Americans want religious presidents. A majority of Americans (56 percent) say it's important for a candidate to have strong beliefs, even if those beliefs differ from their own, according to the poll conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute in partnership…
Traditional divinity program aids ministry in nontraditional contexts
Students who serve in nontraditional ministry settings — whether a postmodern congregation, a cowboy church or something in-between — benefit from the foundation provided in a traditional seminary curriculum, some educators and ministry practitioners insist. Baylor University's Truett Theological Seminary…
Does the Star-Spangled Banner belong in the church sanctuary?
Christians should express love for country, experts on the intersection of Christianity and public life agree, but they advise caution in how churches demonstrate patriotism in worship settings. Patriotic music, flag displays, recognition of veterans’ sacrifice and reminders of “those…
Civil religion: lowest common denominator or common ground?
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…
‘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,…
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship marks anniversary with laughter, hope
TAMPA, Fla.– The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship looked back in laughter and forward in hope at a celebration banquet marking its 20th anniversary June 22. So-called moderates who lost a bitter 12-year battle for control of the Southern Baptist Convention founded…
Texas Baptist board calls for renegotiated agreement with Baylor
DALLAS (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board voted to take steps to renegotiate the relationship agreement between the state convention and Baylor University. At its May 24 meeting in Dallas, the board directed Associate Executive Director…
Unlikely allies weave myth of Christian America, historian says
DALLAS — A seemingly unlikely alliance between conservative Christian evangelicals and Mormons recasts American history as the founding of a distinctively Christian republic, Stephen Stookey told a gathering of Baptist church historians. Self-styled historian David Barton and conservative provocateur Glenn…