The State Shouldn’t Pick Winners & Losers in Religion
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on legislation pushing the teaching of the Bible in public schools. He explores significant church-state problems that would arise from such efforts.
Most Pastors Oppose Marijuana Use & Legalization
As more Americans have access to legal marijuana, most U.S. Protestant pastors remain opposed to its use and legalization. According to a study from Lifeway Research, fewer than 1 in 5 pastors (18%) say it should be legalized throughout the country for any purpose.
Executing Justice
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on news that DNA evidence tested FOUR years after the execution of a Black man in Arkansas suggests the state killed an innocent man. Kaylor also highlights the Baptist prophet who tried to stop the execution.
Largest Church in SBC Ordains Three Women as Pastors
The largest church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention ordained three women as ministers May 6, sending shock waves through the male-centric leadership of the nation’s largest non-Catholic denomination. Read full piece
Baptist Group Refuses Kentucky State Contract to Provide Care for Abused, Neglected Kids
Sunrise Children's Services, one of Kentucky's largest private providers of services for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, is ending its relationship with the state over an apparent contract dispute. Read full piece
Why Confederate Lies Live On
For some Americans, history isn’t the story of what actually happened; it’s the story they want to believe. Read full piece
Book Club: Praying With Our Feet
Our inaugural book is Praying with Our Feet: Pursuing Justice and Healing on the Streets by Lindsey Krinks.
Day by Day: Musical ‘Godspell’ Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz musical is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, a golden milestone for a show with roots in the hippie era but which can still speak to those on TikTok.
Trustees Vote to Close Alabama Baptist Women’s College
Trustees cited a lack of money and declining enrollment in deciding to close Baptist-affiliated Judson College, a small school for women which predates the Civil War. The decision Thursday came just days after what could be the last graduation exercises at the college.
An Oregon Church Sued Over COVID-19 Restrictions. Now, an Outbreak There has Sickened 74.
In early April, dozens of maskless churchgoers in northwest Oregon stood onstage singing and clapping inside a packed indoor venue for Easter Sunday service. The Peoples Church, which previously sued the state over coronavirus restrictions, hosted three similar indoor services that day, each lasting a