Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Bush Criticized for Remarks About God
President Bush drew criticism from evangelical leaders after saying that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, a comment at odds with many in his conservative Christian voting bloc. Bush made the statement last...
‘Brother Bear’
"Brother Bear," a traditionally drawn animated feature currently in theaters, is worth seeing. "Bear" is set in the distant past, when humans lived in caves and shared the earth with mammoths and other creatures. The...
‘Love Actually’
At the beginning of the new romantic comedy "Love Actually," Hugh Grant's character discusses love. Many people feel our society is prone toward greed and hate, he says, but he believes love is still everywhere. "When...
Mistakes Of The Right, Mistakes Of The Left
A new organization has been formed to counter the activities of groups such as the Christian Coalition, the Family Research Council and the Traditional Values Coalition. Calling themselves the Clergy Leadership...
The DaVinci Code: Good Marketing, Bad Theology
Several months ago I read a novel entitled The DaVinci Code. It was a good read, if a bit far-fetched, but then this was fiction, or so I thought. Only later did I learn the book's author considered the plot...
Gays and Marriage: A Middle Way
Last week the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that gay and lesbian couples in that state are legally entitled to marry, thereby entitling them to the same "legal, financial, and social benefits" as heterosexual...
‘Mystic River’
A few decades ago when Clint Eastwood was busy making spaghetti westerns and Dirty Harry movies, who would have conceived that he would one day be such an incredible director. "Unforgiven," the film that won Eastwood...
Judged By The Judge
One thing you hardly ever hear is that Alabama Baptists are soft on Scripture. We get knocked around for a lot of things we do, but hardly ever our commitment to the Bible. Now, that has changed. As hard as it may be...
Sabbath Rules
Take a quick test. Place a mental check-mark beside each of the following activities that you believe is acceptable "Sabbath" behavior. Feel free to add your favorites to the list: __Mowing the lawn __Going to the...
Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism
The events and publications of the fall of 2003 hammer away at the theme of anti-Semitism. In October Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's made anti-Semitic remarks at an Islamic summit meeting. Abraham Foxman's...
Churches as a Safe-House in the Debate about Homosexual Marriage
Most thoughtful Christians reside uncomfortably between the extremes on the issue of homosexuality, between the demonization and sanctification of homosexual practice. One extreme demonizes homosexuals at every turn,...
Massachusetts Court Ruling Polarizes Debate Over Gay Marriage
Liberals hailed Tuesday's ruling by Massachusetts' highest court that the state constitution allows gays to marry a win for civil rights, while conservative Christians pledged to step up their fight against what they...
‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’
There was a time when Hollywood made big pictures. Wide panoramas filled large, curved screens. Those big screens held larger than life characters driven by ambitious ideals and values. But, as Norma Desmond declared...
Publisher of Senator’s Book No Stranger to Baptists
U.S. Sen. Zell Miller's critical assessment of the Democratic Party is making waves in political circles. It's also selling books for a newly formed publishing venture by Cecil Staton, president and CEO of the moderate...
‘McJob’ Dictionary Entry Upsets McDonald’s HQ
An unflattering definition for "McJob"—included in the most recent edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary—has upset the McDonald's corporation. The dictionary, which claims to be "America's best-selling...
Harry Emerson Fosdick: More Than a Modernist
Mention of Harry Emerson Fosdick usually brings to mind his very public role in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy that rattled Protestant America early in the 1920s. In 1918 Fosdick accepted the position as...
‘Sex Bracelets’ Cause Adults to ‘Snap’ to Attention
They're called "jelly bracelets," and they're popular among schoolchildren of all ages. Problem is, they're known in some circles as "sex bracelets" and are part of an alleged gaming ritual leading to sexual activity....
Rush Returns to the Radio
Radio commentator Rush Limbaugh returned to the airwaves Monday, describing himself as nervous, wiser for his five weeks in drug rehab and grateful for fan support--but still the same Rush. "I spent five intense weeks,...
Symbolic Challenges of Health-Related Philanthropy
One of the remarkable advances in 20th century medicine was the development of techniques for moving bodily fluids and organs from one body to another. This scientific advancement has challenged the symbolic meanings...
Race a Variable in Euthanasia Debate
Race and ethnicity play a significant role in determining who is, and who is not, insured. African Americans are twice as likely as whites--and Latina/os three times as likely--to lack health coverage. Higher uninsured...
The Great Commission In Action
Throughout the Bible, there are a variety of statements urging people of faith to be faithful witnesses, in both conversation and action, before those who are not yet a part of the community of faith. In Eugene...