Tony Campolo has said that trying to mix the predominantly secular power of the state with the spiritual power of the Church is like trying to mix manure with ice cream. It doesn’t hurt the manure, but the ice cream…
Human rights offering helps Christians in Middle East plant house churches
FREMONT, Calif. (ABP) — She gets up early, traveling all day to teach Bible studies and lead worship services. She must remain unknown to keep the churches she works with safe. She does her work quietly, fearing persecution — or…
EDITORIAL: How solid is that wall?
Local fire ordinances have curtailed much of the pyrotechnical displays I remember from my childhood, but we will still find ways to celebrate the 4th of July. No doubt, you will, too. Independence Day will also be celebrated in churches…
Oppressed believers view separation of church and state differently from underside
For many Baptists in the United States, the separation of church and state is no more than a historical concept or fodder for the culture wars. For Baptist minority groups in other countries, however, it can be a matter of…
FAITH DIGEST
Childbirth riskier for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Pregnant women who are Je-hovah’s Witnesses are six times more likely to die during childbirth and three times more likely to have serious complications than the general population, a new study reveals. All of the…
Highest freedom is freely giving self to God, Baptist historian says
HOUSTON — Baptists must aspire to the kind of freedom that leads them to relinquish their autonomy to God, historian Walter Shurden told participants at the William H. Whitsitt Baptist Heritage Society’s annual meeting. Shurden received the society’s 2009 Courage…
Conservative evangelicals say ballot is key to win
The ink had barely dried on Maine Gov. John Baldacci’s signature legalizing gay marriage in May when Catholic and evangelical opponents began circulating a petition for a “people’s veto” to override lawmakers with a simple majority at the ballot box….
Ministry network recognized, hailed as emerging trend at commissioning service
HOUSTON — Participants at a commissioning service held in conjunction with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship general assembly not only prayed for six field personnel assuming new assignments, but also recognized representatives of a ministry network serving in China. Pastor Steve…
CBF adopts budget, acknowledges ‘difficult fiscal year’
HOUSTON (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellow-ship adopted a $16.15 million budget but will begin the 2009-2010 fiscal year spending at 80 percent of projected income, anticipating continued reduced giving due to the economy. “It will come as no surprise…
Young pastors urge CBF supporters to ‘embrace the world’
HOUSTON (ABP) — Participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship general assembly heard a visceral call to embrace the world — and all their neighbors — in worship. Taylor Sandlin, pastor of Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas, helps participants…
FAITH DIGEST
German Muslims more numerous than suspected. Germany has nearly a million more Muslims than previous estimates, a new study showed. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Germany concluded up to 4.3 million people — 5 percent of Germany’s…
Report: One-third of scientists believe in God
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Only a third of scientists say they believe in God, according to a new survey, and while 18 percent believe in a high power, four in 10 scientists believe in neither. The report was released July 9…