Baptist News Global

Pokluda apologizes for ‘hurting’ women with sermon illustration

A Texas pastor who was roundly criticized for objectifying women in a sermon has apologized for hurting women with his sermon illustration. Jonathan Pokluda, pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in McGregor, southwest of Waco, gave the apology at the…

We don’t need more ‘context’ to understand Josh Butler’s article on sex and the church

In the wake of The Gospel Coalition publishing a male-centric sexual fantasy about Christ penetrating the church, we are getting a clearer picture of how their alliance is characterized by carelessness and control in an attempt to build author platforms…

Key witness offers damning testimony against Ezell as NAMB gets McRaney trial delayed two months

Depositions are currently under way for the upcoming trial against the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board based on allegations by plaintiff Will McRaney — and at least one deposition includes harsh allegations against NAMB President Kevin Ezell. In…

Four ways to be in helpful relationship with those living with infertility

I’m not sure who started the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” but I’d like a word with them. Most of us who have been through the experience of middle school know…

The difference between ‘He Gets Us’ and the Asbury revival

During Super Bowl LVII, nestled among ads for chips and beer came a profound message: Jesus Gets Us. The Servant Foundation, a Kansas organization backed in part by Hobby Lobby, has produced a campaign designed to humanize the Lord. The…

There’s a better metaphor for America than the ‘melting pot,’ author says

Author, minister and scholar Jonathan Augustine suggests replacing the “melting pot” metaphor for American religion and society with one taken from a stew famous in his hometown of New Orleans. “I think about the ability of people to be like…

Former Ridgecrest staff invited to June homecoming

All former staff members of Ridgecrest Conference Center are invited to an “alumni homecoming” June 1-4 at the North Carolina retreat. Ridgecrest is an 1,100-acre retreat center near Black Mountain, N.C., that holds precious memories for thousands of Southern Baptists…

Misogyny is in your church too

In the movie Talladega Nights, race car driver Ricky Bobby (played by Will Ferrell), gathers his family for a celebratory meal after a big win. Quieting the people gathered around the family dinner table, Ricky offers a prayer, a special…

Coalition of Atlanta faith leaders plans action to ‘Stop Cop City’ and defend a forest

A coalition of faith leaders in Atlanta has joined the protest to stop construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center by the Atlanta Police Foundation and the City of Atlanta. The planned facility has been nicknamed Cop City. Stop…

How viewing sex as an icon leads to the pornification of Christian women and the church as Christ’s bride

Editor’s note: The controversial article mentioned here was removed from The Gospel Coalition website sometime March 2, after generating a swirl of protest online. It is still available, however, in a excerpt of Josh Butler’s new book, Beautiful Union. The…

The dubious ethics of Christian Twitter

Twitter is an enticement to sin. How’s that for a lead? Shall I say more? I discovered Twitter early and have maintained a steady presence there, despite various pauses, doubts and regrets. I almost abandoned the site last year when…

Most congregations exiting the UMC are white and located in the South

The shape of the current and future United Methodist Church took on clearer lines after events in the past month, topped by results from an analysis of the characteristics of departing churches. Disaffiliation developments included nine decisions and a memorandum…

Supreme Court slides into partisanship

Before the fireworks, be careful what you drink

The contemptible case of Clarence Thomas

The permanent paradoxes of Christian thinking about war