B - PEOPLE FILES
- Joseph Backholm - Brad Baker - Caleb Baker - Mike Baker - Andy Bannister - Gail Song Bantum - William Barber II - Mike Baker - Eitan Bar - Beth Allison Barr - Walter Bartel - Diana Butler Bass - Nate Bass - Mallory Bassham - Nick Batzig - Gary Bauer - Paul Baxter -
joseph backholm
Last Week’s Election Results: About Sex, Not Abortion
Joseph Backholm, senior fellow for Biblical worldview and strategic engagement at the Family Research Council, offers a possible cause for the lack of pro-life success. “While we were busy convincing the world abortion is wrong, the abortion industry, in partnership with the sexual revolution, spent all its time convincing the world abortion is essential regardless of whether it is wrong. The fact is most Americans agree with the pro-life cause that abortion is not morally good. We won that argument! So why do Americans vote for abortion anyway? Because they view it as happiness insurance…Thanks to Dr. Freud, the sexual revolution has convinced Americans it is impossible to be happy if you are not having sex. Because happiness, from their perspective, comes with a risk of pregnancy, abortion serves the same purpose as a fire extinguisher.” Backholm goes on to say that despite the undeniable logic of the pro-life stance and the persuasive appeal of its advocates, the pro-life movement is not prevailing as it should. This could be because pro-lifers have mistakenly perceived the abortion debate to be solely about abortion when, in reality, it has “predominantly been about sex.”
(California Family Council 11/13/23)
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Joseph Backholm, senior fellow for Biblical worldview and strategic engagement at the Family Research Council, offers a possible cause for the lack of pro-life success. “While we were busy convincing the world abortion is wrong, the abortion industry, in partnership with the sexual revolution, spent all its time convincing the world abortion is essential regardless of whether it is wrong. The fact is most Americans agree with the pro-life cause that abortion is not morally good. We won that argument! So why do Americans vote for abortion anyway? Because they view it as happiness insurance…Thanks to Dr. Freud, the sexual revolution has convinced Americans it is impossible to be happy if you are not having sex. Because happiness, from their perspective, comes with a risk of pregnancy, abortion serves the same purpose as a fire extinguisher.” Backholm goes on to say that despite the undeniable logic of the pro-life stance and the persuasive appeal of its advocates, the pro-life movement is not prevailing as it should. This could be because pro-lifers have mistakenly perceived the abortion debate to be solely about abortion when, in reality, it has “predominantly been about sex.”
(California Family Council 11/13/23)
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At Christian worldview conference in Little Rock, speaker advises advocates to “be nice”
Scores of Arkansans gathered in Little Rock this month for a Christian worldview conference organized by the Arkansas-based Family Council. The two-day Foundations of Truth Summit featured a number of local and national speakers. Joseph Backholm, senior fellow for biblical worldview and strategic engagement at the Washington-based Family Research Council, spoke about "What it means to have a Christian worldview." Owen Strachan, provost and research professor of theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary in Conway, focused on "Empowering change: Equipping the pastors and leaders."
(Frank Lockwood/Arkansas Democrat Gazette 8/26/23)
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Scores of Arkansans gathered in Little Rock this month for a Christian worldview conference organized by the Arkansas-based Family Council. The two-day Foundations of Truth Summit featured a number of local and national speakers. Joseph Backholm, senior fellow for biblical worldview and strategic engagement at the Washington-based Family Research Council, spoke about "What it means to have a Christian worldview." Owen Strachan, provost and research professor of theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary in Conway, focused on "Empowering change: Equipping the pastors and leaders."
(Frank Lockwood/Arkansas Democrat Gazette 8/26/23)
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Christian Nationalism Rising⇧
Brad Baker Files
“We’re believing that God is going to turn Arizona into a Christian state, and we will be known as a Christian state around the world — that’s our goal,”
-Brad Baker; Turning Point @ Dream City Church 6.12.23
caleb baker
June 29, 2023: Surprise Sports: Eastview Christian Church: Pastor Caleb Baker Allegations, Victims And Case Details
Pastor Caleb Baker Allegations were made for instances of abuse, specific cases of allegedly using power dynamics, and cover done by church leadership. Caleb is a former pastor in a church.
Pastor Caleb Baker Allegations were made for instances of abuse, specific cases of allegedly using power dynamics, and cover done by church leadership. Caleb is a former pastor in a church.
April 20, 2023: Roys Report: IL Megachurch Pastor Who Resigned Amid Scandal Launches Online Ministry
Meanwhile, Mike Baker helped Caleb get a fresh start and a new job at Arizona megachurch Central Christian Church (CCC). According to CCC Pastor Cal Jernigan, the elder Baker told him that someone had made an accusation against Caleb Baker, but that it was unfounded.
Meanwhile, Mike Baker helped Caleb get a fresh start and a new job at Arizona megachurch Central Christian Church (CCC). According to CCC Pastor Cal Jernigan, the elder Baker told him that someone had made an accusation against Caleb Baker, but that it was unfounded.
Mar 11, 2023: Charisma: Top of the Week: One Pastor’s Alleged Abuse and Cover-up Across Multiple Megachurches
“There’s nothing quite like waking up to discover that your church is being featured on an episode of ‘Dateline,’” Pastor Cal Jernigan wrote in a letter to Central Christian Church, the congregation he leads in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jernigan’s church has been under the microscope and featured in news headlines after he brought in Caleb Baker to work on their staff as the Lead Student Pastor and Associate Preaching Pastor.
“There’s nothing quite like waking up to discover that your church is being featured on an episode of ‘Dateline,’” Pastor Cal Jernigan wrote in a letter to Central Christian Church, the congregation he leads in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jernigan’s church has been under the microscope and featured in news headlines after he brought in Caleb Baker to work on their staff as the Lead Student Pastor and Associate Preaching Pastor.
mike baker
Pastor Mike Baker announces new church 6 months after resigning over son’s adultery scandal
Six months after resigning as senior pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, Illinois, after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church following an extramarital affair with another church staffer, Pastor Mike Baker has launched a new church set to begin gathering this month. Baker, who made the announcement on his YouTube channel on Aug. 20, has named his new ministry Song & Sword Church after his online ministry and will begin meeting at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington on Sept. 10. (Leonardo Blair/Christian Post 9/4/23)
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Six months after resigning as senior pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, Illinois, after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church following an extramarital affair with another church staffer, Pastor Mike Baker has launched a new church set to begin gathering this month. Baker, who made the announcement on his YouTube channel on Aug. 20, has named his new ministry Song & Sword Church after his online ministry and will begin meeting at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington on Sept. 10. (Leonardo Blair/Christian Post 9/4/23)
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June 28, 2023: WGLT: Investigator discusses reconciliation and healing in report to Eastview Christian Church
Senior pastor Mike Baker resigned in February as details of his and his son Caleb’s conduct became increasingly public. Church leaders became aware of misconduct allegations involving Caleb in 2016.
“While he worked for Eastview, leadership seemed largely unaware that Caleb used his position, role, or influence as a pastor to persuade women to engage in sexual activity," the report said.
Mike Baker had been Eastview’s senior pastor since 2007. In addition to a flawed executive structure, the report said that under Baker’s leadership, workplace culture at Eastview significantly degraded, with decisions being made foremost to protect the church’s image, avoid reprisal from leaders, and with disregard for those harmed by church leadership and for proper reporting procedure.
Senior pastor Mike Baker resigned in February as details of his and his son Caleb’s conduct became increasingly public. Church leaders became aware of misconduct allegations involving Caleb in 2016.
“While he worked for Eastview, leadership seemed largely unaware that Caleb used his position, role, or influence as a pastor to persuade women to engage in sexual activity," the report said.
Mike Baker had been Eastview’s senior pastor since 2007. In addition to a flawed executive structure, the report said that under Baker’s leadership, workplace culture at Eastview significantly degraded, with decisions being made foremost to protect the church’s image, avoid reprisal from leaders, and with disregard for those harmed by church leadership and for proper reporting procedure.
April 20, 2023: Roys Report: IL Megachurch Pastor Who Resigned Amid Scandal Launches Online Ministry
An Illinois megachurch pastor, who resigned following allegations he covered up his son’s sexual misconduct, has started a new online preaching ministry.
Mike Baker, former pastor of Eastview Christian Church (ECC) in Bloomington/Normal, recently launched Song and Sword. In an open letter posted online yesterday, he said he did so because he’s a preacher “called to preach” but with nowhere to preach due to a “media firestorm.” He said he also needed a source of income because he didn’t trust his elders to care for his family financially.
An Illinois megachurch pastor, who resigned following allegations he covered up his son’s sexual misconduct, has started a new online preaching ministry.
Mike Baker, former pastor of Eastview Christian Church (ECC) in Bloomington/Normal, recently launched Song and Sword. In an open letter posted online yesterday, he said he did so because he’s a preacher “called to preach” but with nowhere to preach due to a “media firestorm.” He said he also needed a source of income because he didn’t trust his elders to care for his family financially.
Mar 7, 2023: Christian Post: Eastview Christian Church hires law firm to conduct investigation after pastor resigns
Eastview Christian Church in Illinois announced Sunday that they have hired an attorney from the law firm Wagenmaker & Oberly to conduct an investigation after Mike Baker, the church’s longtime senior pastor, recently resigned over allegations that he covered up sexual misconduct by his son, Caleb Baker, while he was an employee at the church.
Eastview Christian Church in Illinois announced Sunday that they have hired an attorney from the law firm Wagenmaker & Oberly to conduct an investigation after Mike Baker, the church’s longtime senior pastor, recently resigned over allegations that he covered up sexual misconduct by his son, Caleb Baker, while he was an employee at the church.
March 3, 2023: Christian Post: Eastview Christian Church pastor resigns after son is fired from Central Christian Church for adultery
Mike Baker, the longtime senior pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Illinois, has resigned from the megachurch weeks after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church after he was caught in an extramarital affair with another church staffer.
“Caleb Baker, our lead student pastor and associate preaching pastor has been involved in an extramarital relationship for the past six months. And it involved a woman on our staff,” Cal Jernigan, lead pastor of Central Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, told his congregation near the end of his sermon at the megachurch on Feb. 19.
Mike Baker, the longtime senior pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Illinois, has resigned from the megachurch weeks after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church after he was caught in an extramarital affair with another church staffer.
“Caleb Baker, our lead student pastor and associate preaching pastor has been involved in an extramarital relationship for the past six months. And it involved a woman on our staff,” Cal Jernigan, lead pastor of Central Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, told his congregation near the end of his sermon at the megachurch on Feb. 19.
The true believer is rewarded in every thing, even in affliction. -Abu Bakr, Saudi Arabian Statesman
andy bannister
Andy Bannister is Canadian Director for RZIM, speaking and teaching regularly throughout Canada, the USA, Europe and the wider world. From churches to universities, business forums to TV and radio, he regularly addresses audiences of both Christians and those of all faiths and none on issues relating to faith, culture, politics and society. Bannister holds a PhD in Islamic studies and have taught extensively at universities across Canada, the USA, the UK and further afield on both Islam and philosophy. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at Melbourne School of Theology. He is the author of An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur’an (a groundbreaking and innovative study that reveals many of the ways the Qur’an was first composed) and Heroes: Five Lessons From Whose Lives We Can Learn, an exciting and fast-moving look at the lives of five incredible giants of the Christian faith. My latest book, The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (or: The Dreadful Consequences of Really Bad Arguments), is due to be published in summer 2015. He also co-wrote and presented the TV documentary, Burning Questions.
From Islam to Atheism to Christianity - the unlikely conversion of Ayaan Hirsi Ali
I was reminded of C.S. Lewis’s unconventional and circuitous road to faith when I read with shock the recent announcement that Ayaan Hirsi Ali has become a Christian. Ali is a public intellectual, author and women’s right’s activist, but is also famous as a fiery atheist, former Muslim and later fierce critic of Islam, her criticism driven by the hatred and violence she had seen both in her first-hand experiences as well in as Islam’s core texts, as detailed in her book, Infidel. (Andy Bannister/Premier Christianity 11/17/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
I was reminded of C.S. Lewis’s unconventional and circuitous road to faith when I read with shock the recent announcement that Ayaan Hirsi Ali has become a Christian. Ali is a public intellectual, author and women’s right’s activist, but is also famous as a fiery atheist, former Muslim and later fierce critic of Islam, her criticism driven by the hatred and violence she had seen both in her first-hand experiences as well in as Islam’s core texts, as detailed in her book, Infidel. (Andy Bannister/Premier Christianity 11/17/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Andy Bannister – How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking like an Idiot
A panic-free guide to having natural conversations about Jesus 8/9/23
You have to feel sorry for Andy Bannister’s children! He is possibly the teller of the worst dad jokes in human history. I am surprised that there isn’t a hazard warning notice on the cover of this book. The cover has the sign: Don’t Panic; perhaps it should say Don’t Laugh, you might encourage him! No seriously, the jokes aside this is a helpful and readable guide to how to speak to people about Jesus.
First, the book deals with the confidence issue. The author deals with a range of common things that make us too afraid to speak about our faith, and using his own story he shows how those fears can be overcome.
Second, the book shows how Jesus models asking questions. This section helpfully shows how we can be too quick to get to the answer, with people being unaware of the need for one.
The four questions he suggests are: What? Why? Wondering? Whether?
He offers the following four examples:
What do you mean by the word god?
Why do you think that all religions lead to god?
Have you ever wondered why we are so drawn to art and beauty?
I wonder whether Christianity makes better sense of human rights and dignity than the alternatives?
Third, the offers advice on how to deal with questions. Here he uses the five steps SHARE:
Sympathise with the person asking the question.
Highlight hidden assumptions made by the questioner.
Apply the Bible to the question.
Retell the gospel to point the questioner to Jesus.
(This section also reinforces what the author has said about connecting the question to what Jesus said, did or a story he told.)
Equip your friend by pointing them to appropriate resources for further exploration.
Most readers would benefit from reading a book like this. It does open up the possibilities of gospel witness and provides some useful tools for engaging in it.
Many books on evangelism suffer from the gift projection of the author and the sense that the evangelistic formula provided is more straightforward in theory than in practice.
Andy Bannister seeks to avoid gift projection, yet I think some people might still be intimidated by this book. While it does avoid merely offering a guaranteed formula, readers might yet ask: why is that the actual non-Christians we talk to seem so much less compliant than those in the books on evangelism?!
This might not be the last word on evangelism for the timid, but it is a good start. Keep calm and read Andy!
John Woods is a writer and Bible teacher based in West Sussex. He is Director of Training at the School of Preachers in Riga, Latvia.
A panic-free guide to having natural conversations about Jesus 8/9/23
You have to feel sorry for Andy Bannister’s children! He is possibly the teller of the worst dad jokes in human history. I am surprised that there isn’t a hazard warning notice on the cover of this book. The cover has the sign: Don’t Panic; perhaps it should say Don’t Laugh, you might encourage him! No seriously, the jokes aside this is a helpful and readable guide to how to speak to people about Jesus.
First, the book deals with the confidence issue. The author deals with a range of common things that make us too afraid to speak about our faith, and using his own story he shows how those fears can be overcome.
Second, the book shows how Jesus models asking questions. This section helpfully shows how we can be too quick to get to the answer, with people being unaware of the need for one.
The four questions he suggests are: What? Why? Wondering? Whether?
He offers the following four examples:
What do you mean by the word god?
Why do you think that all religions lead to god?
Have you ever wondered why we are so drawn to art and beauty?
I wonder whether Christianity makes better sense of human rights and dignity than the alternatives?
Third, the offers advice on how to deal with questions. Here he uses the five steps SHARE:
Sympathise with the person asking the question.
Highlight hidden assumptions made by the questioner.
Apply the Bible to the question.
Retell the gospel to point the questioner to Jesus.
(This section also reinforces what the author has said about connecting the question to what Jesus said, did or a story he told.)
Equip your friend by pointing them to appropriate resources for further exploration.
Most readers would benefit from reading a book like this. It does open up the possibilities of gospel witness and provides some useful tools for engaging in it.
Many books on evangelism suffer from the gift projection of the author and the sense that the evangelistic formula provided is more straightforward in theory than in practice.
Andy Bannister seeks to avoid gift projection, yet I think some people might still be intimidated by this book. While it does avoid merely offering a guaranteed formula, readers might yet ask: why is that the actual non-Christians we talk to seem so much less compliant than those in the books on evangelism?!
This might not be the last word on evangelism for the timid, but it is a good start. Keep calm and read Andy!
John Woods is a writer and Bible teacher based in West Sussex. He is Director of Training at the School of Preachers in Riga, Latvia.
April 12, 2023: Andy Bannister: Baptist News Global: A toolbox for evangelism
Andy Bannister Files
In Colossians 4, the Apostle Paul wrote these well-known words, encouraging the Christians in Colossae to think about how to reach their friends, neighbors, and community with the gospel: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
I am struck by the way in this short paragraph Paul so clearly connects three things essential for evangelism: Prayer, opportunity and initiative. Begin with prayer, be devoted in prayer — pray, pray and pray some more. Then in answer to those prayers, look for opportunities to proclaim the gospel and do so clearly. And as you do that, take the initiative and make the most of every one of those opportunities. Having some good questions in your evangelistic toolbox will help you tremendously with that last step. --Andy Bannister; April 2023
I am struck by the way in this short paragraph Paul so clearly connects three things essential for evangelism: Prayer, opportunity and initiative. Begin with prayer, be devoted in prayer — pray, pray and pray some more. Then in answer to those prayers, look for opportunities to proclaim the gospel and do so clearly. And as you do that, take the initiative and make the most of every one of those opportunities. Having some good questions in your evangelistic toolbox will help you tremendously with that last step. --Andy Bannister; April 2023
Mar 22, 2022: The Scotsman: Aim for the top of the ladder in the pursuit of happiness - Dr Andy Bannister
July 9, 2021: Cross Examined: Book review of “The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist”: more bad atheist arguments?
The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (2015) by Andy Bannister promises to critique a number of atheist arguments. The subtitle is, “The dreadful consequences of bad arguments.” I’m on board with bad arguments having bad consequences, so I’m curious to hear what I’m guilty of.
The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (2015) by Andy Bannister promises to critique a number of atheist arguments. The subtitle is, “The dreadful consequences of bad arguments.” I’m on board with bad arguments having bad consequences, so I’m curious to hear what I’m guilty of.
April 13, 2020: Friendly Athiest: Christian Accidentally Tells Newspaper That Faith in God is Like Faith in Santa
Uh-oh. Wait till fellow believers like Andy Bannister hear about this. Bannister, the director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, wrote a piece a few years ago about how tired he is of “smug atheists” likening his totally real God to the fictional Kris Kringle.
Uh-oh. Wait till fellow believers like Andy Bannister hear about this. Bannister, the director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, wrote a piece a few years ago about how tired he is of “smug atheists” likening his totally real God to the fictional Kris Kringle.
July 29, 2016: Stand To Reason: Yes, Christians Are Hypocrites—If by “Hypocrite” You Mean “Sinner”
Andy Bannister explains that, contrary to Christopher Hitchens’s claim, religion isn’t what poisons everything. The problem is much deeper, more pervasive, and far more personal.
Andy Bannister explains that, contrary to Christopher Hitchens’s claim, religion isn’t what poisons everything. The problem is much deeper, more pervasive, and far more personal.
Aug 30, 2015: Wintery Knight: Andy Bannister and Michael Ruse discuss how atheists find meaning in life
Atheist philosopher Michael Ruse joins Justin as we spend a second week looking at Andy Bannister’s new book ‘The atheist who didn’t exist’.
Atheist philosopher Michael Ruse joins Justin as we spend a second week looking at Andy Bannister’s new book ‘The atheist who didn’t exist’.
gail song bantum
July 7, 2023: Christian Post: Evangelical Covenant Church drops congregation over LGBT 'policies and practices'
The decision to remove the two congregations was to be finalized at this year's annual meeting. Quest Pastor Gail Song Bantum announced last month that her congregation is disaffiliating from the ECC after 21 years of membership. "We have discerned that, to be the body of Christ, we must embrace the fullness of God's life in all of our members, including our LGBTQIA+ siblings," Bantum said. "This belief emerges from our identity and values as an ECC church, not despite this identity and these values."
The decision to remove the two congregations was to be finalized at this year's annual meeting. Quest Pastor Gail Song Bantum announced last month that her congregation is disaffiliating from the ECC after 21 years of membership. "We have discerned that, to be the body of Christ, we must embrace the fullness of God's life in all of our members, including our LGBTQIA+ siblings," Bantum said. "This belief emerges from our identity and values as an ECC church, not despite this identity and these values."
For years, others have asked Gail Song Bantum and Brian Bantum to reveal the secret to their marriage as a multiracial Christian couple with high-profile ministry callings. They're doing that in their new book, Choosing Us: Marriage and Mutual Flourishing in a World of Difference.
--CHVN95.1: Building a thriving marriage across personal and social differences 4.21.22
--CHVN95.1: Building a thriving marriage across personal and social differences 4.21.22
Eitan bar
Eitan Bar, a Jewish-Christian born in Tel Aviv, Israel (1984), holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Bible and theology. He has authored several books, including a few best-sellers. Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the US, and his videos (teachings and lectures) have garnered over 25 million views.
Eitan Bar, a Jewish-Christian born in Tel Aviv, Israel (1984), holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Bible and theology. He has authored several books, including a few best-sellers. Eitan frequently lectures worldwide, primarily in Europe and the US, and his videos (teachings and lectures) have garnered over 25 million views.
Apr 14, 2023: All Israel News: Former One For Israel evangelist Eitan Bar now accusing Messianic Jews and Evangelical Christians of ‘fanatic ideology’ that led to a murder
After getting divorced, then fired from a ministry position, Bar is now blasting the very community of believers he once served
After getting divorced, then fired from a ministry position, Bar is now blasting the very community of believers he once served
WILLIAM BARBER II
William J. Barber II (born August 30, 1963) is an American Protestant minister, social activist, professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy and founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. He is the president and senior lecturer at Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival. He also serves as a member of the national board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and is the chair of its legislative political action committee. From 2006 to 2017, Barber served as president of the NAACP's North Carolina state chapter, the largest in the Southern United States and the second-largest in the United States. He pastored Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, North Carolina from 1993 to 2023.
June 11, 2023: ABC11: Former NC NAACP head Bishop Barber celebrates retirement from Goldsboro church
Bishop William J. Barber II celebrated his retirement after three decades as the head of the congregation of Greenleaf Christian Church.
Reverend Barber announced his retirement in December but stayed to assist the church with COVID and until a new pastor could be put in place.
Bishop William J. Barber II celebrated his retirement after three decades as the head of the congregation of Greenleaf Christian Church.
Reverend Barber announced his retirement in December but stayed to assist the church with COVID and until a new pastor could be put in place.
April 21, 2023: Religion News Service: Christian nationalists have provoked a pluralist resistance
Meanwhile the Poor People’s Campaign, a social movement led by the Rev. William Barber II and the Rev. Liz Theoharis, attacks Christian nationalism in the arena of policy and politics. The group has identified Christian nationalism as “a key pillar of injustice in America that provides cover for a host of other ills” and is leading a multiracial and multi-faith “moral movement” to confront it in the minutia of public policy, but also in demonstrations outside statehouses and the nation’s Capitol buildings.
Meanwhile the Poor People’s Campaign, a social movement led by the Rev. William Barber II and the Rev. Liz Theoharis, attacks Christian nationalism in the arena of policy and politics. The group has identified Christian nationalism as “a key pillar of injustice in America that provides cover for a host of other ills” and is leading a multiracial and multi-faith “moral movement” to confront it in the minutia of public policy, but also in demonstrations outside statehouses and the nation’s Capitol buildings.
William J Barber Files
“We pray for the league itself, the NFL, that it may never see the players as just pieces of an economic engine, but as people without whom the sport would not exist....May this moment cause us who see the game to recognize the players as people, not just competitors on a field, but fathers, brothers, uncles, husbands, sons and grandsons. Help us, oh God, to repent of all the times we have forgotten this Let this moment open up our conscience to care about all people in need and remind us how quickly in the blinking of an eye things can change for any family.”
--William J Barber; A prayer for NFL players and Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills safety who went into cardiac arrest after making a tackle. 1.2.23
--William J Barber; A prayer for NFL players and Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills safety who went into cardiac arrest after making a tackle. 1.2.23
Dec 22, 2022: Black Enterprise: REV. WILLIAM BARBER II TO HEAD YALE DIVINITY SCHOOL CENTER FOR PUBLIC THEOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY
Rev. William Barber II will lead the Yale Divinity School’s Center for Public Theology and Public Policy, according to Religious News Service. The reverend will teach his first class at Yale in January.
Rev. William Barber II will lead the Yale Divinity School’s Center for Public Theology and Public Policy, according to Religious News Service. The reverend will teach his first class at Yale in January.
beth allison barr
Beth Allison Barr is the James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University. Her specialties include European women, medieval and early modern England and church history. She earned her PhD in Medieval History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is the bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. She is the president of the Conference on Faith and History
| May 11, 2023
Welcome to Madang!
Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renown authors, leaders, public figures and scholars on religion, culture and everything in-between. This has been a dream of mine for many years and now it is. reality. Please join me at Madang. This is the 28th episode of Madang where I converse with Beth Allison Barr on her book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood. Today, she shares about being a pastor’s wife, what led to writing her bestselling book, Paul’s letters about women, Christian household codes, Reformation theology about women and so much more. |
April 18, 2023: Beth Allison Barr: Anxious Bench: My Career on The Anxious Bench–How it Started and How it is Ending
April 7, 2021: Religion News Service: Beth Moore apologizes for her role in elevating ‘complementarian’ theology that limits women leaders
Some female historians said Moore’s tweets were a decisive shift. Beth Allison Barr, a Baylor University historian and author of “The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth,” likened Moore to the biblical Joshua commanding the people to shout so the walls of Jericho fall down.
“She just shouted,” said Barr of Moore. “This is going to be the beginning of the end of complementarianism.”
Some female historians said Moore’s tweets were a decisive shift. Beth Allison Barr, a Baylor University historian and author of “The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth,” likened Moore to the biblical Joshua commanding the people to shout so the walls of Jericho fall down.
“She just shouted,” said Barr of Moore. “This is going to be the beginning of the end of complementarianism.”
walter bartel
Walter Bartel is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Treherne in Canada.
Walter Bartel Files
The Psalms have many references to the mercy of the LORD. He is merciful all the time. In (Zechariah 1:13) verse 13 the LORD not only demonstrated His mercy but also His longsuffering. He was willing to answer the angel with good words and comfortable words. God’s Words are good and they are comfortable to those who walk humbly with Him. The ungodly will not find comfort in God’s Word, because they do not understand true comfort, nor do they understand the way of having comfort. The world looks at material things as the means of comfort. The child of God seeks truth and needs to be taught that comfort comes through truth and through submission to the truth. Comfort of heart is essential. Without that, the “comforts of the world” are very temporal. Those who seek comfort from the LORD will find that it is of greater substance than material things. -Walter Bartel; Sermon Audio; The Importance of Seeking God’s Answer 10.15.13
diana butler bass
Diana Butler Bass
“First, it provides Jesus’s legal pedigree. He is the son of David, in Israel’s royal line ... But Matthew has a second purpose. His genealogy tells readers that Jesus’s ancestry is the human story of faith and faithlessness, of good deeds and wicked ones, of saintly actions and dubious intentions ... In other words, Jesus may be a ‘king’ in the royal line of David, but his family is pretty much the same as everyone else’s. Matthew puts it out there — Jesus, son of Joseph, has a family genogram that could keep a therapist occupied for years.” --Diana Butler Bass
nick batzig
Nick Batzig
Pride is the greatest snare in the souls of men. It is essentially a measuring of ourselves by ourselves and a comparing of ourselves among ourselves (2 Cor. 10:12). When we allow pride to fester and take root in our hearts, we begin to think, act and speak as if we are, because of our supposed virtues, spiritually superior to others. As we do so, we make that in which he believe we excel our standard of holiness, rather than God’s Law with its unattainable depths and requirements. Additionally, when we foster spiritual pride we reveal that we do not truly see our need the atoning sacrifice of Christ for our sin. -Nick Batzig; Feeding On Christ; The Nature and Marks of Spiritual Pride 7.26.23
gary bauer
Steve Rabey
Family Research Council has praised Tuberville’s courage in a series of fundraising emails, hailing his “David vs. Goliath standoff with the Biden administration’s Department of Defense and even fellow senators in order to protect unborn lives and the rule of law. … For months he has courageously stood firm. …What if every Bible-believing Christian in America took seriously the calling of Jesus for each of us to be salt and light in the darkening world around us?”
Family Research Council also claimed the Defense Department is acting in bad faith: “Let’s be absolutely clear: The Pentagon’s new abortion policy has everything to do with activist politics and nothing to do with Congress’ obligation to raise and maintain armed forces to provide for the common defense.” ..Gary Bauer of the James Dobson Family Institute said the military has gone “woke” in promoting “abortion, transgender ideology and Critical Race Theory / anti-American history.” He claimed this shift is hurting recruitment because “millions of American families will not encourage their sons and daughters to serve in such a military.” Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen also praised Tuberville: “In Washington, D.C., it’s rare for politicians to follow through on commitments they’ve made. But so far, Sen. Tuberville has done exactly that.” --Steve Rabey; Baptist News Global; Christian groups applaud Tommy Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions 9.8.23
Family Research Council also claimed the Defense Department is acting in bad faith: “Let’s be absolutely clear: The Pentagon’s new abortion policy has everything to do with activist politics and nothing to do with Congress’ obligation to raise and maintain armed forces to provide for the common defense.” ..Gary Bauer of the James Dobson Family Institute said the military has gone “woke” in promoting “abortion, transgender ideology and Critical Race Theory / anti-American history.” He claimed this shift is hurting recruitment because “millions of American families will not encourage their sons and daughters to serve in such a military.” Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen also praised Tuberville: “In Washington, D.C., it’s rare for politicians to follow through on commitments they’ve made. But so far, Sen. Tuberville has done exactly that.” --Steve Rabey; Baptist News Global; Christian groups applaud Tommy Tuberville’s blockade of military promotions 9.8.23
paul baxter
Paul Baxter
We read how Elisha, the prophet of God, was entering one of the worst places in the corrupt and decadent nation of Israel. Although Bethel was called “the House of God,” what should have been a holy place was a center of idolatry and immorality where the “sons of God” were vastly outnumbered by those who taunted and trashed the faith of Elijah and Elisha! Bethel was so bad that a gang of young teenagers “harassed” Elisha, taunting him to leave them and their town alone and go off to be with his God (as Elijah had done).
Gleason Archer puts everything in perspective when he describes this large roving band of teenagers as “a serious public danger, quite as grave as the large youth gangs that roam the ghetto sections of our modern American cities.” The Apologetics Study Bible explains: “The Hebrew phrase for ‘small boys’ refers to adolescents from 12 to 30 years old (see I Samuel 20:35; I Kings 3:7; 11:17). It is unlikely that these youths were younger than 12 years old.” Contrary to the caricature, Elisha was a young man, probably in his mid twenties, though obviously bald.
We are also reminded that the real issue was not how this gang showed contempt and “disrespect for God’s prophet,” but revealed utter “disrespect for the Lord.” Therefore, “a strong message was sent to the city and parents” reminiscent of Leviticus 26:21-22. This Scripture tells how hostility toward God and an unwillingness to obey Him can result in being besieged by plagues and wild animals.
The message was a corrective message to address current attitudes and behavior that if heeded would ward off worse sins and greater judgment. The gang was shocked and silenced when mauled (not necessarily killed) by the bears, and their parents and community were warned to repent of their sins (reflected in their children) and obey God before worse judgments befell them!
Walter C. Kaiser writes how the eventual fall of Israel “would have been avoided had the people repented after the bear attack.” They did not.
According to II Chronicles 36:16 we read how “they kept ridiculing God’s messengers, despising His words, and scoffing at His prophets … As Kaiser wisely states: The “bear attack shows God trying repeatedly to bring his people back to himself through smaller judgments” so that they could avoid a worse “full force” judgment.
--Paul Baxter; The Christian Index; Why would God send a bear to maul children? 2/4/22
Gleason Archer puts everything in perspective when he describes this large roving band of teenagers as “a serious public danger, quite as grave as the large youth gangs that roam the ghetto sections of our modern American cities.” The Apologetics Study Bible explains: “The Hebrew phrase for ‘small boys’ refers to adolescents from 12 to 30 years old (see I Samuel 20:35; I Kings 3:7; 11:17). It is unlikely that these youths were younger than 12 years old.” Contrary to the caricature, Elisha was a young man, probably in his mid twenties, though obviously bald.
We are also reminded that the real issue was not how this gang showed contempt and “disrespect for God’s prophet,” but revealed utter “disrespect for the Lord.” Therefore, “a strong message was sent to the city and parents” reminiscent of Leviticus 26:21-22. This Scripture tells how hostility toward God and an unwillingness to obey Him can result in being besieged by plagues and wild animals.
The message was a corrective message to address current attitudes and behavior that if heeded would ward off worse sins and greater judgment. The gang was shocked and silenced when mauled (not necessarily killed) by the bears, and their parents and community were warned to repent of their sins (reflected in their children) and obey God before worse judgments befell them!
Walter C. Kaiser writes how the eventual fall of Israel “would have been avoided had the people repented after the bear attack.” They did not.
According to II Chronicles 36:16 we read how “they kept ridiculing God’s messengers, despising His words, and scoffing at His prophets … As Kaiser wisely states: The “bear attack shows God trying repeatedly to bring his people back to himself through smaller judgments” so that they could avoid a worse “full force” judgment.
--Paul Baxter; The Christian Index; Why would God send a bear to maul children? 2/4/22
