Author: billjones20

On March 29, Howard Payne University hosted the 5th Annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics. Stephen Reeves, legislative counsel, Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission (CLC), led off this year’s lecture series with an address entitled “A Christian Voice in a Public Arena.” Reeves began by declaring that Christians in America have a responsibility, both as Christian Read more . . .

Ethics is a neglected discipline at most Baptist colleges and seminaries today. There are a few that still emphasize ethics, but they are the exception, not the rule. Southern Baptist seminaries have done away with once-influential ethics departments. We’ve seen what happens when ethics training is pushed out the door – the news regularly tells Read more . . .

One of my most treasured friends is a retired Jewish attorney named Bernie. He resumed his law practice a few years ago, until a stroke last year – on his 83rd birthday – forced him to finally slow down a bit. Bernie and I get together for a meal once every 3 to 4 months Read more . . .

Next week offers a special opportunity for Texas Baptists during a presidential election year. On Thursday, March 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Howard Payne University in Brownwood will host the 5th annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics. The program will be presented in the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of the Read more . . .

Soul freedom Believer’s baptism Priesthood of every believer Local church autonomy Religious liberty for all people, and the separation of church and state so that both can operate freely Bedrock Baptist principles, each and every one of these. From Thomas Helwys on, Baptists have gone to prison and died because of their conviction that faithfulness Read more . . .

Last week, Harold Camping admitted he was wrong and confessed his “sin.” Two years ago, the radio preacher had begun predicting that Jesus would return on May 21, 2011. He boldly declared, “the Bible guarantees it.” Now he belatedly admits that critics who pointed out that his prediction contradicted Jesus’ own declaration that “no one Read more . . .

At Texas Baptists Committed, we try to talk less about the “Baptist battles” than we used to. Most Baptists today, we’re told, don’t want to hear about what happened in the 1980s and 1990s. I understand that. We who went through the Baptist battles are battle-weary; we want to turn the page to a new story, hoping that Read more . . .

A few days ago, a current presidential candidate attacked the speech presented by Senator John F. Kennedy to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association during his 1960 campaign against Vice-President Richard Nixon. This candidate said that Kennedy’s speech made him want to “throw up.” Of course, much of what he accused Kennedy of saying was a total Read more . . .

Siriusly Sinatra. That’s the name of my favorite radio station, and now I don’t even have to be in my car to listen to it. For an extra $3 a month, I get to listen to Sirius Satellite Radio on my home computer or my iPhone. Nice. Siriusly Sinatra. No, not quite all Frank all Read more . . .

Gratuitous personal attacks are easy. Thoughtful discussion of issues is hard. A friend and I often discuss political and religious issues. There are times, when he’s criticizing the position of some politician or preacher – and, by extension, their followers – he will begin attacking their intelligence, their character, or their motives. Epithets will begin to fly Read more . . .