NASHVILLE (BP) – The transgender debate isn't really about a debate but about people, a Southern Baptist ethicist says in his new book on the controversial issue. The debate is about "precious people made in the image of God who are hurting, who are confused, who are angry, who are scared, who may have been told by their family that they are unwelcome," Andrew Walker writes in "God and the Transgender Debate." "It's about some people who are delighted with how culture has shifted when … [Read more...]
Human reconciliation begins with reconciliation with God
On Sept. 20, 2007, more than 20,000 people from across the nation gathered in small Jena, La., to protest an outbreak of racial tensions at the local high school, exposing old feelings of racism and hate. It was in response to the treatment of a young man by the law enforcement authorities. Sound familiar? Celebrities such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton fueled the media’s glare on this small community of 15,000 made up primarily of foresters and farmers. The only thing people outside … [Read more...]
Ruminations as a busy summer gives way to another autumn
The Missouri Baptist Foundation Trustee Board’s presidential search committee is getting closer to recommending someone for the position. The committee could have a recommendation for the full board sometime in September. The committee, which was formed Dec. 9, includes Foundation Board Chairman Larry Shoaf, a Cape Girardeau-area businessman and member of First Baptist Church, Jackson; Jay Hughes, a staff member at Second Baptist Church, Springfield and Joby Steele, pastor, Macedonia … [Read more...]
Court signals religious freedom victory for artist
MADISON, Wisc. (BP) – A self-employed evangelical Christian photographer can reject job requests based on her religious beliefs against same-sex marriage, a Wisconsin county court and government officials have agreed. Self-employed photographer Amy Lawson, an evangelical Christian in Madison, Wisc., can refuse jobs that violate her religious beliefs, a court and government officials have agreed. City and state public accommodation laws don’t apply to her because she operates without a … [Read more...]
Offering praise when government leaders do good
Put me at the head of the class when it comes to criticizing public officials when I think they have made a poor decision. I strive not to let my temper get the best of me when doing so, avoiding personal attacks at all cost. After all, I have a personal testimony on display and I want Christ lifted up. I try to focus my criticism at the consequences of their actions. For example, if they pass laws that threaten our freedom or are contrary to God’s Word, they are going to hear from me. … [Read more...]
MBC Board increases 2018 CP goal
JEFFERSON CITY – Reflecting a recent increase of Cooperative Program (CP) giving within the state, Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board members increased its 2018 CP goal. In other business, they recommended that Missouri Baptists, gathered for their annual meeting in October, take up a special offering to fight human trafficking. 2018 CP goal and Executive Board budget In April of this year, Executive Board members set the 2018 CP goal at $14.5 million, which equals the … [Read more...]
Poll: Americans have mixed feelings about sexual liberty, religious liberty
NASHVILLE (LifeWay) —Americans love to fight about sex and religion. From shacking up and same-sex marriage to birth control and bathrooms, Americans disagree about what is right and wrong with sex—often based on faith. Those disputes can end up in court, in highly divisive and controversial cases. Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of a Colorado baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding. When faith and sexuality clash, which side should … [Read more...]
CLC honors Whiteheads for Supreme Court win
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission (CLC) voted unanimously, July 6, to award two Missouri Baptist attorneys the CLC Distinguished Service Award for their successful efforts to defend religious liberty at the United States Supreme Court. Michael and Jonathan Whitehead, a father-and-son legal team based out of Kansas City, worked alongside Alliance Defending Freedom’s David Cortman to defend Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia in a Supreme Court … [Read more...]
If the GOP is pro-life, pro-moms, then prove it!
Republicans consistently run for office as pro-life candidates. The party’s opposition to abortion is in its national plank that outlines the GOP’s positions on issues. This makes the recent behavior of the Missouri Senate so puzzling, if not downright inexcusable. Here is what has happened: First, a federal judge issued a ruling that invited an expansion of abortion clinics in Missouri (currently only one – in St. Louis – exists). Then the St. Louis City Council passed an outrageous … [Read more...]
The good of Southern Baptist polity: SBC messengers condemn Alt-right white supremacy
By now most of you have probably heard about the confusion which occurred with relation to the Alt-right resolution at this year’s Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix. Allow me to share the non-media, unbiased version of what happened. An African American Baptist pastor from Austin, Texas, asked from the floor to have his resolution condemning the alt-right movement accepted and presented to the whole convention for approval. The Alt-right movement is a loosely organized group of people, … [Read more...]
Charles elected as Pastors’ Conference president
PHOENIX (BP) – The 2017 SBC Pastors' Conference proved historic on many levels including the unanimous election of H.B. Charles Jr., pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., as the conference's first black president. The election took place during the afternoon session of the conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, June 12. In addition to the historic nature of the officer elections, this year's lineup of speakers included pastors of smaller to … [Read more...]
Hawkins recaps GuideStone’s legal & financial gains
PHOENIX (BP) – GuideStone Financial Resources’ theme for 2017 is the “Year of Innovation,” President O.S. Hawkins said in the opening report to messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention, June 13–14 in Phoenix. The annual theme guides the entity’s work, Hawkins said, noting a difference between imitation and innovation. At GuideStone, he said, the focus in 2017 is on innovation for the benefit of participants. Hawkins reported to messengers about GuideStone’s litigation over the … [Read more...]
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