Of Slippery Crowns and Wobbly Thrones
by Bill Jones

(originally published 6/8/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

Last week, a prominent Baptist leader called Barack Obama “the worst president of the United States that Israel has ever had.” But that was only one of what I consider to be a series of careless, thoughtless proclamations. Here are a few of them: “The reason I am a social conservative is because I believe the Bible.” “President Obama and Read more . . .

Sometimes Just Being a Dad Is Enough
by Bill Jones

(originally published 6/6/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

My Father’s Day gift came a couple of weeks early this year – our son, Travis, got married last night, and I got a beautiful, sweet daughter-in-law, Christy. And the gifts just keep on coming, because our daughter, Alison, will be delivering our second grandchild right around Father’s Day. I daresay none of you fathers will Read more . . .

What is the problem with “organized religion”?
by Bill Jones

(originally published 5/30/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

It’s an old refrain, but I seem to be hearing it more these days – from more and different corners of society. From friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike, I hear “I believe in God, and I love Jesus, but I just don’t believe in ‘organized religion.’” Now I realize I’m preaching mostly to the choir Read more . . .

Baptists’ Future Depends on Young People
by Bill Jones

(originally published 5/24/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

Last week, I attended the annual meeting of the Baptist History & Heritage Society, held on the campus of Dallas Baptist University. This year’s theme was Baptists and Education. Among the many topics addressed by speakers in both general and breakout sessions were the legacy of Baptists in securing religious liberty in the U.S.; a comparison Read more . . .

Blessing God’s Call – and Being Blessed by It
by Bill Jones

(originally published 5/17/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

On Sunday afternoon, I attended the ordination of a young woman to the Gospel ministry. For 2 years, I have watched as she has ministered to the people of our church and they have ministered to her. I have heard her preach . . . teach Sunday School . . . present the Lord’s Supper . Read more . . .

Baptist group says National Day of Prayer is misguided, unnecessary, unwise
by Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty

(reprinted 5/5/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

NOTE: This article was originally published on May 4, 2011, by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty on its Web site. Congress’ official designation and the president’s proclamation of a National Day of Prayer is misguided and unnecessary, says a Washington, D.C.-based church-state organization. A recent court decision said the law calling for the day of Read more . . .

Royal wedding holds lessons about church-state separation, experts say
by Bob Allen

(reprinted 4/28/2011 on Texas Baptists Committed blog)

NOTE: This article was originally published on April 27, 2011, on the Associated Baptist Press Web site (www.abpnews.com/). by Bob Allen Senior Writer, Associated Baptist Press WASHINGTON (ABP) – Two American church-state experts say Friday’s British royal wedding holds lessons about why the marriage of church and state is a bad one. Anticipating nuptials for Prince William Read more . . .