By David Gushee I have experienced vastly different versions of Christian higher education at places ranging from Palmer Seminary in Pennsylvania, to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary during the early Al Mohler era, to Union University under the presidency of David…
Snowstorms and special pacts
By Nathan J. Barnes I awoke yesterday morning to a beautiful blanket of snow in my front yard. A soft, continuous snowfall delighted me for the rest of the day. Even after arriving home from a long day at work,…
Online dating can work — even for a clergywoman
By Amy Grizzle “So … you, like, pray and stuff?” Um, yes. I pray and stuff. As an ordained Baptist minister, it kind of, like, goes with the territory. Actually, I responded more politely than that. At least I had…
On Valentine’s Day, prisoners and Haitian debt
By Ken Sehested As with many modern cultural traditions, Valentine’s Day draws from a jumble of historical memories. However, the observance’s namesake comes directly from Christian history. The Roman Catholic Church’s official list of saints actually has three entries for…
To whom much is given….
By Marty Duren Last week I had the opportunity to spend time on a medical mission in Haiti, arriving in the shaken country less than three weeks after the Jan. 12 earthquake. While the United Nations and the Red Cross…
Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church
By Carra Hughes Greer Many 20- and 30-year-olds share a distaste toward Baptist churches. As a young minister, I believe my peers need the community and nurturing of a church. I hope the church will hear the cries of these…
The $21 billion shim
By Jim Denison A piece of steel the size of a postage stamp is making global news. Toyota has been in the headlines for weeks with massive recalls and safety concerns. The company has recalled more than 5.3 million cars,…
Less revenge, more forgiveness
By David Wilkinson “Revenge is the rage at the movies,” proclaims The Wall Street Journal. Well, there’s a surprise. The WSJ notes that revenge, retribution and retaliation are served up (with heaping helpings of violence, naturally) in a trio of…
What I know six months out
By Jinny Henson I have reassured myself in the six months since the death of my daughter, Maggie Lee, that although I have no idea what I will do without her, I honestly didn’t know what to do with her…