By Jim Denison These are tough times for Christianity in the West. The Catholic Church in Germany is embroiled in an expanding sexual-abuse scandal. The head of Ireland’s Catholic Church has apologized for his role in mishandling the case of…
Grace for life-changing moments
By David Wilkinson “Daddy,” said the voice on the cell phone. I have assumed that only mothers have the gift of knowing instantly from the way a child calls her name if something is wrong, and that we fathers are…
Not ready for a woman?
By Miriam Méndez Listening on the other end of the phone, I was informed by the chairperson of a search committee why they had decided not to pursue me. “Rev. Méndez, we were very impressed with your interview and you…
Church-autonomy inquiries from a naïve Baptist
By Cody Sanders I grew up Baptist through and through — but when I got to seminary, I had a denominational identity crisis. As my theology grew and expanded, I questioned whether I might find a more suitable home in…
If your church is all about social justice, you’re half right
By Jim White I’m all about the United States Constitution. Next to the Bible, it may be my favorite document. I support and defend the rights of individuals to speak even if everything inside me is shouting, “Shut up!” Like…
White House faith council shows its value
By David Gushee Last week the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships issued its report to the president, culminating a year of efforts in rethinking the relationship between faith groups and the federal government. Their report is…
The last temptation
(Editor’s note: This commentary is one in an occasional series of reflections on Lenten themes Associated Baptist Press is publishing during this season of preparation and introspection. Previous reflections we have published are linked to below the article.) By Brent…
Passion for Great Commission great — when amiable
By Norman Jameson I’m a passionate guy. Not only do I understand when a person’s commitment to his or her ministry prompts a passion that excludes consideration that another ministry might be just as valid, I often applaud it. Every…
Scary ushers and signs of grace
By Amy Butler In my opinion, one of the scariest people in the world of a young pastor is the head usher at her first church. This I can pretty much verify by my experience with Edna May Reynolds. To…