Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Amazon Rainforest Isn’t Burning; It’s Being Burned
The Amazon rainforest isn’t burning; it’s being burned. The reason: Corporations and financiers want its resources. And the quickest way to gain access to them is to torch the forest. Their greed spells bad news for the planet.
Does It Matter if No One ‘Learns’ Anything from Your Sermon?
What’s the goal of preaching a sermon? While every sermon needs to have good content, sermons can have a variety of purposes, including that people may do or experience or believe something, rather than primarily “learn” something.
October 21, 2019
Historic Chattanooga Baptist Church Joins Fellowship to Continue Ordaining Women (Times Free Press) Racism, Sexism and a Lust for Power in the Southern Baptist Church (Sojourners) Two Episcopal Churches Among 10 Sacred...
I Am the Dream
While Arkansas Baptist College empowers the next generation of young black leaders, the reality persists that the world they enter will not welcome them as equals nor treat them as peers. That reality should make Christians cringe.
US Religious Affiliation Continues Downward Trend
Over the past decade, the percentage of U.S. adults who identify as Christian has declined almost every year, moving from 77% affiliation in 2009 to 65% in 2018-19. However, the news for religion in the U.S. isn’t all bad.
Look Back | When A Turtle Illustrates How Power Corrupts
Those who rule over others – or assume they do – face a great temptation to build themselves up. If you’re in a position of authority and power, you’re responsible for others. Take a lesson from a cartoon turtle.
October 18, 2019
In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace (Pew Forum) In Tennessee, One Christian College Breaks Enrollment Records, While Another Fights Declines (Christianity Today) Pence and Pompeo in Damage Control...
US Christians: Your Perceived Inconvenience Isn’t Persecution
Many US Christians believe they’re under persecution, but nothing is further from the truth. Not hearing a barista wish you a ‘Merry Christmas’ isn’t persecution. In the first century, being a Christian could end your life.
How Christians Should Respond When Rulers Abuse Their Power
When national rulers oppress their own people and abuse their power for personal wealth and prestige, how should Christians respond to the corruption and injustice? These 5 responses help answer that question.
Over 150 Million Children Worldwide Involved in Child Labor
An estimated 152 million children from 5 to 17 years old were involved in child labor during 2018, and around half of them were working in conditions classified as hazardous work, a report says.
October 17, 2019
Mormon Church Opposes Utah LGBTQ ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban (KIRO7) University Baptist Church Established University Coffee (The Pine Log) How Amazon Has Transformed the Hasidic Jewish Economy (New York Times) Blaming...
Where’s the raisins?
By John D. Pierce Eggs, milk, bananas and coffee are easy for me to find. But my grocery shopping efficiency breaks down when pursuing certain items. Much like when driving off course on an unfamiliar highway, I tend...
Profiles in Goodwill: Brian W. Ford
Brian W. Ford is executive director of Churchnet, a ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri.
No Matter What Others Think, Remember Love’s Voice
Many of us feel we’re unworthy of love. Our painful knowledge of our fears, failures, sins and regrets are amplified by voices telling us we aren’t worthy. No matter what others think or say, true love is a gift from God.
Children of Color More Likely to Live in Concentrated Poverty
Only 4% of white children lived in areas of concentrated poverty, a striking disparity compared to 19% of Latino children and 28% of both African American and American Indian children, a new report revealed.
October 16, 2019
Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation of Dallas Baptist University (Fox 7 Austin) Why Christian Music’s Biggest Stars Refuse to Change Their Tune for the Trump Era (CNN) Why Evangelical Christian Leaders Care so Deeply About...
Going Solar: How One Church Took Creation Justice Action
A team at College Park Baptist Church in North Carolina has worked to raise awareness about creation justice. One of its most significant initiatives was committing to install solar panels for sustainable energy production.
How to Listen and Respond if Your Child Discloses Molestation
If the unthinkable happens, and your child trusts you to let you know he or she has been molested, how you respond will make a huge difference in their emotional equilibrium and their ability to heal. These 9 steps can help you.
The True Threat to Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land
Israel’s apologists often claim the Palestinian Authority persecutes Palestinian Christians. However, the Israeli occupation has made life unbearable for Muslims and Christians and poses the greatest threat to the Palestinian church.
October 15, 2019
State Department’s Promotion of ‘Being a Christian Leader’ on Website Criticized for Potential Violation of Constitution (Newsweek) Sam Donaldson Says Trump Supporters Want ‘White Christian Country’ Back, But GOP...
Emerging Voices | 4 Truths I Discerned When the Wild Geese Honked
It was an unforgettable week filled with prophetic preaching, informative panel discussions, interactive small groups and powerful praise and worship. As the geese honked during my meditations, the Spirit gave me 4 lessons.