Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Impeachment as National Confession and Penance
Our impeachment process could be seen as a kind of collective confession of a dereliction of duty as citizens to defend the Constitution. We must do more than assign wrongdoing; we must enter into collective confession and penance.
Detained Youth Grapple with Hidden Pain, Irrevocable Damage
Nearly 73,000 unaccompanied minors were apprehended at the southwest border and detained in one year. Many struggle with grief and loss as they miss families and friends and familiar surroundings. Each one of them is forever changed.
Why Many People Prefer to Choose False Comfort Over Truth
Truth can be unsettling. That’s why so many ignore it in favor of false but more comfortable narratives. For those who dare to face uncomfortable truth – since Jesus said such is the key to personal and spiritual...
Even Moderate Churches Don’t Want Women in Their Pulpits
While some moderate Baptist churches will hire women to fill their pulpits from time to time, women are far from welcome as ministers in too many congregations – even so-called ‘moderate’ churches.
‘Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates’
A three-part documentary on Netflix examines the life of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. While viewers will see the tyrannical boss and ruthless businessman, they’ll also see his more human side, including a look at his philanthropy.
The Fatal Flaw in Christianity That’s Culturally Relative
Is Christianity culturally relative? The most frightening part, if that is true, is the unintentional license it gives to US Christians to develop ‘our own version of Christianity’ based on our deep-seated American exceptionalism.
Look Back | Teaching Christian Ethics: A Chat with Dan McGee
Dan McGee (1933-2014), the dean of Baptist ethics professors, witnessed dramatic social changes in the US and decades of denominational upheaval in Baptist life. Through it all, he steadfastly followed his calling.
October 25, 2019
Inside the Christian Legal Army Weakening the Church-State Divide (TPM) Evangelicals Have Stuck by Trump. But Polls Hint at Trouble Ahead. (Politico) Tennessee Pastor Posts Video Burning Book that Critiques Christian...
Christian Ethics: Singing God’s Tune Daily
A richer Christian ethic offers the opportunity for growth and transformation, routinely questioning the status quo of understanding and providing a chance to gain a deeper comprehension of God. Now that’s something to sing about!
With Will Campbell, You Might Not Get the Ethics You Want
If Will Campbell were alive today – a Baptist preacher and activist known as a Southern white supporter of African-American civil rights – he’d warn us that all institutions, including the church, are corrupt and not to be trusted.
Why Do Church Members Need Education on Social Ethics?
The gospel of Jesus envisioned not only individual salvation but also redemption of the nation, according to theologian Walter Rauschenbusch. Christian leaders do a great service for church members by educating them on social ethics.
October 24, 2019
Black Baptist Church Shaped Cumming’s Commitment (News10 ABC) Second Baptist Church Threatens to Sue San Antonio if Migrant Shelter is Closed (Rivard Report) ICE Tried to Find Immigrants Living Sanctuary Churches. Now,...
How Your Church Can Learn to Discuss Politicized Moral Issues
In our era of deep political divide, it’s extremely hard for church members to have civil dialogue about moral issues that have become politicized. Here’s how your church can learn to talk to each other and discern God’s leading.
So You’re ‘Not Racist’? Here’s Why That’s Not Good Enough
Educating Christians about racial justice is one of the most important tasks in the life of the white American church. It’s not good enough to be ‘not racist,’ a claim signifying neutrality. The church must be anti-racist.
Polarized Politics in US Fueled by Negative Views of Opposition
Many members of both political parties believe the opposing party is more immoral and close-minded and less patriotic. Yet a majority of respondents from both parties said they wanted politicians to find common ground.
October 23, 2019
How Religion Widens the Partisan Divide (CNN) Most Evangelicals Will Support Trump Despite Personal Conduct, Study Finds (Christian Post) A Mob Lynching of 4 Young Blacks in 1946 is Focus of Court Battle Over Grand...
Why Biblical Ethics Isn’t as Easy as Choosing Proof Texts
The task of biblical ethics is not straightforward; we must be patient, searching and willing to be led. Reading Scripture for guidance of the moral life is not as simple as finding a proof text.
Why the Church Must Recover the Gospel’s Political Claims
The church is both a household and a body politic. When churches recover and live in alignment with the gospel’s political claims, they will attract the attention and even ire of the powers and principalities of this world.
After Bomb of Abuse Detonates, Your Self-Care Helps Your Child
Learning your child has been molested is some of the most devastating news a parent can receive. To help your child transcend this trauma, you’ll need to take care of yourself and be strong for them. These tips can help you.
October 22, 2019
Historic Hispanic Churches Persevere and Adapt (Baptist Standard) These Far Right Fundamentalists Believe God Killed Elijah Cummings for Opposing Trump (Salon) Nothing Will Persuade White Evangelicals to Support...
Why Your Congregation Needs Christian Ethics Education
We assume Christians will always make choices appropriate to a life lived following Christ. However, without education in Christian ethics, many congregants form decisions based on their political ideologies, not biblical theology.