Baptist News Global

Taxpayer-funded By Dawn’s Early Light woos Trump’s evangelical base

Democratic presidents have targeted Christians and attacked religious freedom for decades, but President Donald Trump is making everything right, claims By Dawn’s Early Light, a taxpayer-funded movie starring Trump administration officials that praises the president’s Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian...

FBI launches hate crime inquiry in cross burning

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Brings Tears To Pastor’s Eyes

Justices rely on ‘standing’ in courts’ church-state disputes

WASHINGTON (RNS) — As the U.S. Supreme Court ends its 2010-2011 term, legal scholars say one decision is likely to resonate within church-state debates for years to come. The justices rejected a challenge to an Arizona school tuition credit program…

‘One Nation Under God’ — narrow nationalism or proper patriotism?

When American Christians pledge allegiance to their nation and its flag — sometimes in worship services — does that reflect narrow nationalism or proper patriotism? Some Baptists believe it all hinges on how they interpret “one nation under God.” Nationalism,…

Patriotism, spiritual ties may pull Christians in opposite directions

RICHMOND, Va. — When war erupted between Russia and Georgia in 2008, repercussions included more than the 2,000 deaths and tens of thousands of refugees attributed to the conflict. Casualities also included relations between the two countries’ Baptist fellowships, torn…

OUT LOUD

“Your prayers should complement, not compete with, proper medical care.” Jeffrey S. Jones The Clackamas County (Ore.) circuit judge was addressing two members of an Oregon City faith-healing church as he sentenced them to 90 days in jail for failing…

VITAL SIGNS: Are you closed?

A friend recently shared with me an interesting story. When his church decided to replace its sign out front, it meant that the old one had to come down. For about a week, there was no sign in front of…

OPINION: CBFâ€™s next 20 years — A divinity studentâ€™s view

“College is where you learn that you have a particular past and that it doesn’t have to dictate your future.” These words, spoken by Bill Leonard during his baccalaureate address to graduates of Wake Forest University in the spring of…

Does the Star-Spangled Banner belong in the church sanctuary?

Christians should express love for country, experts on the intersection of Christianity and public life agree, but they advise caution in how churches demonstrate patriotism in worship settings. Patriotic music, flag displays, recognition of veterans’ sacrifice and reminders of “those…

Civil religion: lowest common denominator or common ground?

Some Baptists see civil religion as bland at best and idolatrous at worst. But others view broadly shared values of liberty, justice and acknowledgement of God’s providential care as a common ground Christians share with a majority of their fellow…

Baptists should understand, teach church-state separation

Because of their historic commitment to religious liberty and separation of church and state, Baptists have a responsibility to educate their fellow citizens what those concepts mean, church historian Jim Spivey said. “Separation of church from state does not mean…

‘Baptist’ comes first for Seventh Day Baptists

JANESVILLE, Wis. (ABP) — Are Christians wrong to worship on Sunday when the biblical Sabbath is Saturday? Rob Appel, executive director of the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference answers with a question of his own: “What day did Christ go…

Eradicating DEI hasn’t made anything better

How Christian nationalism shows up in patriotic worship services

Dear Trump-supporting Christians, are you really OK with this?

‘Every Student. Every State’ campaign promotes school tax credit