Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
U.S. Jail Population Rose in 2016 to Nearly 750,000
U.S. jails saw a population increase in 2016, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics data released on Feb. 22. Jails housed 740,700 in 2016, a 1.8 percent (13,300-person) increase from 2015, while the average daily...
April 3, 2018
Supreme Court Declines Christian Group’s Appeal Over Cross in Grand Haven (Michigan Live) North Carolina Prisons Must Recognize Humanism as Faith Group (World Religion News) Texas Church Donates $100,000, Eliminates...
Pastors’ Group Supports Strong Education for All Kids
The moral foundation of public education is supported in Scripture in a number of important passages. In Genesis, God brings all the animals to the human to see what the human would call them. This labeling and naming...
When Foxes Lurk Outside Our Schools’ Henhouses
Each Monday, I go to a local elementary school to be a reading buddy for a second-grader named Patrick. Patrick's school is in the part of town I don't drive through without locking my doors. It anchors blocks...
Report: Global Hunger Rises by 11 Million in 2017
Almost 124 million people in 51 nations experienced acute hunger in 2017. This is an increase of 11 million persons from 2016, according to a report jointly authored by the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food...
April 2, 2018
Jimmy Carter: ‘Apparently’ America Wants a Jerk for President (USA Today) Is Trump a Role Model? 61% of Republicans Say He Is (Mercury News) ‘Eighty Percent of White Evangelicals Would Vote against Jesus Christ Himself...
March 31, 2018
Easter Week Around the World – and Hell, if it Exists (New York Times) Why is Easter So Early This Year? (EarthSky) ‘Fugitive’ Immigrant Who Took Refuge in Church Watches Opening Day Crowds from Sanctuary (Michigan...
Good Friday: Thoughts, Prayers Didn’t Get Jesus Executed
Jesus was not executed because he offered thoughts and prayers to the poor, sick, marginalized and oppressed. Jesus was executed because he turned the powerful and their systems upside down with his radical inclusion...
Jesus’ Trial Before Pilate: Classic Case of Mob Rule
The trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate is a travesty of justice and surely a classic example of weak leadership crumbling before the popular vote. It's ironic that the very "peace" Pilate is so keen to preserve is...
In Unkind Culture, Is There Still Something Nice to Say?
I helped launch the Say Something Nice Day movement 13 years ago. Never in my wildest imagination did I think that the greatest barriers to our success would become a president of the United States and evangelical...
How in the World Is the Date for Easter Chosen?
Christmas is always on Dec. 25. Why is Easter not on the same date every year? This year, for the first time since 1956, Easter comes on April 1, creating a curious juxtaposition of sorts. Next year, Easter will be...
March 29, 2018
Christian Pastors Begin Fast to Press for Immigration Reform (U. S. News & World Report) Liberty University Opens ‘Sophisticated’ Gun Range for Students (Fox News) Christians of All Denominations Gather for Holy...
Profiles in Goodwill: Greg Smith
Greg Smith serves as Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel working with LUCHA Ministries in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 1. Where did you grow up? Hot Springs, Arkansas. 2. What is your favorite verse, book or...
Why You Need to Develop Interfaith Relationships
In reflecting on the question of interfaith relationships, I must acknowledge that I have the most experience and feel the most urgency in the relationship among the three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and...
How Can You Celebrate Easter South of Equator?
I read about a woman in New York City who was interviewed as she departed church one Sunday. A reporter asked, "What is Easter?" The woman said, "Easter is when we throw off the robes of winter." A critic of...
March 28, 2018
Frank S. Page, Top Southern Baptist Leader, Resigns Due to ‘Morally Inappropriate’ Relationship (KAGS-TV) Evangelical Support for Trump Proves They Value ‘Christian Nationalism’ Over Christian Morality: Survey (Raw...
Too Many Lack Compassion Over Plight of Undocumented
The story of Jorge Garcia is heartbreaking. His parents brought him into the U.S. at 10 years old. Just like with my 10-year-old, when the family goes somewhere, he has to come and doesn't have a choice in the matter....
We Should Have Taken Action 1,600 Mass Shootings Ago
Everyone who knows me or has read my writings knows I am a gun owner. According to my latest count, I own 27 guns. I gave my son, Lance, a 7mm-08 when he graduated college and my son, Chad, a .243 the afternoon before...
Most SNAP Participants Employed But in Unstable Jobs
A majority of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants are employed while receiving assistance but in positions with unstable hours resulting in income volatility, according a Center on Budget and...
March 27, 2018
These are America’s 10 Most Sinful States (Smarter Traveler) Robert Jeffress Says Teach the 10 Commandments to End Gun Violence (WFAA) Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump, Brought to You by Mike Pence and the Religious...
Eyes To See and A Heart To Act
By: Ginger Hughes I’m not sure what she saw when she looked at me. There were no tears. My eyes were no longer swollen or red-rimmed. I was simply standing at the door of the intensive care unit, eyes downcast,...