James L. Evans - Decaturdaily.com

Getting what you pay for

In the interest of full disclosure, let me begin by acknowledging that my wife is a public school teacher — soon to complete her 20th year. I have nothing but the highest admiration for her. She … more

2/17/12 | 384 views | 8 comments

A faith tested by fire during World War II

On April 9 nearly 70 years ago, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed in a Nazi prison in Flossenberg, Germany. Known best for his book, “The Cost of Discipleship” — a treatise on the Sermon on the … more

2/10/12 | 181 views | 4 comments

Editorializing about faith and politics

Occasionally, some readers of my column will complain to their local editor that my writing has no place in the Religion section. Since I am apparently the only person of faith in America who dares … more

2/3/12 | 99 views | 5 comments

The state of the union: divided we stand

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address. As many presidents before him, Obama called upon Americans to unite around our higher angels and lay aside partisan … more

1/27/12 | 73 views | 5 comments

Presidential candidates hitting the sawdust trail

The 2012 presidential race is shaping up to be as much an old-time religious revival as it is a political contest. Informed by consultants that more than 60 percent of American voters prefer … more

1/20/12 | 169 views

Finding the relevance of faith among politics and Tebow football

Here are some of the pitfalls of trying to write something timely about religion every week. First, the daily news right now is completely dominated by Republican politics. This will last until … more

1/13/12 | 528 views | 2 comments

Defining Christianity in a political season

In 381 A.D., Theodosius, emperor of the eastern Roman Empire, declared that all of his subjects would adhere to a belief in the Trinity — God as Father, God as Son and God as the Holy Spirit. Later … more

1/6/12 | 507 views | 5 comments

The hope for newness in the new year

The average tenure of a Baptist pastor serving in the United States is about 18 months. That number has remained fairly constant for many years now. When we factor in those ministers who stay at … more

12/30/11 | 361 views

Do you know where Jesus is?

I served a church several years ago that presented a live Nativity scene during the Christmas season. It was an integral part of the church’s celebration of Christmas. Not only was our community … more

12/23/11 | 341 views

Winning the battle for Christmas

For several years I have fluctuated between annoyance and amusement over the so-called “battle for Christmas.” To read the propaganda distributed by certain faith ministries, you would think a … more

12/16/11 | 685 views | 4 comments