Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
A Time to Die
A deep tragedy is that congregations seldom offer opportunities for people to declare the values they intend to guide their end-of-life choices. Classes that help people understand the difficult decisions they may make...
New Church-State Insights in Jefferson Letter Discovery?
Some contemporary Baptists apparently cannot comprehend how born-again Christian Baptists in early 19th-century Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia could willingly praise Jefferson because he vouched for the...
Abraham’s Offspring: The Blessing (and Curse) of the Land
The old warriors Sharon and Arafat have played a personal and petty game of killer cat and murderous mouse for more than a quarter of a century with no evident concern for the massacres of innocents and the instability...
Gospel Roundup at the Cowboy Church
We have, in a real sense, always been a divided church, segregated by race, class and ideology. The current trends further balkanize the Christian movement. They teach us, indirectly and unintentionally, to insist on...
Words for a World Ruled by Fear
As we mark the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, let us hear the words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be...
Peace Churches Struggle with Lack of Unity on Pacifism
Ever since Sept. 11, the historic peace churches—Mennonites, Brethren and Quakers—have had to examine how effectively they are witnessing for nonviolence. For some, the reaction of their members has sparked...
It Takes Two to Gossip
It takes two to gossip. When gossip occurs, there is an initiator (the one who shares the nugget of information), and there is a listener (the one who swallows it down and asks for more). In general, people who gossip...
Revolutionized Travel Must Revolutionize Christians’ Thinking
As traveling Christians, you and I need to keep asking penetrating questions of ourselves. How can I respect and appreciate a totally different culture, and not impose my own? Can I make sure that I am not imposing my...
Rosh Hashanah: A Profile
Rosh Hashanah, which literally means the head or first of the year, commemorates the creation of the world. Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the "Jewish New Year." It is celebrated on the first and second days of the...
Separating Truth from Fiction: An Interview with Rich Buhler
"9/11 was such a perfect breeding ground for erumors because it was not only massive, but there was so much uncertainty associated with it," Buhler said. "We weren't sure who did it, whether more was coming. It was...
Parents Must Shape ‘Body Talk’ Carefully
In such an appearance-obsessed culture, what messages do we parents want to give our children about the way they look? With all this "self-improvement" taking place around us, should I encourage my children to strive...
Leadership Styles: Part Two
Last month, I described four leadership styles that emphasized control over empowerment. This month, I describe five more styles of leadership, all of which emphasize empowerment over control. In the pacesetting style...
Shine Faith’s Light on Work This Labor Day
Despite the importance of work, the theme is rarely addressed at church. Yet the Scriptures are full of references to work. Can you name some? Children and youth are heading back to school. Millions of Americans make...
Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context
Former Baptist minister David Instone-Brewer wrote this book out of a pastoral concern for those needing counseling regarding an unfaithful spouse. Individuals were concerned that the Bible prohibited them from...
Deacons: Clarifying What Really Matters Now
Many people are comfortable in "their churches" while the world around them deteriorates and yearns for God. To many church leaders and members, being comfortable with the way they do church is more important than...
Churches Plan Sept. 11 Observances
As the calendar marches resolutely toward Sept. 11, Baptist churches and other congregations across the country are planning to observe the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America through worship...
Baptist World Aid Responds to European Floods
Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance, is appealing for funds to assist in flood relief efforts in Europe. BWAid has already sent $5,000 to Russian Baptists and $5,000...
Is Genesis a Blueprint for U.S. Policy in the Middle East?
The Bible speaks to all of life, teaching us about moral character and giving us guidelines for discerning social relations. But the Bible offers no literal blueprint for American foreign policy in the Middle East....
Online Resources for Sept. 11 Observances
There are many online resources for congregational leaders planning worship services and other events related to the first anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. These are the opening words to...
Baptist Newspaper’s Role Commonly Misunderstood
A Texas Baptist called the other day, upset because a picture of a woman pastor appeared on the front page of the Baptist Standard. That photograph, he predicted, could cause the church where he is interim pastor to...
Nigeria’s Christian President Speaks to Islamic Court’s Death Sentence
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Baptist, said he would weep if a woman, found guilty of adultery in an Islamic court, was stoned to death. Last week, an Islamic appeals court in the country's northern state of...