Although none of the major proposed restrictions were placed on the charitable deduction, the “Pease” limitations—phasing out deductions for charitable giving, mortgage interest, and state and local taxes for high-bracket taxpayers—were reinstated and made permanent beginning 2013 to the disappointment of many in the charitable sector.   Late on the first day of the new... Continue Reading

There is, however, another threat of genocide in the Middle East. It is the religious cleansing of Christians and other religious minorities from the Sunni-dominated Middle East. This danger remains unacknowledged by President Obama and has received little attention, with few exceptions, from U.S. Christian leadership on both the right the left.     When... Continue Reading

Adoption and orphan care and foster care are not a covert means of evangelism any more than Christians having babies is a form of reproductive evangelism. It’s simply Christians love children, and part of what it means to love children is to share the gospel. Russell Moore, dean of the School of Theology at Southern... Continue Reading

A 27-year-old tennis instructor attending the classes also showed some skepticism. While he expressed interest in the spiritual development the course offers, one crucial detail stands in the way of his religious elevation.  “I’m not going to become a prophet,” he said. “I don’t think it pays very well.”   Instead of long beards and... Continue Reading

If history is a guide, the military’s handling of its recent religious challenges may put the rest of us to shame. Although the military has lagged behind in its response to some social concerns, the reverse has been true with others. In the second half of the 20th century, the military integrated more fully and... Continue Reading

The latest excavation has revealed a brand new structure, according to the directors, with massive walls and a wide, east-facing entrance, which conform to the tradition of temple construction in the ancient Near East. The archeologists stress that “the find of the sacred structure together with the accompanying cache of sacred vessels, and especially the... Continue Reading

“What if a terrific coach and mentor of student athletes is only marginally committed to the Christian mission of the college?” he said. “To earn a place among college football’s elite programs, will Liberty alter its student conduct policies to attract more student athletes?”   Liberty University, the nation’s largest Christian school, wants an invitation... Continue Reading

The interview was simple. I asked one open-ended question: “What regrets do you have about the years you have served as a pastor?” Each of the men could provide as many responses as they desired.   I recently interviewed more than twenty pastors who had been in ministry for at least 25 years. All of... Continue Reading

Pastor, you must live with a preparation mentality and teach those under your care to do the same. The trials, injustices, and hardships of today do two things for you and me. Every day they remind us that this isn’t our final destination. But there’s another thing… They drive us to the end of ourselves.... Continue Reading

…he counted on the local elders—and they came through: “We did not know the levels the local people would go to to protect us or advocate for us. It was nothing short of revolutionary the way these people stood up and took off, moving from their own safety into the territory of bad guys to... Continue Reading