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.”
Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt on the Love that is God
Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt talks with Word&Way about his book 'The Love that is God.' He discusses his reasons for writing, the book’s main message, and why “love” is not a sentimental idea but central to what Christians believe about God.
Black Religious Leaders Decry Missouri Bills as Biased
Black religious leaders on Thursday rallied at the Missouri Capitol and met with political leaders to denounce pending bills that they say are racially biased. They are trying to convince lawmakers to drop legislation that he called “dangerous, discriminatory, and anti democratic.”
Pope: God Doesn’t Distinguish Between Natives, Foreigners
Pope Francis on Thursday denounced “aggressive” nationalism that rejects migrants, and said Catholics should follow the Gospel-mandated call for an inclusive, welcoming church that doesn’t distinguish between “natives and foreigners, residents, and guests.”