By JIM NICHOLS What would your decision be should you be asked to participate or support some action with which you disagree? Not just a mild disagreement, but a serious, considered disagreement for which there seemed to be no second alternative. The term “conscientious objector” is most often connected to military service. There is a long and worldwide history of
Read more
By DARRYL TIPPENS There is the legend of the old Scottish True Believer who fervently prayed: “O Lord, I pray that I am right about everything, for Thou knowest I never change my mind.” While I’ve never prayed this prayer, I understand the sentiment of it. I was raised in a family which fostered self-confidence. My five siblings and I
Read more
By The Rev. LESLIE DUNLAP On Ash Wednesday, Grace Lutheran Church will once again be offering “Drive-through Ashes,” a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition. I will be located on the sidewalk in front of the church at 1202 S. Pioneer Drive from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. You can pull up and
Read moreBy LESLIE STRADER Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor was once asked to describe the greatest paradigm shift she encountered during her rise to the Supreme Court. She responded by saying, “The existence of evil. I didn’t want to believe anybody could be purely evil, but I know now they can. Evil exists.” British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge once said, “The depravity
Read moreBy JIM NICHOLS St. Francis of Assisi suggested that, when attempting to be God’s people to others, we should start with human suffering rather than human sinfulness. Have you ever made a hospital visit to a friend or relative and encountered a law enforcement officer sitting in a chair outside some room on the floor? Though not a common sight
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Locals already were “big-eyed” by massive oil discoveries in the Wichita Falls area about a century ago. Money flowed, and for many folks, life was good, might near the land-of-milk-and-honey status. For the oil people, it was even better. If they wanted milk and honey, they could yawn while signing checks to buy
Read moreBy DANNY MINTON Several years ago, I came across a story where caregivers from a special needs group home started bringing the clients to a worship service. The group would take up a full row toward the rear of the auditorium. As with many individuals with special needs, they can, at times, like small children, not sit still or be
Read moreBy LARRY BRADSHAW Growing up in Kansas in the ’40s and ’50s, I attended a one-room country school for eight years. Pleasant Valley School, near the small-town of Harper, Kansas, had around 20 students, all eight grades in one room. The school was a beautiful little red-brick building built by the Mennonites before the war. It featured a steeple with
Read more
Hardin-Simmons University issued the following news release Friday, Feb. 21, concerning announcement of the closing of Logsdon Seminary and other changes at the university. HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSTIY NEWS RELEASE Jacob Brandt Director for University Marketing We have received a number of questions regarding the recent campus changes that were announced on Friday, February 14. In an effort to help publish answers
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 