(Editor’s note: Although Bill Wilson’s commentary pieces — written as a column for the Virginia Baptist Religious Herald — have appeared frequently on Associated Baptist Press over the last year, with this edition ABP will begin the regular biweekly publication of his…
Christian witness amid the partisan fray
By David Gushee All eyes are on the November 2 elections, which appear likely to sweep Democrats from control of the House of Representatives and perhaps the Senate. Republicans also appear poised to make gains at the state level, especially…
On ‘Glee’, Nietzsche, faith and greeting cards
By Amy Butler Regular contact and conversation with my congregation is an important part of the work of a pastor and definitely one my favorite parts of my job. These days that interaction happens most usually by e-mail or on…
Being off duty as a pastor
By Elizabeth Evans Hagan While I have great respect for the work of my Episcopal and Catholic clergy friends, I am glad that I’m not one of them. Not because of theology or tradition or even the clergy pay structure,…
A new conversation on bullying
By Mitch Randall Bullying of any kind, regardless of context, must stop. However, a wave of stories is circulating regarding a particular type of bullying that has people of faith reevaluating their words. In recent months, an upswing in homosexual…
A gap between faith and life
By Jim Denison The Pew Forum for Religion & Public Life recently discovered an alarming gap between faith and many critical social issues. For instance, only 7 percent of adults who take a position on immigration say that religion is…
Bonhoeffer and the power of story
By David Wilkinson For Eric Metaxas, a New York Times best-selling author, one story led to another. A few years ago a friend gave Metaxas a book on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the brilliant and courageous German theologian, pastor and writer who…
Facebook and virtual virtues
By Carra Hughes Greer Let’s face it: Facebook is quickly becoming a “community” of its own. For some, Facebook has replaced much (actual) face-to-face communication and has become a major means of relationship building. Whether we agree or not about…
A good word about preaching
By Bill Wilson Healthy churches hear good preaching. Few would disagree with such a statement. However, the definition of good preaching is about as easy to agree upon as is good taste in fashion. Our definition of good preaching usually…