Before we dive into the Friday Five, a few updates to earlier posts:
• I followed up Thursday on my analysis last week of The Associated Press’ haunted obituary of Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland. Kudos to AP for a new piece that delves into the important role of the black church in Cummings’ life.
• Earlier this week, I highlighted the bush-league PR response by the Houston Astros to a foul-mouthed, female-sportswriter-bullying assistant general manager named Brandon Taubman. Welp, the Astros eventually did the right thing and fired Taubman, a Houston Chronicle sports columnist writes.
• Also this week, I asked “What’s the real story?” concerning plans to close the first-ever international Chick-fil-A? The location at British mall apparently will shut down after six months amid protests by gay-rights activists. In that post, I mentioned a lawsuit over the San Antonio airport refusing to allow a Chick-fil-A. Now, the San Antonio Express-News reports that the Chick-fil-A could wind up opening there after all.
Now, on to the Friday Five:
.@KSPrior has worked at Liberty University since 1999.
Next fall, she will be joining the faculty at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary https://t.co/59pHJlN94j
— Christianity Today (@CTmagazine) October 24, 2019
1. Religion story of the week: Here’s a “story of the week” that actually hasn’t hit the mainstream press yet, assuming my Google News search skills are adequate.
Separate stories emerged this week, both concerning female professors and Southern Baptist seminaries, but the only reports I’ve seen were in the religious press: One involves the faculty of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, voting to affirm women colleagues amid attacks from some critics.
The other concerns well-known English professor Karen Swallow Prior’s planned move from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. Christianity Today notes important background concerning Prior, including her status as a “Never Trumper.” Despite that status, her departure drew a kind tweet from “Always Trumper” Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty’s president:
You will be greatly missed, Karen. I was hoping you’d stay until I converted you into a Trump supporter! Oh well. You always made LU proud by pouring your life into your students. Thank you for that. https://t.co/Q166GlYSua
— Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) October 25, 2019
Maybe there’s a big-picture story on women professors at Southern Baptist seminaries for an enterprising Godbeat pro. (Honestly, I have a vague memory of reading such a story in the not-so-distant past, so if somebody has a link, I’d welcome that, too.)
When it comes to John MacArthur, Beth Moore and Russell Moore, let’s ask tougher questions. https://t.co/Ov9eDnKeGA
— GetReligion (@GetReligion) October 23, 2019
2. Most popular GetReligion post: Speaking of Baptist women, our No. 1 most-clicked commentary of the week was Julia Duin’s piece on “the harsh comment that the Rev. John MacArthur, an extremely conservative evangelical pastor, made about Beth Moore, possibly the most famous woman in Southern Baptist life today.”
Duin’s post title sums up her thesis: “When it comes to John MacArthur, Beth Moore and Russell Moore, let’s ask tougher questions.”
We are super excited @ReligionMag to be named a top site for culture & entertainment news in the most recent @EditorPublisher #eppy awards. Congrats to @MeaganKay @avinash_giri123 @wesparnell @Clisi @peterfreeby Micah, Princess et al! https://t.co/1c0zOg0Gbw @MediaProjectOrg
— Paul Glader (@PaulGlader) October 23, 2019
3. Guilt folder fodder (and more): Our Media Project colleagues at Religion Unplugged won an award this week.
Religion Unplugged, where writers such as our own Clemente Lisi and Terry Mattingly are featured, was honored as a top site for culture and entertainment news, receiving an Eppy Award presented by Editor & Publisher.
Congratulations to the entire team!
A Ugandan teenager imprisoned on false murder charges. An American law professor inspired to follow God’s calling. From Malibu, Calif., my story on a life-changing meeting, an African nation’s reforms and @Pepperdine’s surprising choice. https://t.co/24G9rWMx0p
— Bobby Ross Jr. (@bobbyross) October 23, 2019
4. Shameless plug: I profiled the new president of Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., for The Christian Chronicle.
It’s a compelling story about how one mission trip to Uganda changed the entire trajectory of Jim Gash’s life and that of a boy falsely charged with two murders.
This is amazing: Guy wearing a “Jesus saves” bib has a heart attack during a marathon. Guy behind him saves his life by performing CPR — and is actually named Jesus. https://t.co/SZWsXK9IG3
— Julie Zauzmer (@JulieZauzmer) October 23, 2019
#Christian teachers: This is a good chance to teach your students about proximate and ultimate causes. #WednesdayWisdom https://t.co/MnpyfXg4kb
— Ben Johnson (@TheRightsWriter) October 23, 2019
5. Final thought: Jesus really does save.
Happy Friday, everybody! Enjoy the weekend!
ybvdadminuser
