The way a group of 19th-century Baptists covered up a sexual assault committed by one of their own testifies all too clearly about the misuse of privilege and power when protecting beloved institutions, according to the authors of Remembering Antônia…
Trumpism is leading America to the valley of dry bones
Something is terribly wrong in America. We are in a mess. Perhaps even more disturbing is that there may be more people wanting to wallow in the mess because they wish to profit from our alienation from each other. After…
Christian nationalism runs rampant as Christians and cult leaders alike believe Trump was chosen by God
The road to the Waco, Texas, airport was littered with tents called patriot stores selling MAGA merchandise last Saturday. They had been out since Wednesday in preparation for Donald Trump’s rally. Trump 2024 flags flew next to Confederate flags, “F***…
Baylor preparing to launch master’s degree in theology, ecology and food justice
It should come as no surprise that Jennifer Howell, director of a program blending environmental and theological studies at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, perceives deep spiritual dimensions in the tilling of soil. “You recognize you are vulnerable to something bigger…
Growing movement pushing pastors to ‘get real,’ vulnerable with congregations
It takes a lot of guts and humility to be vulnerable. Just look at the New Testament account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, Mary Alice Birdwhistell said. “Since feet were the primary mode of transportation, think how dirty they…
Social media buzzing with Baylor fallout
From the New York Times to ESPN, Baylor University is major news since an investigation found it failed to properly handle sexual assault allegations against football players. The planned firing of head football coach Art Briles and the demotion of…
Faith, MD motivates inspiring Baylor law grad
Ethan Lange vividly recalls the first time he met Allison Dickson. It was a few years back when they were students at Baylor Law School. “She struck me as a person I can be an influence on, who I can…
Waco shoot-out distorts their experience with bikers, say some Baptists
By Jeff Brumley Nine dead, 18 injured, 170 arrested — and a sullied reputation for motorcyclists everywhere. At least that’s how some have interpreted the May 17 shootout between motorcycle gangs in Waco, Texas. But Baptists who love riding say they…
Minister trades prison garb for orange T-shirt to help ex-cons find work
By Jeff Brumley Customers and staff took notice when a guy wearing an orange prison jump suit strolled into an Italian restaurant in Waco, Texas, for takeout on the final day of Lent 2014. “It was weird to me so…