In a first-ever event, the Louisiana Baptist Convention hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon to begin the state’s annual evangelism conference. PINEVILLE – In a first-ever event, the Louisiana Baptist Convention hosted a Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon to begin the state’s annual evangelism conference. About 100 people – blacks and whites in roughly equal numbers – participated. At the same time, in Jena, La., less than 40 miles away, the news media reported that two dozen white supremacists, perhaps a dozen purported Black Panthers and respective supporters of both groups marched in the small town that was in the national spotlight last summer as the site of a media-driven civil rights march, that march drew perhaps 20,000 people. Despite vitriolic speech and even loaded shotguns – as reported by the secular media – only one person was arrested in Jena and, in Pineville, no mention was made at the MLK luncheon of the Jena events. E. Edwards Jones Sr., pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in Shreveport for 49 years, was the luncheon’s guest speaker. Jones was a civil rights activist who in 1966 led a seven-year battle to desegregate the school district in his parish. “Let me describe the climate of that time,” … [Read more...]
Pair of proposals offered to bridge stem cell research debate
A biology professor and two physicians recently proposed new approaches they say could resolve the thorny ethical problems swirling around embryonic stem cell research. A biology professor and two physicians recently proposed new approaches they say could resolve the thorny ethical problems swirling around embryonic stem cell research. The proposals were presented to the Presidents Council on Bioethics, a high-profile group that does not set policy but does influence the White House and Congress. Council leaders said the proposals deserve consideration. However, some conservative religious groups remain skeptical. The issue of stem cell research is a hot one. Conservative religious and pro-life leaders have opposed embryonic stem cell research because it involves the destruction of days-old embryos. They have thrown their support to adult stem cell work. Others have complained that too much is at stake not to pursue embryonic stem cell research or even to allow cloning of embryos for research. Stem cells are seen as keys to cures for a range of illness, including Alzheimers and heart disease. The issue has become a political football as well as … [Read more...]
More American businesses moving to embrace basic Christian values
In the wake of several high-profile corporate scandals - such as the Enron debacle - a new era is emerging in American business, various business leaders and consultants suggest. In the wake of several high-profile corporate scandals - such as the Enron debacle - a new era is emerging in American business, various business leaders and consultants suggest. The Enron scandal represents a pendulum swing toward an era of business reform, said consultant Ken Jennings, who has worked with more than 25 Fortune 500 companies in the last six years. Now, values that Christians hold dear are being road-tested in some offices around the country. However, deep-rooted reform will not occur overnight, said Jennings, a Christian who helps companies build businesses that are above reproach. "Quick-fix solutions to ethical problems wont work for businesses that have an anything-for-the-bottom-line approach, ..." he said. "In a business culture that is rotten at the core, there are things going wrong that you dont yet see." So, how does one reform a business culture that rewards the kind of deception seen in the Enron scandal? "You cant just take the anti-Enron pill," … [Read more...]
