Scholars and ‘snake-handlers’
Scholars and ‘Snake-Handlers’ Society of Biblical Literature accused of evangelical pandering—and secular bias. September issue. A professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of California–Berkeley quit the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), voicing concern that North America’s leading organization for biblical scholarship had welcomed “the views of creationists, snake-handlers, and faith healers.” In an op-ed in the July/August 2010 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, Ronald S. Hendel complained … Continue reading Scholars and ‘snake-handlers’
Religious hiring’s status quo victory
Religious Hiring’s Status Quo Victory A 2-1 ruling by Ninth Circuit affirms World Vision’s right to consider religious beliefs in employment. But questions over faith-based hiring practices and government funding seem far from settled. Online exclusive published Aug. 26. What if? That was the question asked repeatedly by evangelical organizations as the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals weighed an employment discrimination lawsuit against World … Continue reading Religious hiring’s status quo victory
The Spiritual Toll — Katrina: Five Years Later
The Spiritual Toll — Katrina: Five Years Later: Beyond physical losses, hurricane’s path of debris left some New Orleans-area churches facing unexpected challenges (reporting from Mandeville, La.). Page 1 lead. MANDEVILLE, La. – In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ organized a mammoth relief effort that encouraged Christians across the nation. Yet the long-term ramifications of the nation’s costliest natural disaster … Continue reading The Spiritual Toll — Katrina: Five Years Later
July 2010: GetReligion
Ghosts in toddler’s tragic death? Published July 1. Bible Belt begets better business? Published July 6. Prayers in the outfield. Published July 7. Oops, forgot the kitchen sink. Published July 14. Frozen souls: Hooked on cryonics. Published July 15. Did God pick Harry Reid’s opponent? Published July 19. Totally secular right to die. Published July 21. The magic of three. Published July 23. Generic ‘devout … Continue reading July 2010: GetReligion
Faith, hope and love behind bars
Faith, hope and love behind bars: Ministries shine Christ’s light inside prison walls (reporting from Harvest, Ala.). Page 1 lead. Second Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press Honorable Mention, Criminal Justice Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle HARVEST, Ala. – Robbery. Murder. Child molestation. The six inmates seated in state prison chaplain Charles Baggett’s office on a recent … Continue reading Faith, hope and love behind bars
Faith-based fracas
From the White House to the courthouse, the battle escalates over whether Christian groups have the right to employ only Christians. June issue.
When Sylvia Spencer applied at World Vision’s U.S. headquarters near Seattle in 1995, she described herself as a committed Christian.
Asked on an employment form why she wanted to work for the international humanitarian aid organization, Spencer wrote, “Because I would love to work for an organization dedicated to carrying on the Lord’s work!”
Another World Vision employee, Vicki Hulse, mentioned her 15 years as a Christian in a résumé attachment when she applied a few years later.
“I recently moved to this area and would very much like to find a place of employment with a Christian organization where I could be of value,” Hulse wrote.
Both women signed statements affirming their Christian faith and devoted a decade to World Vision, which serves impoverished children and families in more than 100 countries.
But in November 2006, they and colleague Ted Youngberg were fired. Their offense, as determined by a corporate investigation: The three did not believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and a member of the Trinity.
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June 2010: GetReligion
Praying to plug the oil spill. Published June 1. ‘HIYW’ spirituality (hold the religion). Published June 4. Celibacy, NPR and Journalism 101. Published June 8. All religions are the same, right? Published June 10. Bruce Almighty to the rescue. Published June 12. Scientologists urged to end pregnancies? Published June 15. No mouse ears for the media. Published June 16. Praying in California (giggle, giggle). Published … Continue reading June 2010: GetReligion
Evangelism vs. missions
Evangelism vs. Missions Southern Baptists contemplate unleashing the IMB at home. July issue. For 164 years, the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention has focused on taking the gospel overseas. But in May, the 16 million-member denomination’s Great Commission Resurgence Task Force recommended removing restrictions on the IMB’s missions work in the United States and Canada—long the territory of the convention’s North … Continue reading Evangelism vs. missions
Pepperdine aims to renew, refresh a cappella singing
Pepperdine aims to renew, refresh a cappella singing (reporting from Malibu, Calif.). Second Front. MALIBU, Calif. – This sun-drenched city on the Pacific coastline is known for sandy beaches, surfboards and stargazing — Hollywood style. It was singing, though, that drew an estimated 500 music composers, choral directors, choir members, biblical scholars and ordinary church members to Pepperdine University for a recent four-day conference. “The Ascending … Continue reading Pepperdine aims to renew, refresh a cappella singing
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 