By Bob Allen Entertainer Charlie Daniels stepped gingerly into controversy over the Boy Scouts of America reconsidering its ban on gays at a local Boy Scouts fundraiser March 20 in Tennessee. “I definitely have feelings about it, but I’m not…
GW, Rick Perry to eulogize Cliburn
By Jeff Brumley Former President George W. Bush and Texas Gov. Rick Perry are among those scheduled to speak at the funeral of Van Cliburn Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. A Russian cellist will also speak at the 3 p.m….
A new theme song for CBF?
On a recent Sunday, our church choir sang “Find Us Faithful” as the anthem in the traditional worship service. I have always liked this song that was written by Jon Mohr and popularized by Steve Green. In fact, we used…
Creativity and contemplation
In October of last year, I settled into my old Impala and drove to downtown Duluth, just outside of Atlanta. Filled with excitement, I pulled into the parking lot behind the Red Clay Theatre and checked my pocket to make…
Wild Goose 2013 dates announced
By Bob Allen Dates and venue have been announced for Wild Goose 2013, an annual festival of music, spirituality, social justice and art for progressive evangelicals under a theological and missional tent commonly known as “emergent Christianity.” First held in…
3 questions for worship
By Bob Burroughs This is a three-question commentary, so please stay with me. First: Who is watching? As I was standing recently (20 minutes!) in a contemporary church service (and since I didn’t know the praise song) I found myself…
Green Day: on Holiday
The holiday season has reached its peak. Decorations, parties, calories and music abound. Some of this music is soul inspiring. I am warmed each time I hear Sheryl Crow’s “Blue Christmas”, The Barenaked Ladies’ “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” or…
Music fills the air
Music is the universal language. Music is prevalent during this festive time of year. Music is imperative for a soul to really “sing.” Music is very much a part of my family. Melodies and harmonies abound around a family who…
Mumford & Sons sing of grace and life
I have been listening to Mumford & Sons’ new album Babel. Its deep biblical allusions and challenging lyrics about relationships and redemption invite repeated listenings. There’s enough in the album to keep my attention for a while. Two songs in particular have…