While it greatly pains me to contradict Southern Baptist Theological President Al Mohler, an evangelical and Southern Baptist leader I have held in highest esteem for most of my adult life, I feel compelled to offer a respectful rebuttal to…
Integrity matters
On the morning of April 21, Pope Francis died. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo — the chamberlain or acting head of the Vatican in the interim period between the death or resignation of one pope and the inauguration of…
Dear men who support women in ministry …
Many years ago, a senior pastor said to me: “We don’t have a Sunday to celebrate women in ministry at our church because we already support women in ministry. It’s a nonissue for us.” At the time, I accepted his…
‘Privilege, not a right’ is language of abusive control
If you know anything at all about how abusers talk, you’ll recognize the danger in one of the Trump administration’s favorite explanations for its tyranny: “It’s a privilege, not a right.” Here’s what the White House Press Office said about…
As the white smoke dissipates, Leo XIV isn’t exactly Francis 2.0
Catholics and non-Catholics alike are riding high on emotions over two words: Habemus papam. (We have a pope.) However, once the honeymoon is over and reality sets in, enthusiasm for Pope Leo XIV likely will subside as some supporters of…
JD Vance should listen to Pope Leo
Vice President JD Vance is in a curious position now that Pope Leo XIV has assumed office, since Vance is both a Catholic in good standing and a figure who regularly clashes with Catholic leadership. On Jan. 29, the newly…
A letter to Pope Leo XIV from a Baptist brother in Christ
Like much of the world, I was glued to my television this afternoon as you were introduced as Saint Peter’s successor. While I am a lifelong Baptist, my own personal faith always has been marked by a decidedly Catholic tinge,…
Misogynistic influencers are poison in young men’s ears
Earlier this year, Spotify removed Andrew Tate’s “Pimping Hoes” podcast after a petition reached more than 90,000 signatures. And while a single complaint should have been enough to cancel such vile and harmful content, misogynistic influencers continue to expand their…
SBC clergy sex abuse crisis doesn’t stem from ‘the Sexual Revolution’
Sexual abuse is “the rotten fruit of the Sexual Revolution,” says Jeff Dalrymple, director of the Southern Baptist Convention’s newly created Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response department, which operates under the SBC Executive Committee. In two Baptist Press columns published…
How can we love Jesus and let the children of Gaza starve?
I have tattoos — several, in fact. The one on the inside of my left forearm, inked in black and printed in Koine Greek, translated says, “According to Matthew 18:3.” The verse? “Truly I tell you, unless you change and…
The president stands at the gate of heaven and St. Peter says …
Many Americans watched the funeral coverage of Pope Francis with chagrin, noting the bright blue suit of the president of these United States, which stood out sharply from the prescribed black clothing of other dignitaries who had come to mourn…
When Trump is under water in Texas, pay attention
The Houston Chronicle reported May 7 that for the first time, more Texans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy than approve. That says a lot more about Trump than it does about any changes in Texas. Yes,…