Theologians past and present have used a bouquet of initials and analogies to describe Calvinist doctrine. Historically, the Reformed Synod of Dort in the Netherlands delineated the differences between Calvinism and the teachings of James Jacobus Arminius. For the sake…
Baby Boomer Baptist theologians tilt toward Calvinism
BROWNWOOD, Texas — Among Baptist Baby Boomer theologians, at least half of the major authors are committed to Calvinism, an influential Baptist theologian of an earlier generation has noted. James Leo Garrett Jr., emeritus distinguished professor of theology at Southwestern…
Good leaders in business and church possess some of the same qualities
The same leadership skills that make many of the best business leaders successful also can enable church leaders to fulfill their potential, some Christian business experts note. “In both worlds, … leaders go first. Leaders set the culture,” said Craig…
Taking care of business
Some best practices in the corporate world translate well to the nonprofit sector, including churches, experts insist. And at the same time, churches can benefit by looking at some lessons failed business learned the hard way. Baptists with expertise in…
Fundamentalists of all stripes want to turn back the clock
Despite all their theological and cultural differences, fundamentalists of every faith share at least one common characteristic — resistance to modernity. That's the assessment of scholars and firsthand observers who have evaluated the varieties of religious expression. “Fundamentalism worldwide is…
Fundamentalist now applies to ‘other groups that scare us’
Were the 9/11 terrorists who flew airplanes into the Twin Towers fundamentalists? Technically, no. Practically, yes. “Fundamentalism” specifically refers to a conservative movement within U.S. Protestant Christianity that began about a century ago, scholars agree. But they concede the term…
Ethicist describes recipe for global warming skepticism
SAN ANTONIO — Conservative Christians generally have turned a cold shoulder to concerns about global warming, but ethicist David Gushee believes he understands why. “Climate change is among the most heavily reported stories — and in my view, one of…
Follow the money
Most observers of congregational life agree — a person can tell a lot about a church by looking at its budget. But exactly what conclusions can be drawn about a church's priorities remain an open question.tory “It's a question I've…
Follow the money
Most observers of congregational life agree — a person can tell a lot about a church by looking at its budget. But exactly what conclusions can be drawn about a church's priorities remain an open question. “It's a question I've…