“As a Christian I am completely opposed to the doctrines of Mormonism. But I'm not voting for a preacher. I'm voting for a president. It boils down to who can best represent conservative American beliefs, not religious beliefs. … This…
Stumbling blocks
Some time back, I read about stumbling blocks and little ones and being thrown into Hell with a millstone around my neck, and got very frightened. So I cried out to God, to explain to me what a stumbling block…
Young people see Christians as judgmental, study shows
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Young people have graded Christianity, and so far, the report card doesn't look good. Majorities of American young people describe modern-day Christianity as judgmental, hypocritical and anti-homosexual. What's more, many Christians don't even want to call themselves “Christian” because…
Scholars say evangelicals and their votes are shifting
WASHINGTON (RNS)—The face of evangelicalism is changing, two authors at the Pew Research Center said, and with that change comes uncertainty about who evangelicals will vote for in next year's presidential election. Using the AIDS crisis as an example, Michael…
Historic sanctuaries: To be or not to be?
DALLAS—When maintaining a sanctuary with a long history, congregations must look long into the future, according to Keith Crouch, Baptist General Convention of Texas church architecture director. Spencer Elliott Calvary Baptist Church, New York City Decisions about maintaining a historic…
Revival of the arts
FALLS CHURCH (ABP)—Architect Larry Cook believes “any building completely devoid of art is devoid of spirituality.” The Virginian is one of a growing number of architects who welcome the return of symbolism and spirituality to church buildings. After decades of…
Bluefield College celebrates 8th annual Baptist Heritage Day
BLUEFIELD—Bluefield College celebrated its history Oct. 3 with an annual Baptist Heritage Day ceremony on campus, featuring a keynote address from an authority on Baptist life, Boyce Brannock, president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. For the eighth consecutive…
FIRST PERSON: 225 years for Northwest church
CHESAPEAKE — Rarely does a church celebrate a 225th anniversary. One such church is Northwest Baptist Church in Chesapeake. This church predates the Portsmouth Baptist Association by nine years. Dating back to 1782, when the church was called North Upper…
Christian men gather on National Mall
WASHINGTON—In numbers that were far fewer but with a faith that was nonetheless fervent, evangelical Christian men gathered in the shadow of the Washington Monument Oct. 6 for a day of spiritual renewal that recalled a much larger meeting of…