Yes! Talk About Religion and Politics (POV)
When it comes to getting along with others, many of us have bought into the old adage: “Never talk about religion or politics.” Well, over the past year, I made a habit of talking about both—religion and politics—in “mixed company” and (gasp!) even on the Internet. And you know what I found? More opportunities than […]
POV: Far More Than A Chicken Sandwich
I’ve long admired Chick-fil-A’s slogan, “We didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich,” because it cleverly acknowledges two fundamental ideals: (1) the restaurant chain’s focus on leading the fast food industry in the production of an excellent (and delicious) chicken sandwich, and (2) the presumption that someone else (i.e. the Creator God) actually “invented” […]
POV: When it comes to China, we all need renewed moral clarity
The U.S Senate unanimously passed a bill this week to support pro-democracy efforts in Hong Kong, a move that prompted an angry response from Beijing. According to Reuters, the measure requires that the U.S. “certify at least once a year that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to qualify for special U.S. trading consideration.” A separate […]
Southern Baptists Apologize and Vow Change on Sexual Abuse Allegations
Southern Baptist Convention officers and messengers issued a strongly worded apology during their annual meeting this week and vowed ongoing action to help ensure that the mishandling of sexual abuse allegations never happens again. “We are broken-hearted and angry,” said SBC President J.D. Greear, pastor of the Summit Church in North Carolina. Sexual abuse in […]
POV: To Shepherds Keeping Watch Over Their Flocks This Christmas
At Christmastime, one of my richest blessings is hearing the profound affirmation from pastors of how vital and celebratory the Christmas message is. The pastors I know love their flocks and desire to help them experience God incarnate with awe and joy. They also know how subtly the typical holiday details of family togetherness, gift […]
POV: A Nobel Cause
“Throughout history there are Christians who chose to run into the brokenness, not away from it. And one just won the Nobel Peace Prize.” —John Stonestreet A group from our church spent last Saturday tearing out the inside of a flooded out home in Eastern North Carolina. It took 18 of us working for a […]
How The Christian Faith Can Contribute To The Common Good
Bruce Ashford, Provost and Professor of Theology and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses how Christianity applies to the many facets of public life and how we as Christians can bear witness to our faith in ways that contribute to the common good. Family Policy Matters Transcript: How The Christian Faith Can Contribute To […]
Pastor Andrew Brunson Released From Custody In Turkey!
A North Carolina pastor turned missionary, imprisoned for two years in Turkey, is on his way home to the United States. Pastor Andrew Brunson, from Black Mountain, was accused of being part of a failed coup, an accusation Brunson repeatedly denied. President Trump, members of Congress and many others have been working for his release. […]
North Carolina—Help and Prayers Are On The Way!
What a tough week! Those who were fortunate enough to escape the destruction of Hurricane Florence have mourned all week over the images pouring in from much of Eastern North Carolina and other areas around the state. For those who suffered the storm’s wrath, please know that the NC Family “family,” our staff, and Board […]
POV: Condemning Fallen Leaders—Too Little Too Late?
The most recent occurrences of moral failings by national leaders—church leaders in particular—are just the latest additions to a long, sad list. Unfortunately, it’s not hard to find examples of prominent leaders who have failed in tragic and sometimes horrific ways. Pastors and priests, Christian authors and entertainers, presidents of prominent organizations and corporations, and […]