EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third of four essays by Baptist historians and thinkers all dealing with the theme, “History Speaks to Hard Questions Baptists Ask,” that are being published by Associated Baptist Press on four successive Wednesdays. The essays…
Respect the office of the president
By William Dwight McKissic Sr. While listening to talk radio on Sept. 28, I heard conservative commentator Laura Ingraham refer to President Barack Obama as, “You fool!” Shock, disbelief and utter amazement are the only words I know to describe…
American sexual ethics today, Part 1
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two columns contrasting prevailing cultural attitudes on sexuality with classic Christian ethics and calling for Christians to reclaim their own heritage in a countercultural practice of Christian community. The second will be published…
The blind chaperone and the homeless woman
By Amy Butler Every once in a while, I’m shaken into the reality of my own inability to see clearly. Again. It happened a couple of years ago. In a moment of weakness, I had earlier promised offspring Sammy I’d…
With globalism, what are Baptists’ new frontiers?
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of four essays by Baptist historians and thinkers all dealing with the theme, “History Speaks to Hard Questions Baptists Ask,” that will be published by Associated Baptist Press on each of the next four…
In North Georgia, signs of the times?
By Libby Grammer Garrett Everywhere I have gone this week, from the doctor’s office to Facebook, I find myself inextricably entangled in turbulent conversations about my high-school alma mater’s cheerleaders, their inspirational football-game banners citing passages like, “I can do…
Could Sotomayor be the Left’s Souter?
By David Sanders When the Supreme Court begins its new term Oct. 5, much of the attention will be on its newest member, Justice Sonia Sotomayor. But, for most conservatives, little in either Sotomayor’s record as a federal judge or…
Today is your day for stewardship
By Marv Knox Once upon a time, I attended a church where longtime-and-savvy members intentionally planned weekend trips about this time of year. They knew October was “stewardship month. “ That, of course, meant four Sundays in a row when…
What are the top challenges facing Baptists today?
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of four essays by Baptist historians and thinkers all dealing with the theme, “History Speaks to Hard Questions Baptists Ask,” that will be published by Associated Baptist Press on each of the next four…
What is the future of moderate Baptists?
By David Gushee In this column, I go where angels fear to tread: I want to muse over the future of moderate Baptists. My thoughts will be especially informed by my recent years of service with students at Mercer University….
Of slugs and sermon illustrations
By Amy Butler I seem to be always scouting around for theological metaphors — you know, fast-and-ready ways to talk about that mystery we like to call God. I do not consider this tendency of mine an exceptionally unusual talent….
Grief, the past, and creating a future for moderate Baptists
By Cody J. Sanders I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the future of the moderate Baptist movement — including moderate churches, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and similar larger bodies of moderate Baptists. One only has to spend a little…