Thinking Critically . . . Acting Faithfully
Bill Jones muses about Baptists, faith, ethics, justice, politics . . . and more
(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) I was baptized 55 years ago this evening. April 16, 1961, at First Baptist Church, Richardson, Texas. 55 years ago! To put that in perspective, here are a few things going on in the world around that time: John F. Kennedy had been inaugurated less Read more . . .
(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) Two particular themes have been prominent in the 2016 presidential campaign: Making (or keeping) America great Recognizing Christianity’s unique place in American life As both an American and a Christian (but not in that order), I emphatically affirm the greatness of America and the uniqueness of Read more . . .
(Originally published on the Texas Baptists Committed blog at texasbaptistscommitted.blogspot.com.) (EDITOR’S NOTE: The author originally posted this to her Facebook page on Feb. 9. She has graciously consented to Texas Baptists Committed’s request to republish it here. Kelly Hamill Petty was married to John Petty for 19-1/2 years until his death on February 11, 2011. Today Kelly Read more . . .
(EDITOR’S NOTE: David R. Currie served as executive director of Texas Baptists Committed from 1987-2009.) Heaven is welcoming too many great Baptist leaders who inspired me thoughout my ministry. I guess it comes with getting older. To be honest, I do not care for it. We lost James Dunn, who I met before Read more . . .
(EDITOR’S NOTE: David R. Currie served as executive director of Texas Baptists Committed from 1987-2009.) The wisdom of our Founding Fathers The U.S. Constitution mentions religion only once, in Article VI, paragraph 3: “The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of Read more . . .
Tonight, just as I was getting ready to do my final proofreading of this week’s issue of TBC Weekly Baptist Roundup, I received an email telling me that James Dunn had passed away. James was my friend, and I had the privilege in recent years of serving alongside him on the T. B. Maston Foundation Read more . . .
(EDITOR’S NOTE: David R. Currie served as executive director of Texas Baptists Committed from 1987-2009.) My friend Phil Lineberger is now with the Lord. I miss him as I miss my other friends I talked to so much while serving as executive director of Texas Baptists Committed: John Baugh, Herb Reynolds, John Petty, and of Read more . . .
(reprinted from the May 4, 2011, issue of TBC Weekly Baptist Roundup) Remembering a Good Friend and Bright Leader – John Petty by Phil Lineberger Pastor, Sugar Land Baptist Church; and Vice-Chair, TBC Board of Directors The mantle of leadership fell comfortably around the shoulders of John Petty. He was well-educated, with a bright and Read more . . .
It has been less than a week since we lost Phil Lineberger, but it already seems an eternity. Much has been said and written about Phil this week. Some have spoken of the depression that took his life, some have shared personal reflections of Phil. I expressed my own high regard for my friend Phil Read more . . .
Last week, I went home. Or at least it sure felt like home. And, with apologies to Thomas Wolfe, I found you CAN go home again. No, things aren’t quite the same, but there were times it almost felt like I had been transported back to the 1960s, when I was growing up in Kansas Read more . . .