Decline and fall
In years past, national news magazines have published holy week cover articles announcing the death of Jesus and the death of God. This year, God and Jesus survived, but Christian America died.
The Presbyterian Outlook
Creating and curating trustworthy resources for the church, the Presbyterian Outlook connects disciples of Jesus Christ through compelling and committed conversation for the proclamation of the Gospel.
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Presbyteries seek ways to avoid budget cuts, generate new revenue
“Give to the presbytery!” probably does not top the “To-Do” list for many Presbyterians.
Churches say economic crisis destroying Caribbean safety net
(ENI) A group of economists and church representatives from the Caribbean says the economic crisis has provoked increased levels of crime and violence in the region and has led to the destruction of social safety nets.
U.S. Hispanic Christian groups divided over 2010 census
(ENI-RNS) — Two prominent Hispanic Christian organizations are divided on whether Latinos should participate in the 2010 U.S. census, while U.S. Catholic bishops say it’s in everyone’s “best interest to be counted.”
Book notes: A supplement to the April 20 Spring Book edition
Acts, by Richard I. Pervo. Hermeneia. Fortress, 2009. Hb., 838 pp. $85.
Touching Lives
Easily gathered metrics like Sunday attendance are useful but deceptive.
What a Wonderful World: “Earth” and “Up” film reviews
Somewhere in Antarctica, two polar bear cubs take their first look at the chilling, snowy world.
Films in review: “Terminator: Salvation” and “Night At the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian”
“Terminator: Salvation” is a step backward in the classic series, because the logic is so inconsistent.
Seminaries tightening belts in tough economic times
Will the seminaries survive? Given a dependence upon free will offerings and endowment income, seminaries all around the world are struggling to keep their doors open amid the recent economic downturn.
Memorial service held for Carl S. Dudley
A memorial service was held April 25 at Immanuel Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Hartford, Conn., for the Rev. Carl S. Dudley, a renowned innovator in connecting churches with their communities.
Seminaries as incubators of inter-religious leadership
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Sightings Web site of the Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Used by permission.
Rx for an ambivalent church
So Amendment 08-B is coming up short. It is not going to pass (see. p. 6). Nobody is rejoicing.
Young adult World
I have rewritten the Young Adult Ministry section on the Church Wellness Web site (www.churchwellness.com) at least five times in the past few weeks.
The right way to doubt
Toxic forms of religion are killing us — sometimes literally, sometimes spiritually. It’s time to look into our own hearts. Are we part of the problem?
Methodist high court rules on gay marriage, Bush library
(RNS) The United Methodist Church’s highest court has ruled that clergy may not officiate at same-sex unions, even in states where such marriages are legal, and gave the final approval for the George W. Bush Library to be built at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Commentary: Reflections on “Reformed use of Scripture”
Robert Trawick, in “Reformed Use of Scripture,” The Presbyterian Outlook (April 13, 2009), makes several assertions that call for a response.
2009 Seminary commencements
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas
2009 commencement ceremonies held
Alma College, Alma, Mich.
Presbyterian college presidents reaffirm church-college connections
“What is our Presbyterian stake in the educational enterprise?
Something’s cooking in the kitchen
NEW YORK — Three years ago, when moving to Manhattan was still a dream, our oldest son led us to 84th and..
African Christian leaders view ransom for sea pirates as ‘risky’
NAIROBI — (ENI) Christian leaders in East Africa are calling for a unified international approach to the Somali sea pirate menace, while warning continued payment of ransom is a security risk.
The Gospel according to Twitter
(ENI/RNS) —Do you tweet during church? Isn't it rude?
Christian communicators highlight climate justice on the road to Copenhagen
(ekklesia) The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) is calling on religious leaders and communicators to emphasize the need for urgent and radical action on climate change in the run-up to the international Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 6-18, 2009.
Poll says Americans moving rightward on social issues
PRINCETON, N.J. (ABP) -- A week after releasing a poll for the first time showing a majority of Americans describe themselves as pro-life, the Gallup Organization reported new numbers showing public opinion moving to the right on a number of other social issues as well.
Scottish church to consider “virtual ministers” to stem shortages
(ENI)--To stem a nationwide shortage of full-time clergy, the Church of Scotland is considering the use of "virtual ministers" who would preach over a live video link to congregations that do not have a permanent minister.