Rick Hammer, former biology professor at Hardin-Simmons University, is well known in Abilene for his role in the development of a nature park at Kirby Lake and for his creation stewardship activism. He recently had an article published on the Baptist News Global website titled, “Why I see COVID-19 vaccines as a sign of God’s grace.” The article begins with,
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By LORETTA FULTON Fall festivals, religious services, and a Cypress Street takeover are among the many offerings this week as Abilenians prepare to celebrate Halloween, All Saints and All Souls days, and Dia de los Muertos. (Click here to read separate article, including dates of observances, about “El Dia.”) To add an event, send details to editor@spiritofabilene.com Pioneer Drive Baptist
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By LORETTA FULTON It’s that time of year again when religion and culture come together for a mix of somber and fun events. Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve), with its costumes and trick or treat tradition, and Dia de los Muertos, practiced by indigenous people of Mexico for centuries, come on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Also, in some Christian traditions,
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON Winter and her close friend decided to take a trip to New York City to meet another friend and have an office picnic in her Twin Tower office. Before the trip, Winter’s mother called and said she planned to come for a visit. Winter tried to persuade her to change the plans, but her mother felt it
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By JIM NICHOLS One of the results of high definition, large televisions and the abundance of sports on the screen is the ability for a viewer to see a player become injured. The pain of the injury is sometimes severe enough that we viewers can see these adult players fighting back or giving into tears. Since each of us has
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Alexander William Kinglake is a name snuggled deeply inside of all-knowing Google. He was a 19th century lawyer who gave up his legal practice to become an author, best known for a single proverb: “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” It is believed that Kinglake’s intent was to help
Read moreThe Abilene Interfaith Council and Cultura Local ABI are hosting a program about Dia de los Muertos at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Center for Contemporary Arts. The program is free, and the public is invited. Joyce Martinez-Sledge will speak about the cultural significance and impact of Dia de los Muertos traditions in our local area. Guests are
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By ANNA SCHILLER Pew Research Center As houses of worship continue to reopen, most U.S. adults who regularly attend religious services voice confidence in their clergy to provide guidance on the coronavirus vaccines – and far more say they have heard their pastor, priest, rabbi or imam encourage people to get vaccinated than have heard their clergy raise doubts about
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By LORETTA FULTON Letters from former students, colleagues, and friends poured in a year ago when McMurry University planned to honor professor emeritus of religion Dr. Robert C. Monk. But COVID-19–the grinch that stole 2020–dashed that plan and the ceremony was postponed until Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. Monk has had a year to savor those letters, and on Friday he
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