Some Baptists see civil religion as bland at best and idolatrous at worst. But others view broadly shared values of liberty, justice and acknowledgement of God’s providential care as a common ground Christians share with a majority of their fellow…
Baptists should understand, teach church-state separation
Because of their historic commitment to religious liberty and separation of church and state, Baptists have a responsibility to educate their fellow citizens what those concepts mean, church historian Jim Spivey said. “Separation of church from state does not mean…
OUT LOUD
“Your prayers should complement, not compete with, proper medical care.” Jeffrey S. Jones The Clackamas County (Ore.) circuit judge was addressing two members of an Oregon City faith-healing church as he sentenced them to 90 days in jail for failing…
VITAL SIGNS: Are you closed?
A friend recently shared with me an interesting story. When his church decided to replace its sign out front, it meant that the old one had to come down. For about a week, there was no sign in front of…
Justices rely on ‘standing’ in courts’ church-state disputes
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As the U.S. Supreme Court ends its 2010-2011 term, legal scholars say one decision is likely to resonate within church-state debates for years to come. The justices rejected a challenge to an Arizona school tuition credit program…
‘One Nation Under God’ — narrow nationalism or proper patriotism?
When American Christians pledge allegiance to their nation and its flag — sometimes in worship services — does that reflect narrow nationalism or proper patriotism? Some Baptists believe it all hinges on how they interpret “one nation under God.” Nationalism,…
Patriotism, spiritual ties may pull Christians in opposite directions
RICHMOND, Va. — When war erupted between Russia and Georgia in 2008, repercussions included more than the 2,000 deaths and tens of thousands of refugees attributed to the conflict. Casualities also included relations between the two countries’ Baptist fellowships, torn…
OPINION: CBF’s next 20 years — A divinity student’s view
“College is where you learn that you have a particular past and that it doesn’t have to dictate your future.” These words, spoken by Bill Leonard during his baccalaureate address to graduates of Wake Forest University in the spring of…
CBF of North Carolina presents $100k to Global Missions Offering
TAMPA, Fla. — After its assembly in March the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina challenged members to support the national CBF Global Mission Offering. As an incentive and in appreciation for church support of its own budget, CBFNC offered…