NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — After opposing the building of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City, the Southern Baptist Convention's chief spokesman on public policy has come out in support of Muslims seeking to build a new Islamic…
BAPTIST BRIEFS
Maggie Lee legacy lives on. The second annual “Maggie Lee for Good” day is scheduled Oct. 29—an emphasis on enlisting people to do at least one act of kindness on what would have marked Maggie Lee Henson’s 14th birthday. She…
When does human life begin? In Missouri, it’s legally at conception
ST. LOUIS (RNS) — The question has perplexed philosophers, theologians and scientists for thousands of years: At what point does human life begin? Missouri lawmakers have declared their answer. By withholding both his signature and his veto, Democratic Gov. Jay…
Why so many people like Stuff Christians Like: An interview with Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is the author of the satirical blog Stuff Christians Like and a book by the same title published by Zondervan. In about two years, Acuff has taken a start-up blog from obscurity to more than 1.5 million readers,…
FAITH DIGEST
United States ties for fifth place in global giving. The United States tied with Switzerland for fifth place in a worldwide giving index by the British-based Charities Aid Foundation that measures charitable behavior across the globe. The ranking was based…
Mormons catch a glimpse of life in the big leagues
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) — Mormons have been making headlines across the nation — from HBO’s Big Love to California’s Proposition 8, from American Idol wannabe David Archuleta to Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to…
RIGHT or WRONG? Limited resources
The economic crisis in Europe, launched by the calamity in Greece, caused me to realize we are a global economy. What happens anywhere on the planet can affect the whole world, and resources are limited. So, we all need to…
Some rural churches see calling in providing a lab for training ministers
WACO, Texas — Rural churches, particularly those within driving distance of a seminary or denominational college or university, often become training grounds for ministerial staff. “Some churches see that as their ministry,” noted Judy Battles, coordinator for pastoral ministries at…
For rural churches, community may be a key to spiritual renewal
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — America’s rural churches were built upon and grew from a strong sense of community. Although many rural congregations are in decline now, that community reliance may be the key to spiritual renewal and to thriving ministry….
Bible study asks, ‘What would Andy do?’ Andy Griffith, that is
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (RNS) — Say a group of immigrants want to build a mosque in Mayberry, right next to All Saints Church. WWAD: What Would Andy Do? The question, of course, never surfaced in the beloved “Andy Griffith Show” that…
Why so many people like ‘Stuff Christians Like’: An interview with Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is the author of the satirical blog Stuff Christians Like and a book by the same title published by Zondervan. In about two years, Acuff has taken a start-up blog from obscurity to more than 1.5 million readers,…
Berryville church takes ministry into its neighborhood
BERRYVILLE, Va. — Berryville Baptist Church participated in Operation Inasmuch recently as 101 members went into the community to help others and make friends. Pastor Dan Stanley offers a bottle of water to a motorist during Operation Inasmuch. “Sometimes actions speak…