By Miguel De La Torre As a social ethicist, I wrestle with issues concerning the use or rejection of violence. Should we, as a community, engage in violence when our lives and/or way of life are threatened? Or do we…
Six ways to set a positive blog tone
I had an epiphany regarding my Albany Times Union blog and the tone of negativity in the comment section. In the interest of freedom, openness, and free speech I had unknowingly allowed my blog to become a swamp of negativity….
What I saw at the debate
David P. Gushee I chose to tweet my way through the first presidential debate in the company of a number of students and others who have joined that virtual world. The perspective of this cohort of 20-somethings definitely affects my…
What I saw at the debate
David Gushee I chose to tweet my way through the first presidential debate in the company of a number of students and others who have joined that virtual world. The perspective of this cohort of 20-somethings definitely affects my own…
What do you do when your budget becomes a straitjacket?
How has the budget development process gone in your congregation this year? Was there plenty of money to go around? Or, once again did you lower soft or flexible costs like program support and missions because hard or fixed costs…
The polling place vs. the pulpit
By Amy Butler In general, it’s probably not a great idea for the preacher to get too political in his or her day-to-day life. For one thing, waxing poetic on one’s own personal positions can be mistaken for public endorsement…
A pastor’s take on church shopping
I readily confess: “Church shopping” is a term that I loathe. I think the phraseology just sounds too commercial to apply to a community of faith. I also think that searching for a church home is a crucial life decision…
Is passion a calling?
By Molly T. Marshall When asked by young adults how to discern their life’s work, guidance counselors (as well as career advice books) urge them to “follow their passion.” Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown, questions this directive….
Social media can change spiritual habits
Remember to enter to win a free copy of my new Judson Press book. Even though 89% of American households have a Bible, the number of those who read it daily is very low. A new study released by LifeWay…
Theology is important
By Henry Green Understanding theology is important. Even those who are dismissive of religion need to take some time to understand the important implications of theology in our world today. While religion is never the entire reason for some of…
Redefining what it means to be great
Pride is essentially competitive; it’s competitive by its very nature. We are not prideful because we are rich, clever, or good-looking. We are prideful because we think we are richer, clever-er, and better-looking. It’s the comparison that makes us proud….
Are Baptists Protestants?
By Tony Peck Are Baptists Protestants? I pondered this question as I attended the recent assembly of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe in the beautiful city of Florence in Italy. The European Baptist Federation is not a full…