TORONTO (RNS) — Religion may provide a “buffer” allowing the devout to feel less anxiety when they make mistakes, compared with nonbelievers, according to new scientific research. Researchers at the University of Toronto measured “error-related negativity” — people’s defensive response…
Duvall on film and faith
THE PLAINS, Va. (RNS) — Amid the rolling hills of Northern Virginia, actor Robert Duvall lives in a rural hamlet not unlike the on-screen settings where he has immersed himself in Southern culture. It is, his wife says, “the last…
World’s Baptists responding to Pakistani flood
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Baptist groups in North America and Europe are donating money to assist flood victims in Pakistan. Baptist World Aid, the relief-and-development arm of the Baptist World Alliance, granted an initial $10,000 to meet medical, food and shelter…
Teen makes dreams come true for Kentucky girls
MADISON HEIGHTS, Va. — Jaime Fitzgerald, a recent graduate of Amherst County High School and a member of Randolph Memorial Baptist Church in Madison Heights, realized many of the girls in the Appalachian town of Manchester, Ky., would be unable…
Richmond churches tackle jobs at Bluefield
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Black enamel paint and a team of 31 inexperienced youth with paintbrushes were an interesting combination as three Richmond-area churches partnered for a week of service at Bluefield College in July. The team after an afternoon outing…
MC2 combines Bible study, mission action
LYNCHBURG, Va. — For the more than 400 people attending the MC2 conference July 19-24, the question, “What was your favorite part?” sparked a variety of responses. Painting houses gave MC2 participants opportunities to share their faith. An 8-year-old responded,…
Is the Tea Party unbiblical?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — When conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck warned church-goers to “run as fast as you can” if their pastors preach about “social justice,” was he also encouraging them to run from the Bible? That’s what some progressive Christian leaders…
New president elected at Virginia Intermont College
BRISTOL, Va. — An administrator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education will become the next president of Virginia Intermont College, trustees of the Virginia Baptist-affiliated school announced July 21. E. Clorisa Phillips, 54, currently associate provost…
Bluefield College names football coach
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College president David Olive announced in a press conference July 23 that Mike Gravier has been named to resurrect Bluefield’s football program after a 69-year absence. Gravier, a Michigan native, coached on the high school level…