Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Profiles in Goodwill: Cheryl Kimble
Cheryl Kimble is senior pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.
Don’t Erase Our Racist Past; Remember and Learn From It
The U.S. is stretched and pulled by the unavoidable differences arising from our cultural, racial, historical and personal experiences. A naming controversy over an infamous Alabama bridge illustrates the polarities dividing us.
Emerging Voices | Two Images of Salvation
What is salvation? How is it received? Scripture continually holds two images of salvation in tension with one another, with neither image neglecting the other.
March 13, 2019
Roman Catholic Cardinal Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Child Sex Abuse (CNN) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Professor Accused of Sexually Abusing a Student ‘By Design’ Over a Decade (Louisville...
Misappropriated funs
By John D. Pierce Productivity often defines my day as being “good.” There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from work well done. And the more that gets checked off the to-do list, the better. There are also those...
Baptist, Catholic Congregations Unite to Save the Planet
Baptists and Catholics aren’t always known for working together, but they united in a rural Kentucky church with a single-minded goal: Save the planet. And they learned one easy step you can take to slow down climate change.
Why I’m Not Giving Up Anything for Lent
What are you giving up for Lent? I’ve heard that question often, and I’ve decided I’m not giving anything up this year. Instead, here are three ways I plan to prepare for Easter.
Pastors for Texas Children, Education Advocates Rally at Capitol
Teachers, administrators and public school advocates gathered at the Texas Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass legislation increasing education funding, currently 20 percent lower than 2008 levels when adjusted for inflation.
March 12, 2019
‘Cheerleader for a Porn Star Presidency’: Pence Support for Trump Questioned by a Christian Democrat Presidential Hopeful (The Guardian) Trump White House Reportedly Discussing Middle East Peace Plan With Evangelical...
Do Standardized Tests Accurately Measure Student Achievement?
Standardized tests assess whether students have achieved grade-level knowledge and skills, thus determining how well teachers are educating children at grade-level. Or do they?
Why It’s Time to Talk with Your Family About Your Death
As a society, we resist talking about what is an absolute for all of us: We will someday die. It’s time we have conversations with our loved ones about our deaths and our wishes for end-of-life care.
Baptist World Alliance Reports Uptick in Contributions for 2018
The Baptist World Alliance stopped a six-year slide in contributions with a 10 percent growth in gifts during 2018, but its general secretary cautioned the upswing does not constitute a trend.
March 11, 2019
In the Age of Amazon, Spiritual and Religious Bookstores Find a Niche that Clicks (NBC News) As Southern Baptists Weigh a Predator Database, a Look at How They Work (Sojourners) Meet the Group Trying to Change...
Sisterhood Rocks
One woman, Brandy, started me on my journey to safety and peace after years of sexual abuse. A small cadre of friends stood with me in the halls of justice bearing witness to me as a good woman. It’s the power of sisterhood.
Examining Trends in Theological Education for Women – Part 2
The trends in theological education don’t paint an inspiring picture for women when you focus on the numbers alone, but they aren’t the full story. Here are 6 reasons we must keep educating women for ordained ministry.
Look Back | Sexist Language Subtly Pervades Churches
White-biased imagery is common in our churches, but its inherent racism is much more subtle than the blatant sexist language and patriarchal imagery that is so dominant in our worship services and beyond.
March 8, 2019
A Majority of Churches in Decline or Flatlining; Nearly Half See Dip in Giving, Study Says (Christian Post) A Catholic School Refused to Admit the Child of a Same-Sex Couple. More Than 1,000 Catholics Signed a Petition...
I Am a Feminist
For Christians who read and take the Scriptures seriously, a feminist theology emerges out of God’s sincere desire for justice and reconciliation. Here are 5 guiding principles for churches.
Examining Trends in Theological Education for Women – Part 1
Women’s leadership in the church has grown rapidly over the last few decades. However, for women, the pace of growth in theological education has slowed significantly. Check out these 8 trends.
To Struggling Parents of Special-Needs Kids, You’re Not Alone
As parents of special-needs children, your marriage often takes an emotional beating, but know you’re not alone – even though it feels like it. No matter how loose your grip, hold on and let God do the rest.
March 7, 2019
Baptists Who Split from Southern Baptist Convention Have Their Own Sex Abuse Policies (RNS) How Christian Art Historically Depicts Women and Their Bodies (Christianity Today) CPAC Panel: American Threatened by Spread...