ACU freshmen get cool gadgets. Abilene Christian University will be the first university in the nation to provide all incoming freshmen with an Apple iPhone or an iPod touch, according to school officials. ACU, which is affiliated with the Churches…
Fundamentalists of all stripes want to turn back the clock
Despite all their theological and cultural differences, fundamentalists of every faith share at least one common characteristic — resistance to modernity. That's the assessment of scholars and firsthand observers who have evaluated the varieties of religious expression. “Fundamentalism worldwide is…
Scholars examine Billy Graham’s legacy
Ecumenist, prophet, peacemaker. Friend of presidents and queens. Evangelical powerbroker who was sometimes too closely tied to politicians. Each description applies to Billy Graham. An official 1991 biography by William Martin called America's foremost evangelist a “Prophet With Honor.” The…
Beliefs alone not to blame when faith turns violent, scholars say
ATLANTA (ABP) — Every faith group has its extremists, but not all extremists turn violent. What makes the difference? While most religious violence follows common patterns, faith seldom turns violent except in response to social oppression, say experts who study…
Luxembourg lawmakers vote to allow euthanasia
LUXEMBOURG (BP) — Lawmakers in Luxembourg voted Feb. 19 to legalize euthanasia for terminally ill patients and people with “grave and incurable” conditions. The country joins the Netherlands and Belgium as the third European country to legalize euthanasia. Luxembourg's prime…
Fundamentalist now applies to ‘other groups that scare us’
Were the 9/11 terrorists who flew airplanes into the Twin Towers fundamentalists? Technically, no. Practically, yes. “Fundamentalism” specifically refers to a conservative movement within U.S. Protestant Christianity that began about a century ago, scholars agree. But they concede the term…
UK churches angry over Good Friday betting
LONDON (RNS) — Thousands of betting shops across Britain infuriated the Church of England and other religious organizations by opening for the first time on Good Friday, one of Christianity's holiest days. Gamblers flocked into some 4,000 bookmaker premises to…
Top 100 churches in total Cooperative Missions giving in 2007 listed
First Baptist Church in Alexandria led churches affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia last year in contributions to the Cooperative Missions. Rounding out the top 10 churches in total CM gifts were Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond,…
Baptist pastor released from jail in Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON — Zaur Balaev, the Baptist pastor from Azerbaijan who was sentenced to two years in prison Aug. 8, has been released. Balaev was freed from prison on March 19. Balaev was convicted and sent to prison on charges that…