Over the last decade and a half, Pew Research Center has conducted religion-focused surveys all around the world. One question we have asked in each of these surveys is “How important is religion in your life?” Another one we’ve asked repeatedly is “How often do you pray?” The places that are most religious by these two measures tend to be
Read more
By Jim Nichols Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw—those words are meaningful to many readers. Even if you are not interested in or a fan of the Harry Potter genre, you probably have encountered those names. They are associated with the beginning of the school year at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and identify the House into which each student is placed for
Read moreBy Danny Minton Browsing through the various conversations on the internet, I found that there are scores of people who are depressed, unhappy, mad, or just feeling down about all types of things, people, and situations. I find that there is always someone with a negative comment to make, no matter how uplifting or positive the idea being presented tries
Read more
The Abilene Association of Congregations will kick off a new programming year on Wednesday, Aug. 28. All meetings are open to the public. The Aug. 28 meeting will begin with lunch at 11:45 a.m. at First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St. A $3 donation for lunch is requested. The program, which is free, will begin at noon. Guest speaker
Read more
By Loretta Fulton Local universities will start classes on Monday, Aug. 26, but the campuses are already buzzing with activity. Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry universities all have some form of welcoming events scheduled for the week of Aug. 20. And, since all three are church-affiliated, they also have opening chapel services scheduled. At McMurry, that also means a return
Read moreBy Danny Minton “How does one become a butterfly?” she asked pensively. “You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar. ‘You mean to die?’ asked Yellow, remembering the three who fell out of the sky ‘Yes and No,’ he answered. “What looks like you, will die…but what’s really you, will still
Read moreBy Marianne Wood Four and five-year-olds are beginning to fascinate me for the second time. The first occurred during my tenure as a mom. I was captivated then. Now, as a grandmother and occasional church nursery worker, I delight in keenly observing their activities. Here’s why: four and five-year-olds have discovered their legs, language, and love. Recently, I enjoyed getting
Read more
By Jim Nichols It is unfair to challenge the opinion of an unknown person since that person cannot make a defense. It was just an internet rant turned into a meme, after all. It was offensive and incomplete enough, however, that it deserves some pushback. The reader may be aware that there is a high amount of criticism today concerning
Read more
By Loretta Fulton Just three years ago, First Christian Church sold its historic downtown property to its neighbor, First Baptist Church, and moved into a former Nazarene church on Antilley Road. In that short period of time, FCC already has outgrown its new facilities and is planning an expansion. That’s quite a change from the reality that made the sale
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 