By Jeff Brumley The volcanic controversy surrounding “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson has been a double-whammy for moderate and progressive Christians. First there is the anti-gay, pro-Jim Crow GQ magazine interview with Robertson, a professed Christian, which ignited the controversy on…
New job reopens ex-Muslim controversy
By Bob Allen The head of the Georgia Baptist Convention has added his blessing to the hiring of a college president accused in the past of faking an “ex-Muslim” testimony he used to rise to fame. “Dr. Ergun Caner is…
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By Jeff Brumley Through her teens and early 20s, Sarah Turner believed it was her cerebral palsy that barred her way to happiness, doomed her future and ignited the anger toward her maker. “I thought God hated me because he…
HSU grad beats limits of cerebral palsy
By Jeff Brumley Through her teens and early 20s, Sarah Turner believed it was her cerebral palsy that barred her way to happiness, doomed her future and ignited the anger toward her maker. “I thought God hated me because he…
Minister held in wife’s death leaving U.S.
By Bob Allen An Alabama Baptist minister questioned this summer in connection with his wife’s unsolved murder has plans to move overseas. Richard Shahan, placed on administrative leave as children’s minister at First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Ala., after his…
South African Baptists rebuke Westboro
This story was edited after posting to correct an error in the seventh paragraph. By Bob Allen Baptists in South Africa denounced Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., for comments reported around the world claiming the country’s recently deceased former…
Abuse trial delayed for accused pastor
By Bob Allen The trial of a Missouri Baptist pastor charged with sexual child abuse scheduled earlier this month has been postponed. Moniteau County Circuit Judge Kenneth Hayden granted a continuance Dec. 2 in the case against Travis Smith, pastor…
William Hull, scholar, author, dies at 83
By Bob Allen William Hull, a renowned Baptist preacher, author and provost at both Samford University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, died Dec. 10 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hull, 83, taught New Testament 17 years at Southern…
Clergy hopeful about ‘Daniel Plan’
By Jeff Brumley Ministers who specialize in health and spiritual formation are hopeful Rick Warren’s new food-and-faith program may boost ongoing efforts to link body and soul in the minds of Baptists and other Christians. The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to…