In the Black Belt—once cleared for cotton plantations—rural black communities suffer the consequences of poor land stewardship. In 2013, the septic system at Jesus Christ Church of God the Bibleway failed and sewage began leaking into a neighbor’s yard—not uncommon for rural Alabama, an area plagued by sewage problems and a related upsurge in hookworm …
A deeper problem lies beneath recent stories of swelling rivers, soggy small towns, and feel-good relief efforts. The fields where my grandfather and his brothers once played football are currently covered by several feet of water. My grandpa Bert was born in a small Nebraska town called Oakland, a couple hours north of Lincoln, just …
The prophets launch their words into the future. Where do they land? A frequently challenging part of Scripture for many Christians is the Old Testament prophets. Sometimes, understanding their message can be a little confusing. Especially, when that message might apply (or is applied) to the New Testament. When the prophets do look into the …
Important developments in the church and the world (as they appeared in our April issue). Asia Bibi exonerated, awaits asylum After eight years in prison and on death row, Asia Bibi no longer faces legal threats over allegations of blasphemy. In January, the Supreme Court upheld her acquittal and denied requests for further review made …
A Supreme Court cruelty reveals how we can love our neighbors. Had Domineque Ray been a Christian, he’d have been executed with a chaplain kneeling by his side, praying with him. But Domineque Ray was not a Christian, and he did not want a Christian chaplain. He wanted his imam present in the execution chamber …
After an unflinching look at its racist past, SBC’s flagship seminary aims to honor a more diverse population on campus. After overhearing a tour guide honoring the early leaders of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary buried in Louisville’s Cave Hill Cemetery, Latevia Priddy felt like she had to speak up. “It’s like you’ve given a one-sided …
Important developments in the church and the world (as they appeared in our March issue). Asia Bibi exonerated, awaits asylum After eight years in prison and on death row, Asia Bibi no longer faces legal threats over allegations of blasphemy. In January, the Supreme Court upheld her acquittal and denied requests for further review made …
What we learn about her life and work from two releases of previously unpublished writings. Years ago, I needed to write a brief biography of Elisabeth Elliot as part of a larger project. I searched for book-length biographies that I could draw on for information about her life and came to the startling realization that, …
I used to think religious people were ignoramuses. Then I got smart and took a chance on God. As early as grade school, when I was a voracious reader and a straight-A student, I identified with being smart. And I believed smart people didn’t need religion. As a result, I declared myself an atheist and …
Here’s how the church is faring as the country experiences increasing political tumult, blackouts, water shortages, and out of control inflation. Venezuela has been in crisis for years, but the situation there has arguably taken an even greater turn for the worse in recent weeks. Recently, a blackout cut off the entire country from electricity. …