You’re Right, Al Mohler, a Downpour is Coming
Beth Allison Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood, responds to a metaphor by Al Mohler of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary that compared the ordination of women to a growing rainstorm.
The Blowback to Saddleback
Criticism of Saddleback Church for ordaining women shows that there are competing visions for what the future of evangelicalism in America looks like. More interestingly, we believe this debate reveals how the Bible (and its interpretation) is often used as a tool for preserving power.
Liz Cheney, Ousted from Party Leadership, Invokes ‘Power of Faith’
On the eve of her removal from the House Republican leadership for failing to back President Donald Trump’s attacks on the 2020 election, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney cited principles she insisted were foundational for many conservatives such as herself: the U.S. Constitution, the rule of
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.
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.
For Some Pastors, the Past Year was a Sign from God it was Time to Quit
The last eighteen months or so have been difficult for pastors. Already stretched with the day-to-day concerns of running a congregation at a time when organized religion is on the decline, they’ve increasingly found that the divides facing the nation have made their way inside
Politicizing Biden’s Faith is Pastoral Malpractice
John Gehring writes that politicizing a sacrament is pastoral malpractice, whether directed against Republicans or Democrats. The pope has said that Communion is “not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”