By Bob Allen Voters want and need reliable and truthful information about candidates at all levels of government and from all political perspectives. But in an information age that overwhelms the electorate with sheer volume at breakneck speed, what factors…
Faith & Politics
By Vicki Brown While the U.S. Constitution specifically mandates no religious litmus test should be used to determine who holds office, Christians still grapple with how — and if — their faith should inform their choice in candidates. And they…
Faith & politics: Making choices in a fallen world
By Vicki Brown Passion and conviction often direct a Christian in choosing public servants. Economic concerns, social-justice issues, foreign policy or a host of other issues can be of primary concern. Suppose Candidate A’s approach on one issue matches, but…
The gospel according to Napoleon Dynamite
By Gary Furr Napoleon Dynamite. It’s been seven years and I still laugh at this movie. I have it on DVR so I can speed through to favorite moments. Not long ago a friend and I were laughing as we…
Bearing false witness still a sin, even in campaign season
By Ken Camp When a politically volatile email arrives warning Christians about some elected official’s action or some candidate’s position that sounds so horrible it’s hard to believe—don’t believe it, some pastors suggest. And for heaven’s sake, don’t forward it….
Faith leaders condemn Franklin Graham for questioning Obama’s faith
By Bob Allen Heads of four historically black Baptist denominations joined other faith leaders Feb. 28 in an open letter condemning recent comments by Franklin Graham questioning whether President Obama is a Christian. Signed by leaders of the Progressive National…
Friendships foster deeper religious life, research shows
By Ken Camp Research proves what most ministers long have suspected: Friendships developed at church positively influence religious behavior and — to a lesser degree — beliefs. Sam Stroope, a doctoral student in sociology at Baylor University, analyzed data from…
Lent for Baptists
By Jim Denison If you’re like me, you grew up in a Baptist church where Lent was a foreign word. Like all things Catholic, it was ignored if not rejected. In recent years, I have come to see the error…
Finding Christ in popular culture
By Robert Dilday When the Academy Award ceremony airs Feb. 26, an unusual film that has bemused some, exhilarated others and drawn wide-ranging comments tops the list of nominees. Brad Pitt and Laramie Eppler star in Terrence Malick’s film, Tree…