Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
November 6, 2018
God’s Red Army (New York Times) Why This Shrinking Religious Group May be Among America’s Last ‘Swing Voters’ (Vox) New Study Reveals White Evangelicals’ Troubling Beliefs on Race and Immigration (Huffington Post)...
From The Pews | Defeating Fear by Turning Toward Gratitude
While our minds and hearts traditionally turn toward gratitude in November, the overwhelming bad news on so many fronts leaves us paralyzed. It’s time to turn things around.
Why It’s Time for Christianity to Separate from Evangelicals
When evangelicals surrender to the selfish and self-centered politics of “America First,” they abandon the teachings of Jesus and submit themselves to idolatry. It may be harsh, but it’s time to separate from them.
Nonpartisan Church Groups to Minister to Immigrant Caravan
Pastors and ministry leaders on both sides of the Mexico-United States border are gearing up to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the immigrant caravan marching toward the U.S.
November 5, 2018
Can Trump Turn Out Evangelical Voters in Virginia? (WTVR) Trump Won Them. Evangelicals Rely on Them. But What is the Future of White Evangelicals? (USA Today) Trump’s Evangelical Supporters Remain Silent About His Use...
Oh, come now!
I've generally tried to stay away from politics lately not wanting to repeat the obvious flaws of our current administration that so many others do an effective job of point out. But here's something that has an Old...
Waiting With Confidence
By: Ginger Hughes Have you ever been in a season of “waiting?” I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s not much fun. Waiting can lend itself to uncertainty, anxiety, and even fear at times. Waiting allows my mind to...
5 Questions to Ask as You Exercise Your Right to Vote
With midterm elections less than a week away, it’s imperative that you make the time to vote. It’s your privilege and your responsibility. Here are 5 questions to ask about your candidates as you enter the voting booth.
The 1 Ingredient That Will Knit Our Fraying Nation Together
Our nation is like a patchwork tapestry. Its beauty derives from its various colors and shapes, but common threads unite its form. While our nation frays at the seams, the common thread to knit us together is neighborliness.
When It Comes to Kind Words, Don’t Be a One-Hit Wonder
We should beware the damage we can cause with an ill-spoken word, but that shouldn’t prevent us from sharing a kind word whenever we can. When it comes to our speech, don’t be a one-hit wonder.
November 2, 2018
‘God is Going to Have to Forgive Me’: Young Evangelicals Speak Out (New York Times) Former White Supremacist: The Fear Behind the Hate (CNN) Evangelicals Fired Up But Also Conflicted Ahead of Midterms (Voice of...
Why “I’m not a racist, but…” is often racism
By John D. Pierce The term racism can be misapplied. But it also can be defined and used too narrowly to hide or defend racism. A belief in racial superiority is widely used to define racism. Since few (though a...
Profiles in Goodwill: Sarah Shelton
Sarah Shelton is pastor of Baptist Church of the Covenant in Birmingham, Alabama.
U:21 | What David and Bathsheba Teach Us About Brett Kavanaugh
The biblical account of David and Bathsheba offers insights to the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. No leader is blameless, yet hope remains that our leaders could still guide our nation.
As We Condemn Violence, May We Also Look in the Mirror
We all grieve the mass murder of 11 Jews at the Tree of Life synagogue, but are we, as Christians, willing to acknowledge our own history of complicity in the hatred of Jews, which has fueled this violence?
November 1, 2018
Trump’s Rhetoric is Partly to Blame for a Man’s Plot to Bomb Muslim Refugees, His Lawyer Says (CNN) Preaching Gospel of Love and Justice, William Barber Mobilizes Progressive Christians (NPR) Church Employee: Targeted...
Plan fast; four spaces remain
By John D. Pierce Nurturing Faith Experience: Pacific Northwest, set for July 20-27, 2019, is filling quickly. So if you've "been thinking about it," it might be time to act. This experience will featuring Washington’s...
Remembering Roy Smith
By John D. Pierce WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Family and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church on Fifth Street here Saturday (Oct. 27) to celebrate the long and love-filled life of Roy J. Smith, known for his...
How Do We Respond to the Pittsburgh Tragedy?
The callous and brutal murder of 11 Jews at Shabbat services represents an unparalleled act of anti-Semitism against the American Jewish community. What should be our response?
How Men Can Be Advocates for Gender Equality in Church
Gender inequality continues to thrive in the one place that should be inclusive and equal – the church. Here are 4 ways men can support women in ministry roles in our churches.
We Have Failed to Address Rise of Anti-Semitism in U.S.
The mass shooting during services at the Tree of Life synagogue confronts us with our complicity in failing to address the rise of anti-Semitism in our society. We must do better.