By Zachary Bailes In the past week people gathered to hold vigils, protests and to speak out for the one who can no longer speak: Trayvon Martin. We find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of understandable fury and anger over…
Can we tell the truth?
By Elizabeth Evans Hagan At a recent writing workshop the presenter offered this advice. “If you want to write well, if you want to connect with your audience,” she offered, “you always must tell the truth. There’s nothing that can…
How firm a foundation
By Luke Smith “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That…
Working with someone who saved a country
By Amy Butler The objective of the community organizer was to help our church discover projects about which we are passionate, ideas for mission and ministry in our city. She began by asking everyone in the circle to mention one…
Good Christian Baptists?
By Brett Younger GCB does not stand for “Good Christian Baptists.” ABC’s new, unfunny and uninteresting sitcom was named “Good Christian Bitches” just long enough to get attention for offending the easily offended. The consistently irritating title became “Good Christian…
The iPad and your soul
By Jim Denison The latest iPad is now in stores. Actually, that’s probably not true. Apple can’t keep up with the demand. Pre-orders were sold out in two days. Analysts expect the latest version of Apple’s tablet computer to sell…
When ministers are used by politicians
By David Gushee A leading presidential candidate writes letters to Christian ministers from around the country. He remarks positively on their contribution to society and church and suggests his interest in personal conversation. He invites the ministers to respond to…
Health care, ambassadors and other matters of conscience
By Bill Leonard If the last two months are any indication, 2012 may wind up as a year of major religious-liberty decisions in America. In January, the Supreme Court issued what the New York Times called perhaps “its most significant…
New clergy deserve a chance
By Bill Wilson A recent column on the surge of churches calling pastors in their fifth decade evoked a wide range of responses. Many came from mid-career clergy who offered a hearty “Amen” and were grateful for the news that…