(Editor’s note: The original version of this column, published March 29, contained an assertion — regarding differences in clergy-sex-abuse scandals between the Roman Catholic context and the Protestant context — that many readers found unsupportable. The author changed the column…
RIGHT or WRONG? Fair pay
Many Christian institutions provide comparatively low pay and relatively weak benefits but still advertise for positions with the phrase “enjoy working in a Christian atmosphere.” Isn’t this hypocritical? By Cynthia Holmes Whether such advertising is hypocritical may depend more on…
Why is Royal Lane still even in the BGCT?
(Editor’s note: A major news item in the Baptist world recently has involved the fate of a Dallas church that recently announced its gay-friendly stance publicly — thus jeopardizing its longstanding affiliation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. ABP…
Why can’t the BGCT be Baptist when it comes to sexuality?
(Editor’s note: A major news item in the Baptist world recently has involved the fate of a Dallas church that recently announced its gay-friendly stance publicly — thus jeopardizing its longstanding affiliation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. ABP…
Corina, Calvary, immigration and welcoming the alienated
By Amy Butler It’s the start of the organizational year around here, so all our committees and boards are gearing up for the work of the church in 2010. I think I could write a whole column, or even a…
Is God your hobby?
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…