One of the most helpful books I read while wrestling with the topic of same-sex marriage was a book on divorce. As a gay Christian trying to discern whether Scripture might allow for the possibility of same-sex relationships, I wanted…
Prior explores the origin of evangelicalism’s ‘empire mentality’
The allure of empire is so deeply baked into evangelical culture that it is expressed in compulsive and sometimes unconscious ways, author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior said. “We have this empire mentality,” Prior said during a Sept. 18 webinar…
Burge: Churches should brace for the downsizing still to come
If they haven’t done so already, American churches should brace themselves for the acceleration of social, political and religious trends already ravaging faith institutions, researcher and author Ryan Burge warned. “I think we’re in for a serious downsizing of American…
Baugh Foundation grants $2.7 million to Perkins Baptist House of Studies
Amid the continually shifting sands of American theological education, a Baptist House of Studies at a Methodist seminary has received a $2.7 million grant from a Baptist-oriented foundation. The John and Eula Mae Baugh Foundation awarded the three-year grant to…
Reading good literature can develop skills in empathy and compassion, professor says
Reading literature can help Christians develop the Christ-like empathy needed to bring more compassion and healing to a divided world, according to author and scholar Karen Swallow Prior. The Southern Baptist seminary professor spoke during a Sept. 1 webinar examining…
Four Texas Baptist schools ban handguns on campus; more likely to follow
They join about two-dozen other private universities in Texas — including Abilene Christian University, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University — in opting out of campus carry.