A Crash Course on Being a Protestant Today

NEWS

A Top Reason for Church Shootings: Domestic Abuse
There were actually two attacks on Sunday, showing how violence at home often enters God's house.
Kate Shellnutt
Officials have concluded that the gunman who shot up a small Baptist church outside San Antonio on Sunday was not religiously motivated. It may come as a surprise to know that very few attacks on houses of worship are. Though the scale of Kelley's carnage is unprecedented, his motive is all too familiar. Domestic violence rarely stays confined to the home, and has increasingly led to violence on church property. Estranged husbands make their way into church parking lots and lobbies to settle fights, take revenge, or confront their victims. continue reading >>

Excerpt The 'Religious Affections' of Billy Graham's Evangelism On the evangelist's 99th birthday, we look at the role desire played in so many decisions for Christ. Michael S. Hamilton

Speaking Out A Small Rural Church Is Hard to Kill A Texas Baptist pastor on the risk and resilience of America's smallest congregations. Bart Barber

Women God's Ministry of Disappointment In pain and confusion, I'm finding that God is, indeed, close to the brokenhearted. Amena Brown

CT Pastors Protect Your Congregation from a Gunman A police officer's advice on how leaders can reduce risk—and possibly save lives. Andrew G. Mills

Entertainment 'Thor: Ragnarok' Invites Us to a Bright, Boisterous Duel with Death The God of Thunder's return to the big screen strikes a timely balance between gravitas, humor, and big, dumb fun. Joel Mayward

Book Review A Crash Course on Being a Protestant Today A new "ecclesiological think tank" offers a valuable but incomplete summary. Samuel D. James

The Exchange Another Shooting, This Time in a Church. How Should We Respond? We don't have answers; Christ offers hope and grace and peace. Ed Stetzer