By David Gushee Follow David on twitter: @dpgushee In my last article, I suggested that realism demands that we “say goodbye to Christian America,” because it is passing. I intended to join neither those who wholly celebrate this fact nor…
Baptists’ way forward — repentance & forgiveness
By Marv Knox Reading the cover of the latest edition of The Christian Century felt a bit like yanking the scab off an old wound. Two conversation bubbles square off on a blue-and-red page. “Conservatives are closed-minded,” one insists. “Liberals…
Loving neighbors and reading the Bible: Some reflections upon the death of Phelps
The world recently learned of the death of Fred Phelps, Sr., founder and “pastor” of Westboro “Baptist” “Church,” the group who has become known for their protests of military funerals and signs that say “God hates ____.” They have traveled…
Don’t be a Fred Phelps hater
The enigmatic Fred Phelps has died. The church that he founded, the Westboro Baptist Church, made a name for itself by picketing funerals and public gatherings with signs proclaiming hate for soldiers, gays, and Jews – to name a few. At the…
From libraries to launching pads
By Barrett Owen According to stereotypes I’ve heard, seminary culture used to be something like this: Future ministers pack up their lives, move cities, rent a small apartment on campus and find a corner in the library in order to…
Taking the headlines to God
By Carol Davis Younger Three days after the Michael Dunn verdict, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, who teaches pastoral care and counseling at McAfee School of Theology, preached in chapel. She challenged Christians to share the hurt of those devastated that the Florida…
Need innovative leaders? Look for agility and alertness
By John Chandler Clayton Christenson teaches at Harvard Business School, is the author of seven books and is co-founder of four companies. In 2011, he was named the world’s most influential business thinker in a biennial ranking conducted by Thinkers50….
Finding grace in Lent
By Amy Butler Every year as Lent approaches I try to think about some kind of intentional Lenten practice that might allow me to focus a bit more thoughtfully on spiritual inquiry. Since I’m a Baptist and try to take…
Alban: A death and a resurrection
By George Bullard This week it was announced the Alban Institute will substantially cease operations on March 31st. It was also announced that its valuable archive of resources will likely be picked up by Duke Divinity School. In whatever way…
let’s get apocalyptic, baby
These days it feels as if the only 2 things I’m seemingly very good at are: watching + evaluating. I watch TV, the rattling, odorous recycling truck every other Wednesday (YOU DIDN’T EMPTY THE CAN!), and my neighbors, through an…
Bleeding for justice
By Molly T. Marshall When in Myanmar, I have the opportunity to read local newspapers, at least those in English. These papers are not without political bias, but neither are ours. Established in 2013, Myanma Freedom offers a cautionary note…
How can ex-SBCers move forward if they’re not even ‘ex’?
By Mark Wingfield In three recent commentaries, ABPnews/Herald columnist David Gushee has wisely challenged us to consider how we might shape our identity more positively than simply being “ex” members of the Southern Baptist Convention. I’d like to expand the…