We've started a new series over at First Arkansas News. Specifically, we've signed up some pastors in the state to submit columns on pretty much whatever they want (so far, we've had some dandy social issues addressed and that will continue). To keep things varied, we've signed up a Baptist youth minister in Benton, a Methodist pastor who leads a flock at a Disciples of Christ church in Sherwood and a Catholic priest working in the Danville area.
The idea here is a response to what's happened to religion sections of newspapers. While a lot of news has made it online, a lot of religious news hasn't. First Arkansas News, then, exists as a site where religious news and commentary plays as much of a role as the expected, mainstream news.
So far, we've gotten four columns up and they've been well received. Want to take a look? Sure you do! Click on the links below:
Separating Christianity from Hate by Pastor Brad Evans
Love and the Missionaries of Charity by Fr. James Melnick
Gun Control -- is Pryor Paying Attention? by Pastor Jason Ferguson
Miss Martin, Where are You? by Pastor Jason Ferguson
It's not a bad start, really. We've got folks from all over the political spectrum turning in columns and the rules are simple -- this Southern Baptist might not agree with everything, but they are all free to post whatever they want so long as their columns are well reasoned. Debate is encouraged, but it is to be kept respectful.
Meanwhile, I'll handle some features and general religious news. I'll leave the theological discussions to the clergy trained in such matters and stick with the "guts" reporting I learned as a print journalist.
Ought to be fun...
The idea here is a response to what's happened to religion sections of newspapers. While a lot of news has made it online, a lot of religious news hasn't. First Arkansas News, then, exists as a site where religious news and commentary plays as much of a role as the expected, mainstream news.
So far, we've gotten four columns up and they've been well received. Want to take a look? Sure you do! Click on the links below:
Separating Christianity from Hate by Pastor Brad Evans
Love and the Missionaries of Charity by Fr. James Melnick
Gun Control -- is Pryor Paying Attention? by Pastor Jason Ferguson
Miss Martin, Where are You? by Pastor Jason Ferguson
It's not a bad start, really. We've got folks from all over the political spectrum turning in columns and the rules are simple -- this Southern Baptist might not agree with everything, but they are all free to post whatever they want so long as their columns are well reasoned. Debate is encouraged, but it is to be kept respectful.
Meanwhile, I'll handle some features and general religious news. I'll leave the theological discussions to the clergy trained in such matters and stick with the "guts" reporting I learned as a print journalist.
Ought to be fun...
