RICHMOND, Va. — Since its beginning in 1872, Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia has had a heart for those who needed to hear the gospel of Christ. But last month WMUV attained a new level of global partnership when it…
Youth make spiritual decisions during Bluefield College’s ‘Winter Blast’
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Dozens of youth from nine different churches and communities across Virginia and West Virginia made spiritual decisions during Bluefield College’s recent ‘Winter Blast,’ an extreme sport and worship weekend that included skiing, concerts by Christian bands and…
RIGHT or WRONG? Fair pay
Many Christian institutions provide comparatively low pay and relatively weak benefits but still advertise for positions with the phrase “enjoy working in a Christian atmosphere.” Isn’t this hypocritical? Whether such advertising is hypocritical may depend more on the working conditions…
Biologist who aims to reconcile religion and science wins Templeton Prize
IRVINE, Calif. (RNS) — A biologist and former Dominican priest who has attempted to reconcile religion and science has won this year's Templeton Prize — an honor awarded to scholars who study how science and religion intersect. Francisco J. Ayala…
Tight economy should prompt churches to look at how they handle money
DALLAS — Tough economic times may result in stronger, healthier and smarter churches and Christian ministries, according to Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. In times of economic stress, contributors prioritize giving. So, local congregations and…
Scholars, pastor and bloggers muse about whether Christ was comical
The story goes that Jesus and Satan had argued for days about who was more tech-savvy, and God grew sick of the bickering. He told them he would judge a two-hour task set. They e-mailed, e-mailed with attachments, downloaded and…
Veteran humorist recommends paint a picture with words
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The secret to being humorous is the same as most things in life, Bill Thorn believes — take what God has entrusted to you, work hard to polish it and be the individual you were created…
Humor an important spiritual practice, theologian asserts
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Humor doesn’t show up on any spiritual practice list. But Richard Olson hopes to make that happen. “Humor is a very important spiritual practice, especially for those under stress and turmoil,” he said. Richard Olson Listing…
Baptist minister Grady Nutt was a pacesetter for Christian comedy
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Singer-songwriter Don McLean’s 1970s hit record “American Pie” mourned the 1959 plane crash that killed rock-and-roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper as “the day the music died.” For a generation of humor-loving…
Laughter is the best medicine … except when it’s a bitter pill to swallow
Something that strikes one person as funny—even something heard at church — may seem inappropriate to another. How can believers strike a balance as they use h — mor and laughter in ministry? Individuals need to understand the human experiences…
Grieving comic says humor, like hope, springs eternal
SHREVEPORT, La. (ABP) — Jinny Henson, a native of Houston, began doing stand-up comedy when she was a student at Baylor University. While working on a master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, she began touring nationwide. Against the advice…
A time to laugh: What’s the role of humor for Christians?
“For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh,” according to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. What is the role of laughter and…