The United States of America is one of the most religious and certainly the most religiously diverse nation on the face of the earth. Despite our country’s religiosity, many of us were surprised by a recent poll widely reported in…
OPINION: Freedom and its fruit
When we were missionaries in Taiwan I remember being asked what the Bible is all about. What would you say the Bible is all about? I couldn’t use any religious vocabulary like salvation, redemption, sin, eschatology. In Mandarin there is…
OPINION: When Baptists actually come together
Walking around at the Baptist General Association of Virginia meeting in Hampton I realized how fortunate I was to be a pastor in Virginia. I’m not from these parts but have traveled in the BGAV twice in my life now. …
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….