There is an axiom among those who study world religions: In exploring other faiths, we see our own with fresh eyes. I recently returned from a pilgrimage to Israel. In a very real way, my trip enabled me to see…
Most faith groups value formal education, new research shows
There are times when mixing religion and education is desirable. And there are times when it isn’t. Critics of Betsy DeVos have claimed the nation’s new education secretary is definitely an example of the latter. From her nomination last month…
Baptist columnist says Trump should abandon two-state plan for Israel
An opinion writer for a Kentucky Baptist Convention website says President Trump should move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and abandon hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mark Wohlander, an attorney and…
U.S. Christians divided on U.N. rebuke of Israel
A coalition of Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches that works to influence U.S. policy on peace and justice issues in the Middle East applauded the Obama administration for not exercising veto power of a Dec. 23 United Nations Security Council…
U.S. embassy to remain in Tel Aviv, for now
President Barack Obama took action Dec. 1 to keep the U.S. embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv for at least another six months. The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, a pledge to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem, allows the president…
Shedding light on the Old Testament’s great villain — the Philistines
Baylor University religion professor Deirdre Fulton is in the middle of a three-year dig that is shedding light on the lives, beliefs and practices of a group often villainized in the Old Testament: the Philistines.
More Noah’s ark headlines — this time at 5th-century synagogue excavation
While Ken Ham’s “Ark Encounter” museum near Williamstown, Ky., has drawn the lion’s share of attention this summer directed toward Noah’s vessel, another representation of the ark in Israel has been wowing the archaeological world.
Southern Baptists debate resolution supporting Israel
The Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution June 14 criticizing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end the occupation of Palestinian lands despite objections by an Arabic pastor. Pastor Jamal Bishara…
Hillary Clinton: ‘Make countering BDS a priority’
On the eve of her religious denomination’s quadrennial meeting, Hillary Clinton wrote a letter to Jewish agency heads saying she opposes the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel that the United Methodist Church will consider.
Russell Moore says Christian nation idea a form of theological liberalism
The Southern Baptist Convention’s top official for public policy and religious liberty concerns says, theologically speaking, America is not a Christian nation. In a Gospel Coalition video posted May 4 in advance of this week’s National Day of Prayer, Russell…
Christians from U.S., Holy Land, pledge to work together for Mideast peace
Christian churches have a responsibility to work for a lasting peace in the Middle East and advocate for a two-state solution to chronic conflict in the Holy Land, 40 church leaders from various traditions agreed during an April 19-20 summit…
Desert encounter — a new stance for the Church?
To my delight and at times surprise, I’ve recently found myself involved in different conversations of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. I’ve also witnessed a growth in other ecumenical groups in our area, and continue to learn of colleagues in different…