By Jonathan Waits With three parts out of several written and published, David Gushee’s careful examination of the issue of homosexuality and the church has been enjoyable reading. The care and sensitivity he is bringing to the issue combined with…
Comic-Con International day three: ‘Be excellent to each other’
By Michael Parnell What happens when you gather over 120,000 people in one place? What kind of problems occur in putting that many people together? One is the logistics of moving that many people from one place to another, which…
The case for the 45 credit seminary degree
The Atlantic ran a disturbing article on the state of middle class clergy carrying a seminary degree: high debt, low wages, vanishing churches, and part-time pastor positions. The piece profiles Justin Barringer, a recent seminary grad who like many before him…
We are not alone
By Amy Butler You know, I’ve always thought that one of the principle practices of a good pastor is connecting people. But I’ve now come to believe that one of the principle practices of being a good human being is…
The changing shape of denominational tribes
By John Chandler Seven years ago, I was asked about the future of local Baptist associations. My response was to say that while I felt the future of Baptists associating was still very strong, the future of local Baptist associations…
Comic-Con International day two: ‘God is disappointed in you’
By Michael Parnell With a title like that, I had to be a part of this panel. Panels are the biggest part of Comic-Con. They allow companies to promote things like movies and television shows. The panel with this title…
When government spies on religion
On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. In the immediate aftermath of that landmark ruling, Christian conservatives took to social media and television to declare victory and many did so with…
A Gospel story, a preacher and two governors
By Chuck Queen In the story of the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21, the writer basically follows Mark’s account, though Matthew omits Mark’s description of the crowd as sheep without a shepherd. I suspect he does so because…
Church shouldn’t be entitled to Sunday
By Seth Vopat “Sunday is no longer the sacred day of the week anymore!” is one of many complaints I hear repeatedly for why the church is dying today. In translation, this often refers to the fact that a variety…