There is much handwringing about the “state of the church” these days. I want to suggest that handwringing is a bit exaggerated. I know the statistics. There are certainly many U.S. churches that are struggling and some that are closing….
5 a.m. musings in Amsterdam
It is both a blessing and a curse to be an American in Amsterdam tonight. On the one hand, it is a blessed escape. On the other hand, people look at you with worry and pity. On the one hand,…
Statement urges US Christians to ‘resistance’ and ‘repentance’
More than 400 U.S. Christians of multiple denominations have signed an ecumenical statement urging Christians to stand up for their neighbors, protect vulnerable people and defend democracy as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Drafted by an ad hoc coalition of prominent…
Guthas became the first female pastor at Jimmy Carter’s church
Ashley Guthas wasn’t angling to become Jimmy Carter’s pastor. Yet she became another part of history when she was called as pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga. — a church where the former president and his wife, Rosalynn,…
Rising secularism isn’t good for democracy, scholar explains
Many Americans believe increased secularization will minimize religious and political tensions, simmer the culture wars and reduce threats to democracy, author and political scientist John Compton said. Some mainstream commentators argue the continuing move away from religious belief and belonging…
Illiberal America has won many times before
As I write, it is four weeks until the election. The polls on reputable sites like Fivethirtyeight.com are giving the Harris-Walz ticket a very slight advantage, with the results coming down to one or two states. Those of us who…
Progressive faith leaders call for renewed attention to 8 principles of faith and democracy
Two hundred faith leaders, including some luminaries of progressive Christianity, have signed a new statement on Christian faith and democracy calling for renewed attention to eight key principles. “The United States confronts a crisis of democracy, and the American church…
Apalachee High School: The questions that haunt me at night
I am writing this post very early in the morning of Friday, Sept. 6. It is less than 48 hours after 14-year-old Colt Gray decided to start his freshman year at Apalachee High School, 40 minutes north of me, by…
Regarding election 2024: Eight things I see
After a tumultuous and fascinating two months in American politics, here are some things I see as this election year moves into its final stretch. After the June presidential debate, Joe Biden’s candidacy was doomed. He was right to drop…
Kentucky panelists discuss the threat of Christian nationalism
As a political ideology, Christian nationalism is not the traditionally conservative movement its adherents claim it to be, U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey said during a panel discussion on saving democracy hosted by Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville last Saturday….
Reminder: Join BNG live from Louisville Saturday
Baptist News Global will livestream the William M. Johnson Lecture series from Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, Aug. 17. The livestream will be free via Facebook Live. BNG columnist David Gushee will give the lecture on…
‘Disarming Leviathan’ sees Christian nationalists as vast mission field
In his 18 years as a pastor, Caleb Campbell has seen Christian nationalism seduce believers from the way of Christ, leading to broken relationships, causing division and departures in churches and leaving him exhausted, hurt and ready to retire. But…