The official in charge of President George Bushs "faith-based initiative" said the White House has not given up on efforts to expand the governments ability to give money to churches and other overtly religious charities. The official in charge of President George Bushs "faith-based initiative" said the White House has not given up on efforts to expand the governments ability to give money to churches and other overtly religious charities. As director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Jim Towey also recently countered arguments of those who oppose the practice. The presidents faith-based proposal stalled when the Senate dropped a "charitable choice" provision that had become the most controversial part the debate. The provision would allow religious organizations to accept government funds for providing a greater number of social services. Supporters of charitable choice say it is discrimination not to allow religion-based social service programs to compete with secular agencies for taxpayer funding. Opponents say direct support of such organizations violates the First Amendment ban on establishment of … [Read more...]
In Niger, the deaf are ignored – but not by this Baptist
Walking through the marketplace, the young woman peers into stall after stall, weaving in and out of the overcrowded area. She crinkles her nose up at the wide variety of smells coming from the stalls and the piles of trash. Finally, she sees what she is looking for - a deaf girl conversing, her hands rapidly forming symbols of communication. Walking through the marketplace, the young woman peers into stall after stall, weaving in and out of the overcrowded area. She crinkles her nose up at the wide variety of smells coming from the stalls and the piles of trash. Finally, she sees what she is looking for - a deaf girl conversing, her hands rapidly forming symbols of communication. The young woman walks over and silently introduces herself to the girl, who is surprised to find the stranger can speak her language - sign language. The two talk for a while, and the girl promises to introduce the young woman to more of her friends later. However, the seemingly "chance encounter" is not entirely by chance. Jessica Johnston is a Southern Baptist International Mission Board worker in Niamey, Niger. She spends her days … [Read more...]
Aggravating circumstances
Aggravating circumstances: A recent study took a look at the state of civility in America - and discovered an increasingly rude and disrespectful nation Aggravating circumstances: A recent study took a look at the state of civility in America - and discovered an increasingly rude and disrespectful nation Tell the truth - how many rude people have you encountered today? Be even more honest - how many times have you found yourself reacting with disrespect toward someone else? If the answer is "not often," consider yourself lucky - or maybe the day is young. In case you have not noticed - America is getting downright rude these days. "We face a dilemma," acknowledges Deborah Wadsworth, president of the Public Agenda group. "Daily life ... appears to be littered with unacceptable behavior, which has grown worse over time and shows no sign of abating on its own. "The concept of a tipping point - that moment in an epidemic when it reaches a critical mass - probably is an apt description of what weve come to in terms of our incivility and disrespect for one another." In other words, the situation is critical. Wadsworth is not just … [Read more...]
Why so rude?
Yale law professor Stephen Carter tells a story in his book "Civility" about when railroads were introduced into this country. There was concern about how people would act on trips, jammed together in moving rooms with no escape. Rules were proposed, articles written, discussions held. Yale law professor Stephen Carter tells a story in his book "Civility" about when railroads were introduced into this country. There was concern about how people would act on trips, jammed together in moving rooms with no escape. Rules were proposed, articles written, discussions held. But in the end, all went well, with few major incidents. People understood - they were in the thing together, and the success of their trip depended on each other. The world has lost that perspective these days, Carter and others propose. They live and move and drive in isolated fashion and fail to see that their fate rests on one another. And civility dies. And the nation becomes a rude place. Who can deny it? Experience proves the point - and a recent study by the Public Agenda group affirms it. America is becoming increasingly rude and … [Read more...]
Issues await action as state legislative session nears the end
Just a matter of days remain in the 2002 Louisiana legislative session - but a few items of moral and social concern remain, Ken Ward said. Meanwhile, after one of the measures was deferred in House committee, it appears a trio of bills that sought to raise the state tax on barrels of beer are dead for the session, noted Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation. Just a matter of days remain in the 2002 Louisiana legislative session - but a few items of moral and social concern remain, Ken Ward said. Meanwhile, after one of the measures was deferred in House committee, it appears a trio of bills that sought to raise the state tax on barrels of beer are dead for the session, noted Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation. Meanwhile, House Bill 161 continues to wait committee action. It would levy a tax on charitable pull-tab gambling to help ensure proper regulation by state police. House Bill 261 has yet to be referred to any committee. It would provide for a 20 year phase out of legalized gambling in Louisiana. However, many observers say it never will be heard this session, Ward noted. A … [Read more...]
Seminary focuses on helping build healthy marriages
Jim Headrick poses a question - "What would happen if the Lord got in control of marriages and the church became known for healing marriages?" He offers his own answer - "The church would become relevant and impact the whole community. They probably would no longer be plateaued or declining." Jim Headrick poses a question - "What would happen if the Lord got in control of marriages and the church became known for healing marriages?" He offers his own answer - "The church would become relevant and impact the whole community. They probably would no longer be plateaued or declining." And as associate professor of counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Headrick is determined to be a part of making that answer come to pass. When student families come to New Orleans Seminary, they typically fall into two categories, Headrick noted. Some are newer-married couples, often with small children, who feel a calling on their lives and leave their parents and siblings to go to seminary. Others are couples later in their lives who leave careers, children and grandchildren to pursue their call into ministry. In both cases, the … [Read more...]
Rethinking some points
An advertisement by a Mr. W.M Gurley in the May 9, 2002 Baptist Message made an appeal for a more decision-oriented approach to evangelism, concluding that if one out of every 15 Southern Baptists would "witness and lead one to the Lord," 1 million people would be saved each year. As compelling as Mr. Gurleys suggestions may be, much would be gained by rethinking some of his key points. An advertisement by a Mr. W.M Gurley in the May 9, 2002 Baptist Message made an appeal for a more decision-oriented approach to evangelism, concluding that if one out of every 15 Southern Baptists would "witness and lead one to the Lord," 1 million people would be saved each year. As compelling as Mr. Gurleys suggestions may be, much would be gained by rethinking some of his key points. While the prospect of 1 million people coming to faith in Christ is exhilarating, such a use of statistics reveals a deficiency in our thinking about evangelism. Since when is one out of every 15 Christians sharing the gospel something to strive for when Scripture makes it clear that all of Gods people are to be equipped for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-12)? The early church was a fully-participating body of believers … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of June 6, 2002 Potpourri DEQUINCY - New Hope church: "Experiencing God; The Musical," June 15-16, 6 p.m.; Glenn Price, minister of music; Jerry Chaddick, pastor. HAUGHTON - Koran church: The Texans in concert; June 9, 6:30 p.m.; Hardy Yeatts, minister of music; George Rogers, pastor. MONROE - Lock Arbor church: Northeast Association Bass Tournament; banquet; June 14, 6:30 p.m.; Mark Davis, 2001 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year, guest speaker; Andy Myrick, pastor; tournament; June 15 at Lake DArbonne, 5 a.m. launch and 3 p.m. weigh-in; $40 per boat entry fee; for information or to enter, call Andy Myrick at (318) 343-1558 or (318) 283-8667; Jerry W. Price, director of missions. ALEXANDRIA - Calvary church: Amanda Martin in concert; June 9, 6 p.m.; David Brooks, pastor. BOYCE - Wilda church: In Harmony in concert; June 7, 7 p.m.; Joey Rudisill, pastor. Youth WEST MONROE - Highland church: "Father Knows Best" childrens musical; June 16, 10:30 a.m.; Stan Taylor, minister of music; Gordon E. Dean, pastor. EUNICE - Acadian center: Liferoads Youth camp; grades 7-12; July 7-11; Glen Whatley, guest speaker; Praise Band, music; $87 per … [Read more...]
Churches endorsing political candidates? Bad idea
Two bills in the United States Congress are well intended by their sponsors and supporters, but they harbor grave dangers that make them unwise in the long run. Two bills in the United States Congress are well intended by their sponsors and supporters, but they harbor grave dangers that make them unwise in the long run. The May 23 Baptist Message reported hearings on the House of Worship Political Speech Protection Act (H.R.2357), sponsored by Walter Jones, R-N.C., and the Bright-Line Act of 2001 (H.R. 2931), sponsored by Phil Crane, R-Ill. Both of these bills would allow churches to endorse particular political candidates without losing their federal tax exemptions. In addition, Crains bill would allow a church to spend up to 20 percent of its annual revenues on political causes, including as much as 5 percent on behalf of - or in opposition to - a particular candidate. This may appear attractive when particular candidates seem to exemplify Christian virtues and ideals - or non-Christian attitudes and beliefs. Some church leaders may feel those candidates they believe exemplify Christian beliefs deserve to be endorsed and those who do not should be opposed. But the dangers … [Read more...]
Baptists offering palestinians hope
With anger, despair and hunger soaring among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, Southern Baptist volunteers are bringing food - and hope. "Project Future and Hope" will send up to 20 Southern Baptist volunteer teams into Palestinian towns and refugee camps through the summer months to work with Arab Baptists. With anger, despair and hunger soaring among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, Southern Baptist volunteers are bringing food - and hope. "Project Future and Hope" will send up to 20 Southern Baptist volunteer teams into Palestinian towns and refugee camps through the summer months to work with Arab Baptists. They will distribute food and minister to families and children traumatized by the increasingly bloody street battles between Palestinian and Israeli forces. "People are in need, and we want to share Gods love in a concrete way," says Paul Lawrence, a Southern Baptist worker among Palestinian Arabs who is coordinating the project. "There is a real feeling of hopelessness among the Palestinians. They dont see their lives going anywhere. Theres no future in their dreams." Months of attacks and counterattacks by Israelis and Palestinians have … [Read more...]
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