If you’re a long time reader of my work (thanks Mom!) you’ve likely come to the not-so-startling conclusion that a great deal of my ramblings are primarily concerned with my struggles, disagreements, dissatisfactions, and overall existential and sometimes very physical inabilities to be…
Church ‘eviction’ sparks controversy
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist church planter in New York City said he never intended the firestorm of criticism that started with him writing a blog about losing the congregation’s meeting place after promoting a sermon series about sexuality….
CBF pastor seeks immigration reform
By Bob Allen A Cooperative Baptist Fellowship pastor joined fellow clergy July 24 in a press conference on the U.S. Capitol Building lawn calling for broad immigration reform. “We are not here to endorse any specific bill or any particular…
Baptists take sides in ordinance debate
By Bob Allen Baptist clergy are lining up on both sides of a debate about a proposed fairness ordinance dividing city commissioners in Frankfort, Ky. Hershael York, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastor of Buck Run Baptist…
Texas Baptists support abortion law
By Bob Allen The Baptist General Convention of Texas lobbied for a newly passed law restricting abortion that was delayed by a filibuster by a state senator honored last year by the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission for her work…
Texas Baptists support abortion law
By Bob Allen The Baptist General Convention of Texas lobbied for a newly passed law restricting abortion that was delayed by a filibuster by a state senator honored last year by the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission for her work…
A prayer for peace
In his recent lament over the Trayvon Martin tragedy, evangelical leader Jim Wallis implored: “If there ever was a time that demonstrated why racially and culturally diverse congregations are needed — that time is now.” For the past 4 1/2…
Letter seeks ‘circle of protection’ for poor
By Bob Allen Christian leaders across the country released a pastoral letter July 18 urging Congress to make hungry and poor people a priority in negotiations over a new federal budget. With Washington set to reconsider sequestration — across-the-board spending…
Knowing what we’re FOR
“Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a God, but never without belief in a devil,” wrote the late Eric Hoffer. Though his 1951 book, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, was written in…
Statement cites sexual abuse in church
By Bob Allen Seventy-two faith leaders signed a public statement July 17 decrying silence from evangelical leaders on the issue of sexual abuse in the church. Released by Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE), an advocacy group…
I’m playing the race card
I blogged last year about the Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman case. Specifically, I shared my uneasiness with claims of “God’s plan” being part of the rhetoric. The verdict is in. I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t claim to…
Remembering Will Campbell: does anyone here NOT know Amazing Grace?
Remembering Will Campbell: Does Anyone Here NOT Know Amazing Grace? Memorial Service for Will Campbell, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee Saturday, June 22, 2013 Sitting under the words “Love your enemies” I feel my heart swell. They are painted on the walls high…