HOLLAND, Mich. (ABP) — Looking for a way to help members of her youth group use moral discernment when making life choices, a Lutheran youth minister in Holland, Mich., re-read a copy of Charles Sheldon’s In His Steps, a classic…
FAITH SHAPERS: Parenting in Bizarro World
Our question of the day: “How can I make sure my children don’t make good behavior a habit?” I am so glad you brought this up. So often, parents get excited about good choices and good behavior and make such…
New venues: Pastors surveyed for impact on attendance
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — With two-thirds of all Protestant churches having expanded their ministry space or outlets in the past five years, a new study by LifeWay Research shows: • Two of these types of expansion corresponding to higher levels…
OUT LOUD
“[U]nlike, say, racial integration, or gay issues that fit the traditional civil rights template … the issue of gay marriage and the arguments for it are surprising when you first hear them. If someone is a bit slow to wrap…
FAITH DIGEST
Charity drops ‘Christian’ from name. Christian Children’s Fund, a Richmond-based organization that helps needy children across the globe, has decided to change its name to ChildFund International as part of its plan to broaden its outreach. The charity was founded…
SECOND OPINION: A world without newspapers?
“Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” High school kids used to memorize that line from Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” In the poem, sailors go mad with thirst under a scorching sun as their cursed vessel…
How do you spell lust? Try M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
WASINGTON (RNS) — Las Vegas may be known as “Sin City,” but when it comes to transgressions per capita, parts of the Bible Belt may burn much hotter, suggests a new study by Kansas State University geographers. The project, conducted…
Churches in Central Virginia partner to construct homes
RICHMOND — In the Richmond area on any given day, there are at least 1,150 sheltered and unsheltered men, women and children experiencing homelessness. Bringing attention to issues surrounding affordable housing and encouraging professionals and volunteers to get involved with…
Poll shows mixed feeling about same-sex marriage, gay rights
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A large survey on American attitudes toward homosexuality reveals mixed feelings about gay rights, with Americans saying states should not be forced to recognize same-sex unions, but also saying gay couples should have access to federal spousal…