By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist evangelist who orchestrated the first gathering of what became known as the Religious Right in 1980 is now seeking to mobilize a new coalition of Catholic, Protestant and evangelical voters to save America’s economy….
Health care, ambassadors and other matters of conscience
By Bill Leonard If the last two months are any indication, 2012 may wind up as a year of major religious-liberty decisions in America. In January, the Supreme Court issued what the New York Times called perhaps “its most significant…
Baptists protest violence in Syria
By Bob Allen Leaders of three British religious bodies issued a joint statement March 15 calling on the United Nations Security Council to condemn Syria’s violent suppression of a year-long uprising that has left more than 8,000 dead. Jonathan Edwards…
Mississippi Baptists back abortion limits
By Bob Allen After endorsing a failed “personhood” amendment to the state constitution last fall, Mississippi Baptist leaders are now backing legislation that observers say could shut down the state’s only abortion clinic. Passed by Mississippi’s House of Representatives March…
Obama appeals to ‘social gospel’
By Bob Allen President Obama denied March 12 that he is “waging a war on religion,” citing his own work as a community organizer before entering politics as part of the “social gospel.” Asked in a White House interview with…
Baptist leader says gay marriage an issue of justice
By Bob Allen The gay-marriage debate is about far more than sex, says a leader of one of three Baptist groups working together to defeat an upcoming vote to amend North Carolina’s constitution to recognize marriage as only between a…
The fence through Friendship Park
By LeDayne McLeese Polaski A fence runs through Friendship Park at the western end of the U.S. border with Mexico. A 20-foot tall steel structure begun in late 2011 and completed in early 2012, it begins at the very spot…
Candidate: Faith, politics mix in public arena
By Vicki Brown A Baptist preacher’s wife running for lieutenant governor in Missouri says that while voters should consider a candidate’s moral character and values, faith should not be used for political ends. Judy Baker, who has a master’s degree…
Santorum gets prayer at Baptist church
By Bob Allen A Catholic presidential candidate received a prayer of blessing from a Southern Baptist mega-church during a campaign visit to Memphis. Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., invited GOP hopeful Rick Santorum to the…
Should America attack Iran?
By Jim Denison Should America attack Iranian nuclear sites? A recent exchange sponsored by Foreign Affairs highlights three options. Matthew Kroenig argues that we should attack Iran now. He recently served as special adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Defense…
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…
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….