We begin with the profound question: Can we design a space with assurance that it will be perceived as a sacred place by those who experience it? Even more profound is this awesome yet humbling responsibility we have, as architects,…
HERITAGE: A lily for Dr. Taylor
For the past year I have been engrossed with researching and writing the life of George Braxton Taylor, who is best known in Baptist history for founding in 1886 the Sunbeams, the earliest organization to teach Baptist children about missions….
SBCV reduces budget, increases funds for Southern Baptist Convention
LYNCHBURG, Va. (BP) — The Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia approved two resolutions Nov. 8-9 calling for continued support of its Cooperative Program unified giving plan, as well as increased CP commitment from its churches. During its annual meeting, the…
FAITH DIGEST
How much is a Bible website worth? A disgruntled investor has sued Bible.com, saying the website’s name alone should make it a “goldmine.” James Solakian filed suit against Bible.com, according to the Reuters news agency. He says the website should…
Americans are feeling charitable, just not through churches, says report
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Americans are being more generous to religious charities, but why are they skimping on their giving to churches? A new report from Empty Tomb, an Illinois-based Christian research organization, contains an analysis that found from 2007 to…
RIGHT or WRONG? Civil rights and immigration
What lessons from the Civil Rights Movement can and should be applied to the recent Arizona immigration law, as well as any larger American debate over immigration? The most common item mentioned since this law was passed is “racial profiling”…
OPINION: The Bible isn’t the only place one finds interpretation
This past week, the 187th annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia was held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Among items to be discussed and voted on, a resolution from the BGAV’s religious liberty committee was brought…
Young Christians seek intentional community among the poor
GRESHAM, Ore. (RNS) — In the two years since David Knepprath and Josh Guisinger moved into the rough-and-tumble Barberry Village complex, about a dozen young Christian men and women have made Barberry Village their home. Their goal: Create a sense…
WRAPUP: Virginia Baptists look to a future of expanded relationships
HAMPTON, Va. — Virginia Baptists prepared for their future Nov. 9-10 by affirming a proposal to expand their local, national and international relationships, while at the same time adopting a dramatically reduced budget to fund their ministries. At its annual…
VITAL SIGNS: Things Jesus never said
There are some things you will just never hear. Ever seen those lists? "Next on Jerry Springer, Two happily married couples with their normal children.” Sorry, that’s just not going to happen. Or maybe you've seen the list of comments…
BGAV elects Richmond layman as president, two pastors as VPs
HAMPTON, Va. — Bob Bass, a retired Richmond, Va., construction executive, was elected president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia Nov. 10. Bob Bass Bass, a member of Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond who has been serving as…
BGAV resolutions address immigration reform, privatization of alcohol sales
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Baptists have urged the U.S. Congress to resolve the country’s immigration crisis and have rejected proposals by their own state government to privatize its Alcohol Beverage Control commission. The two resolutions were among four adopted Nov….