Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
4 Ways Your Church Can Stand Against White Nationalism
White nationalism is a growing global phenomenon. In some countries, evangelicals have been accused of complicity. Here are 4 ways your church can take a stand against the rise of white nationalism.
Half of Children Aged 3-6 Not in Pre-Primary Education Programs
Half of the world’s children – 175 million – between 3 and 6 years old are not enrolled in pre-primary education programs, UNICEF said, putting them at a disadvantage that will follow many of them throughout their lives.
When Christians Put Party Politics Ahead of Their Faith
Many Christians allow the U.S. political system and their choice of news media to determine their response to current issues. However, Christians should have a higher calling and greater responsibility than partisan politics.
‘Paradoxology: Why Christianity Was Never Meant to Be Simple’
“Paradoxology: Why Christianity Was Never Meant to Be Simple,” a book by Krish Kandiah first published in 2014, does not shy away from some of the most difficult questions about the Bible. It’s a great gift to the church.
How Long You Live Depends on Your Nation’s Wealth
Nearly 20 years. That’s the difference in life expectancy between richer and poorer economies, a World Health Organization report found. And in low-income economies, one out of every 41 women dies from maternal causes.
April 16, 2019
France: Fire Destroys Much of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral, One of World’s Architectural Wonders (Press Herald) France: Why Notre Dame Cathedral is So Important to Catholics Worldwide (CNN) France.: Message of Christian...
5 Illusion-Shattering Truths That My Cancer Has Taught Me
Five years into my journey with multiple myeloma, my illness has given me the opportunity to reconsider the stories that shape and misshape my identity. I’ve learned 5 new stories that nurture wholeness and meaning.
‘Call It Grace: Finding Meaning in a Fractured World’
Serene Jones, author and president of Union Theological Seminary, writes in her compelling and nearly flawless book that God holds all of us in love and empowers us to take care of ourselves in an imperfect world.
Global Energy Usage Doubled Average Rate in 2018
Energy usage worldwide increased by 2.3 percent in 2018, a report said. Three nations – China, India and the United States – were responsible for 85 percent of the net emissions increase.
April 15, 2019
Unite the Whites: Donald Trump Now Leads Now Leads a Unified Party of Anti-Immigrant Racism (Salon) Congressional Hearing on White Nationalism Missed the Boat on Christian Nationalism (Rewire News) Evangelical Taylor...
Why You Need to Break Free from Your Echo Chamber
People have been conditioned to avoid religion and politics in polite conversation, and as a result have forgotten how to talk about those subjects politely – or even altogether. It’s time to break free from your echo chamber.
The Hope of Lent: People Can Change – Including You
The hope of Lent is that we will come out of it a bit different than when we entered, having changed in some way for the better. Here’s the story of one pastor who turned his back on his racial prejudice.
Look Back | The False Wall Shielding Predator Preachers
Baptist leaders claim they have no authority over autonomous churches to police clergy who sexually abuse children. When they hide behind the false wall of local church autonomy, they protect the predators.
April 12, 2019
Deputy’s Son Faces Charges in Burning Down Three Black Churches in Louisiana (NBC News) Trustees: Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Adopts Nashville Statement (Baptist Press) Evangelical Leaders Release Doctrinal...
When You Pay Your Taxes, You Love Your Neighbor
With Tax Day looming, U.S. citizens across the country are thinking a lot about taxes. While writing that check to the IRS is a chore many do begrudgingly, remember that paying taxes is a way to show you love your neighbor.
7 Healthy Habits to Help Churches Stay True to Their Purpose
We all agree that it’s good for churches to have a clear vision and purpose. We disagree about how to live out that purpose. For some help, follow these 7 strategic-planning habits that Jesus modeled.
Baptist World Aid Australia Publishes Ethical Fashion Guide
Who are you wearing? Or, perhaps a better question: Are you wearing ethical clothing? Baptist World Aid Australia is urging consumers to check their fashion brands to ensure their clothes are ethical.
April 11, 2019
A Response to Homelessness: United Methodist Church Builds a Tiny House for the Homeless (Mercer Island Reporter) Online Petitioners Square Off on Baylor LGBT Policy (Baptist Standard) Pete Buttigieg, Gay and...
Profiles in Goodwill: Beth Allison Barr
Beth Allison Barr is an associate dean in the Baylor Graduate School, an associate professor of history at Baylor University and a resident scholar at Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion.
How Do You Respond to Genocide? 4 Practices to Put in Place
How should people committed to the teachings of Jesus respond to genocide? If Christians are going to stand in solidarity and empathy with those who have been marginalized, we must practice these four steps – at a minimum.
Because Something’s in the Bible Doesn’t Make it Christian
People have used the Bible to defend slavery, bar women from ministry and rejecting acceptance of LGBTQ folks. Some may claim such views are biblical, but it doesn’t mean their Christian. We must read the Bible in context.