In George Washington’s words

Written by J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
Dick Ice’s contributions to the life and work of the BJC are incalculable. He understands and appreciates Baptist principles and the American concept of the separation of church and state like few others. He is also a student of history who can call up the words of our Founders on the spur of the moment and make scholarly presentations on James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and others.

Debunking five other identified myths

My recent efforts to answer lies and misunderstandings about the separation of church and state have been appreciated by readers of Report from the Capitaland by others. Certainly the likes of David Barton seem to be on a tear (featured on “The Daily Show” no less!)...

Preventing religion from becoming lethal

The continuing-to-unfold events in the Middle East provide an occasion to think about the relationship between religion and politics among the three Abrahamic faiths: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Although religion has not been front and center in the democracy...

Context is key in the public debate

Written by J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
In a time of rampant misconceptions about our president’s faith and a plethora of religious pandering, I am reminded that concerns about a leader’s faith are nothing new. It has been 50 years since presidential candidate John F. Kennedy gave a speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association addressing the widespread contention of many Protestants that Kennedy was unfit for he presidency because of his Catholicism.

No sabbatical for religious liberty

This column appeared in the October 2010 edition of Report from the Capital. Click here to read the full edition. By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director It’s good to be back from my summer-long sabbatical. Thanks to James Dunn, Buzz Thomas, Stan Hastey and Melissa...

The advent of Christmas craziness

By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director View as PDF Holiday festivities began this year long before Thanksgiving. Christmas trees were cut and ready to be sold, pre-Christmas sales were already being advertised, and I listened to piped-in Christmas music as I stood...