Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
The Real Wars We Face
I am appalled by the assertion that there is some sort of "war" against Christianity and Christmas in this country. This is one of the more bogus and ridiculous claims that I have ever heard. Once again, the strategy...
‘Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture’
Christians work in Hollywood. No, that's not a misprint—that's a fact. It's also the subject of an important new book that lets some of these Hollywood Christians speak for themselves about working in the business and...
Roy Moore Loses Support of Christian Broadcaster
A Christian talk-show host who sued to reinstate Roy Moore after his ouster as Alabama's chief justice isn't supporting his run for governor, citing his ties to groups she says want to impose a theocracy. "You may say...
‘Twas The Fight Over Christmas
'Twas the fight over Christmas and in God's houses, Boycotts were forming to fight atheist louses; The attacks were hurled and poisoned the air, It seemed that Rev. Falwell was being a bear. Like children he shouted at...
Go to Church on Christmas Day
Amid all the hubbub about the "war on Christmas," a much more disturbing story has largely escaped the public attention, or at least, the public debate. And that is the decision of a number of flagship mega-churches...
Reflections on Redemption
Redemption. The word has been bantered around frequently in the days leading up to the execution of former gang member Tookie Williams. Williams claimed that he had experienced redemption while in prison. During his...
Faith Leaders Arrested in Protest of Budget
Led by evangelical activist Jim Wallis, 114 religious leaders were arrested Wednesday in Washington for civil disobedience protesting federal budget proposals that slash spending for the poor while extending tax breaks...
Funding Appeal for 2006 Baptist-Jewish Educational Resource
We plan to produce a four-part DVD study guide that will equip Baptists for constructive interfaith relationships with the Jewish community, a resource long overdue, and a much-needed educational unit. And we need...
‘Full-Quiver’ Theology Appeals to Race
In a July 27 column in Baptist Press, Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (my alma mater) insists that couples who choose childlessness are guilty of "rebellion against parenthood [that]...
Under-Population Worries Southern Baptist Leader
A Southern Baptist leader previously on record as saying it is a sin for married couples not to have children has added a new rationale--demographics. In a Nov. 27 Chicago Tribune story about married couples choosing...
Baptist Leaders Criticize Wal-Mart
Thirteen moderate Baptist leaders signed a letter released Wednesday saying Jesus wouldn't approve of the way Wal-Mart treats its workers. In a Christmastime letter similar to one sent last week by interfaith leaders...
Baptist Leaders Call Wal-Mart to Higher Standard
Thirteen moderate Baptist leaders signed a letter released Wednesday saying Jesus wouldn't approve of the way Wal-Mart treats its workers. In a Christmastime letter similar to one sent last week by interfaith leaders...
The Wal-Marting of America
Wal-Mart will be closing its store in Livingston, Ala. early next year. The reason offered is that Wal-Mart has opened Supercenters about 25 miles away in Demopolis, Ala., and in Meridian, Miss. When Wal-Mart located...
Wal-Mart Critics Ask ‘Where Would Jesus Shop?’
Jesus would not shop at Wal-Mart, according to new television ads and a letter signed by religious leaders. "Our faith teaches us 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,'" began the 30-second TV spot, which...
Christmas Hymns and Social Justice
During Advent and Christmas our churches seem to sing more heartily as hymns remind us of the promise and joy of the birth of Jesus. There is a wealth of wonderful texts and tunes for the season which bring "tidings of...
Religious Leaders Join Call for Clemency for Gang Founder
Religious leaders--including presidents of three large black Baptist conventions--have joined rappers, actors, politicians and grassroots organizers of hip-hop culture in seeking clemency for Stan "Tookie" Williams,...
Waiting for the Promised Peace
Despite the ongoing and pointless controversy over "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays," the air is filled with the noise of Christians giving voice to the joy and excitement of the Christian season. With one...
Religious Leaders Decry ‘Manipulation of Faith’ in Alito Debate
Progressive religious leaders on Friday mailed a letter asking senators to reject the "manipulation of faith" in debate over the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito. Alarmed by news reports about...
‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
When I learned of this behemoth adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic about the magical world of Narnia, I had doubts that the story itself would allow for a cinematic tale as gripping as, say, "The Lord of the Rings." Now...
‘Narnia’ Adaptation Swathed in Family Issues, Onscreen and Off
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" highlights family both on screen and off. Not only does the story revolve around four siblings separated from parents, but the production itself of C.S....
Churches Cancel Worship on Christmas Day
Rather than singing "O Come All Ye Faithful" on Dec. 25, mega-churches this year are opting instead for "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Because Christmas this year falls on a Sunday, some of America's prominent...