Unsettling Advent
In this edition of A Public Witness, we set the stage for Advent and countdown ways in which the pandemic, oppression, and insurrection defining our contemporary moment are strikingly similar to when Jesus was first born so long ago.
New Revised Standard Version Bible Updated with Consideration for ‘Modern Sensibilities’
An updated edition of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible includes thousands of changes in language, reflecting the research of a wide range of scholars who spent four years reviewing its contents as well as taking into consideration “modern sensibilities.”
Bishops OK Communion Document, Avoid Direct Rebuff to Biden
U.S. Catholic bishops overwhelmingly approved a long-anticipated document on Communion on Wednesday that stops short of calling for withholding the sacrament from politicians such as President Joe Biden who support abortion rights but offers plenty of tacit justification for individual bishops to do so.
Why the Minichurch is the Latest Trend in American Religion
Religious Americans are being sorted into two kinds of churches — megachurches, and minichurches. Half of the congregations in the United States have 65 people or fewer, while two-thirds of congregations have fewer than 100.
One Nation Under Michael Flynn’s God?
In this issue of A Public Witness, we testify about the uninspiring history of “one nation under God” and civil religion. And we preach about a better way to think about our Christianity and citizenship.
Attorney: No More ‘Black Pastors’ in Court for Arbery Case
An attorney for one of the White men standing trial in the death of Ahmaud Arbery told the judge Thursday he doesn’t want “any more Black pastors” in the courtroom after the Rev. Al Sharpton sat with the slain man’s family.
Matthew Dowd Stakes His Run for Texas Lieutenant Governor on Kindness & Faith
Can a Democrat find the right mix of interfaith values voters to get him over the top in Texas? A former Republican aide and political pundit hopes to find out next year.
How God’s Pronouns & the CBMW Might Save Beth Allison Barr’s Church
A small Baptist church in Texas received more than $15,000 in donations after a conservative group criticized the congregation’s website for supposedly using the wrong pronouns for God.
When Christian Colleges Fail the Test
In this issue of A Public Witness, we take you on a college tour to Southwest Baptist University and several other Christian schools embroiled in governance conflicts this year. Then we offer some lessons on why these issues matter to Christian communities.
Southern Baptists Pivot to Address Church Sexual Abuse at the State Level
In recent weeks, state Baptist groups in North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, and California have set up committees or task forces to address sexual abuse. Attempts to set up similar responses failed in Mississippi and Missouri.