Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Light in the Darkness | Advent Two: Peace
On the second Sunday of Advent, we are reminded – as followers of the Prince of Peace – that to speak in favor of peace always demands finding a dissenting voice in a hostile world.
God’s Justice: It’s Not All Apocalyptic Wrath and Destruction
While some folks focus on the apocalyptic rather than the redemptive nature of God, biblical justice is about being sure that all God’s children have what they need for the living of their lives.
December 4, 2018
For Undocumented SC Immigrants, a Tiny Congregation Opens a ‘Sanctuary Church’ (Charleston Post and Courier) Former SBC President Ed Young: ‘Democrat Party is Some Kind of Religion … Basically Godless’ (CNS News)...
Why do Christians so eagerly promote God as a national mascot?
By John D. Pierce A WaPo story addresses the eagerness of many state lawmakers to push for posting the national motto “In God We Trust” and/or copies of the Ten Commandments in public spaces including schools. In doing...
The Preacher’s “Peace” at Advent
Sermon development during Advent can be difficult for most preachers, especially on the topic of peace. A proclamation for peace from the pulpits can be detrimental to the preacher’s standing.
From the Pews | Removing the Barrier Fear Creates
In busy seasons of life like Advent, it’s all too easy to allow worry and anxiety to creep into your heart and mind, but kingdom-vision living removes the barrier that fear creates.
Family, Career, Money Top Faith in Providing Meaning, Purpose
When presented with an open-ended question about things that provide meaning in their lives, U.S. adults picked family, career and money as the top three responses over spirituality and faith.
December 3, 2018
When George H. W. Bush Played the Religion Card (Religion News Service) The Republicans’ Church Tax (San Francisco Chronicle) Nativity Scenes From Across the World Displayed at Michigan Church (Michigan Live) The War...
When Will Morning Come
By: Ginger Hughes I awoke once more, glancing toward the window. It was still dark. “What time is it?” I wondered to myself, as I groped my way around, searching for my phone. 4:40 a.m. shined brightly on the screen....
Study guide, book provide better understanding of Bible’s message
By John D. Pierce Retired educator Annette Spinks has written a superb study/teaching guide for use with her husband Leroy Spinks’ book, The Jesus Lens: Bringing the Bible’s Story into Focus, recently released by...
Unmasking Our Shameful Story at Our Southern Border
The United States is the symbol of freedom. However, instead of welcoming immigrants fleeing gang warfare, prostitution, rape and grinding poverty, we lob tear gas at them. What kind of picture is that?
Light in the Darkness | Advent One: Hope
Globally, there is more uncertainty and anxiety. Old alliances – political and economic – seem to be in flux. Yet, as we enter into Advent, we are encouraged to embrace hope.
Doing Righteousness This Advent for Those Seeking Asylum
As we begin a new liturgical year, asylum-seekers are met at our southern border by soldiers and tear gas. If every congregation would commit to taking one family, the righteous work of hospitality could be done.
November 30, 2018
Arizona GOP Group Hosts Conspiracy Theorist Who Warns of ‘Creeping Sharia’ (Phoenix New Times) Faith Group Calls for Attorney General Whitaker’s Resignation Over Apparent Preference for Christian Judges (Huffington...
Seeking the Light of Advent in Our Divided Society
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Abraham Lincoln reminds us that those who continually divide themselves will inevitably fall. More than ever, we need the hope and light of Christ to shine brightly in our world.
The UN’s Role in Defending Religious Freedom – Part 2
While evangelicals have no illusions that worldly systems are or can ever be perfect, the work evangelicals do with the United Nations to protect religious freedom matters.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Increase for First Time Since 2014
Global carbon dioxide emissions increased in 2017 by 1.2 percent over 2016, marking the first increase since 2014 and raising doubts about reducing emissions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Earl Tillman dispenses the good medicine of laughter
By John D. Pierce One Sunday as a Berry College student in the ’70s I approached the big front doors of the First Baptist Church of Rome, Ga., unsure of what I’d find on the other side. It was a more imposing structure...
Profiles in Goodwill: Timothy Peoples
Timothy Peoples is senior pastor of Emerywood Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina.
The Danger Your Church Faces When Rejecting Others
Many church folks fear or reject others who are different from them. Contrary to the gospel, this pull toward exclusiveness has been and continues to be a challenge for faith communities.
The UN’s Role in Defending Religious Freedom – Part 1
Despite dissatisfaction from many evangelicals, the United Nations has brought much needed attention to violations of freedom of religion or belief that would otherwise go unnoticed.