As social media exploded with the news of the SCOTUS’ decision, I wondered how this decision would impact the national Cooperative Baptist Fellowship conference. Would the agenda change? Would speakers change their prepared manuscripts or would those conversations be saved for…
Getting straight about that serpent-dove thing
Most readers of this blog would identify as moderate Baptists who view their more ideological brothers and sisters as well-intentioned, but misguided, extremists. Moderates are sensible mediators between extremes who eschew both conservative and liberal forms of group-think, political correctness,…
‘New Jim Crow’ turns back civil rights
By Bob Allen Four decades of America’s “war on drugs” has brought on a “New Jim Crow,” creating “a growing under-caste” primarily of people of color, and turned back many of the hard-won advances of the Civil Rights Movement, an…
The serpent-and-the-dove thing
By Alan Bean Here’s an uncomfortable reality. Moderates will ignore an issue, no matter how pressing, if a clear majority stands in opposition, or there is considerable support on both sides. If a proposal can’t generate at least an 85…
Don’t Worry, Gay Scouts, Southern Baptists Still ‘Love’ You
At last week’s annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, messengers from SBC churches around the country voted on and approved a resolution concerning the recent change in membership policy by the Boy Scouts of America, which says that “no youth may…
SBC messengers learn to get along
By Jeff Brumley Southern Baptists experienced little antagonism during their annual convention in Houston this week – a phenomenon that surprised some and delighted most SBC officials and messengers. There were plenty of opportunities for controversy. Debates ensued – but…
Protesting in North Carolina: Moral Monday Reflections
Recent events in North Carolina are putting our Baptist convictions to the test. In remembering the most, North Carolina’s lawmakers have forgotten the least. School children are hungry. Access to affordable healthcare will soon be even more difficult to procure. …
Blog: Pastor chastises abuse activist
Editor’s note: This story was updated after posting to add comments from First Baptist Church. By Bob Allen A woman who advocates on behalf victims of clergy sex abuse says she was sidelined by her Houston mega-church for planning an…
Christians can’t buy Starbucks: speaker
By Bob Allen A guest preacher told worshippers at a prominent Southern Baptist church in Alabama that Christians should not drink Starbucks coffee because the company supports gay marriage. “Starbucks is pouring all this money into destroying traditional marriage,” David…
Church uses vandalism as social media message
What do church leaders usually do when someone vandalizes the side of a church with graffiti? Cover it up, repaint, or remove the vandalism. A church in Randolph, New York was recently vandalized with the words, “Can I still get into heaven…
SNAP leader shames Mahaney supporters
By Bob Allen An activist who advocated for victims during the Roman Catholic sexual-abuse scandal in the United States in 2002 says evangelical leaders publicly rallying behind a minister accused in a lawsuit of covering up sex crimes against children…
Churches drop Boy Scout ties
By Bob Allen What opponents to the Boy Scouts of American dropping its ban on gay youth warned would be mass exodus is underway, as churches across the country are ending sponsorship of troops because they regard the new, inclusive…