Thinking Critically . . . Acting Faithfully

NOTE: This article was originally published on May 11, 2011, on the Associated Baptist Press Web site. written by Laura Rector, a Ph.D. candidate in Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California I’m in the bookstore at an egalitarian seminary. Unfortunately, not everyone there is an egalitarian. An older gentleman waylays me, finds out what I Read more . . .

This morning, we observed Pentecost Sunday in our church. The lectionary Scripture passage was from Acts 2. As it was read aloud from the pulpit, I was struck by one verse in particular. After the author (Luke, according to tradition) tells us that the apostles were “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak Read more . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .