Baptist News Global

‘Christian nationalism is more than attitudes; it’s a political dysfunction’

The political-religious movement known as Christian nationalism has taken hold in all 50 states, posing an immediate, dire threat to democracy and religion, says an extensive new study. Public Religion Research Institute President Robert P. Jones said the study, based…

Christian nationalists are misguided Christians, Anthea Butler says

Christian nationalists are still Christians despite their embrace of white supremacy and anti-democratic violence, scholar Anthea Butler said during an episode of the Interfaith Alliance’s “State of Belief” podcast. “They really believe in their Christianity. It’s just that they are…

Suit over use of tithes and real estate investing to get June hearing

A consequential three-year-old lawsuit accusing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of defrauding members by misusing their tithes to fund a real estate development instead of charity will be decided by a panel of judges in the 9th…

Transitions for the week of 3-8-24

Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES David “Zach” Axselle, to Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Mechanicsville, Va., as worship leader. Justin Blankenship, to Gracewood Community…

Liberty University agrees to $14 million settlement, but Save71 is still on watch

When Dustin Wahl enrolled at Liberty University in fall 2014, he never imagined he one day would lead a group to bring reform to Liberty. Nor did he think he would be advocating for future students not to attend his…

Divorce, double standards and debates on same-sex marriage

One of the most helpful books I read while wrestling with the topic of same-sex marriage was a book on divorce. As a gay Christian trying to discern whether Scripture might allow for the possibility of same-sex relationships, I wanted…

As Israel bombards Gaza, travel companies are offering ‘solidarity tours’ to Israel

Spaces are filling up fast for Americans traveling to Israel to learn about its war in Gaza and show “solidarity” with the Israeli Defense Forces. Multiple companies are offering “mission” trips to Israel as the nation bombards neighboring Gaza, while…

The Christian case for democracy

For most of my life, American Christians were cheerleaders for democracy. That’s when we were in charge of the democracy. Today, oddly, many conservative Christians no longer believe in or support democracy. They seem to favor a kind of theocracy…

Religious leaders decry Louisiana plan to bring back electric chair and gassing for death penalty cases

A cross section of religious leaders gathered on the steps of the Louisiana Capitol recently to offer prayers and protest over the state’s plan to add the electric chair and poison gas to its lineup of execution methods. The representatives…

Dallas police shootings were a turning point for Black trauma surgeon

Brian Williams’ entire life changed in the summer of 2016 as a trauma surgeon working in Dallas. That was the night five Dallas police officers were gunned down amid a peaceful protest of police killings of Black men nationwide. The…

Politics, faith and mission: A conversation with Winnie Varghese

Winnie Varghese is an essential voice in the Episcopal Church on issues of race and justice. A fellow Texan, she is the daughter of Indian immigrants. I first met Winnie during her time as priest for ministry and program coordination…

New podcast series highlights leadership of women in ministry

A new seven-episode podcast highlights the stories of female pastors, scholars and leaders. Each episode features an interview with women serving in leadership roles as pastors, chaplains, seminary scholars and leaders of nonprofits. “E3” refers to the podcast’s desire to…

We also need a reckoning with racist words that cut like a knife

How a ‘good kid’ makes a catastrophic choice

‘All we do is believe the Bible,’ Baptist scholars summarize

How anti-vaxxers and evangelicals found common cause