By Jeff Brumley Kevin Glenn has become quite the buzz in Columbia, Mo., the past couple of weeks for publicly promoting what he says has become a radical concept in American Christianity: That devotion belongs first to God and to…
Thoughts on election year conduct
This summer while visiting various sites in the ancient Roman Empire, I tried to brush up on my knowledge of the history of Western Civilization. Just to make a full disclosure, the only “D” I made in college was in…
Election day communion
With the Presidential debates well over, millions of people are heading to the polls. One of the key voting blocks will have an opportunity to make their vote a spiritual act. My church, The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa,…
When should we say retard?
By Darrell Gwaltney Following the last presidential debate and referring to President Obama, conservative commenter Ann Coulter tweeted: “I highly approve of Romney’s decision to be kind and gentle to the retard.” Reaction to her poor choice of words was…
Over and under
Overwhelmed and under qualified. That’s how I feel many times when I survey the things that fill my plate. Actually, I should say plates, because on any given day there are a number of plates that I juggle to keep…
Billy Graham and politics
My maternal grandmother thought Billy Graham was a saint above all others. You simply could not say anything negative about the evangelist in her presence. She held the same regard for Jimmy Carter, because she considered him a godly man…
How to make your pastor’s day
Over the past couple of weeks, as more and more cards and notes appeared on my desk, in my mail, and in my inbox, all thanking me for serving as their minister, I began to wonder if someone had announced…
Between faith and fear
Many recent conversations I have shared with friends and colleagues have reminded me of an important choice we make as human beings, as followers of Jesus, and as ministers of the gospel. It is a choice that we are confronted…
This Baptist loves Halloween
I am a Baptist pastor and I love Halloween. Many Baptists would find that statement to be heretical. Halloween is the Devil’s holiday- right? Some believe that Halloween represents evil and darkness and good Christians either ignore this day or…
Author offers tips on handling critics
By Bob Allen Both praised and scorned for her take on controversial topics such as Christians and evolution and gender roles for husbands and wives, author Rachel Held Evans has rapidly become an expert in dealing with criticism. “As an…
Billy Graham and politics: Woe to us
By Mark Wingfield My maternal grandmother thought Billy Graham was a saint above all others. You simply could not say anything negative about the evangelist in her presence. She held the same regard for Jimmy Carter, because she considered him…
Religious litmus tests
American Christianity deeply troubles me. It’s not because some sociologists are saying that the influence and prominence of religion in American public life is declining. It’s not because more and more clergy leaders are leaving the ministry for less stressful…