s silence during the Apostles’ Creed: a bigger issue for progressive Christians
The coming generation will have no morality apart from a stout belief in God. Progressive Christians can’t afford to trash the Apostles’ Creed unless we’ve come up with a fitting substitute.
Letter to the Editor – Article on Operation Christmas Child misses the mark
December 11, 2018 To the editor: I am a missionary in Haiti. I am familiar with the problems as described in the article Stuffing Shoe boxes for the world’s poor? Maybe you should reconsider. I do not, however, agree with…
The Christmas Story is not an invitation to be safe and warm
Joseph is a supporting role in the Christmas story. Luke hardly mentions him, and he doesn’t get a single line of dialogue in the entire New Testament. But he should be the patron saint of taking chances.
Letters to the Editor for 12.11.18
Article on Operation Christmas Child misses the mark | Mickie West, Galette Chambon, Ganthier – Haiti
Clergy sex abuse: why the SBC’s ‘studying it’ response isn’t enough
For far too long, officials of the country’s largest Protestant denomination have done nearly nothing to effectively address clergy sex abuse. The time for action is long overdue, and the SBC’s version of “studying it” does not suffice.