By Daniel Wallace Allendale, S.C., is one of the most economically challenged counties in the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau can testify to that. But it’s also one of the most ethnically diverse. And First Baptist Church of Allendale…
Poll: Gay-marriage right not absolute
By Bob Allen A majority of American adults view same-sex marriage as a civil-rights issue and nearly two-thirds believe it is inevitable that it will become legal throughout the United States, but opinions vary about what those rights should entail,…
Ex-offender ministry addresses recidivism
By Ken Camp Men just released from state prisons in Huntsville, Texas, arrived by bus in Fort Worth and gathered at the Tarrant County Probation Office. Before re-entering the free world, they heard straight talk from someone who understands what they face….
Clergy press for assault-weapon ban
By Bob Allen More than 4,000 congregational leaders have signed an open letter to U.S. senators urging them to pass comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation. The letter calls for legislation that includes a ban on assault weapons and high capacity…
Preaching peace in a timid church
When ministers are afraid to speak prophetically about peace they fail to be a voice for the Prince of Peace. At the 2012 William Self Preaching Lectures at the McAfee School of Theology, “Preaching Peace in a Crumbling Empire,” Brian…
Church calls cops on inquiring member
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist megachurch reportedly filed a police report on a church member who raised questions about news stories alleging that nearly 25 years ago leaders of the congregation failed to alert authorities about credible accusations of…
Study questions divorce’s impact on faith
By Bob Allen A Baylor sociology professor says research linking parental divorce to rising numbers of young adults identified as “spiritual but not religious” or the “nones” may be overstated. Jeremy Uecker, an assistant professor of sociology at Baylor, and…
Renewing compassion
By Molly T. Marshall As governing structures lurch from one fiscal crisis to another, it is not easy to move beyond self-protective responses. Whether made “redundant” by a job lay-off, deemed “expendable” by a curtailed health-care provision, plunged “underwater” because…
Renewing compassion
By Molly T. Marshall As governing structures lurch from one fiscal crisis to another, it is not easy to move beyond self-protective responses. Whether made “redundant” by a job lay-off, deemed “expendable” by a curtailed health-care provision, plunged “underwater” because…