Bob Smietana
Bob Smietana is a veteran religion writer and national reporter for Religion News Service.
All Stories by Bob Smietana
Since the 1880s, Southern Baptists have argued over the role of women
By Bob Smietana — March 15, 2023
(RNS)— At the SBC’s meeting this summer, delegates may debate a constitutional amendment to limit women leaders. It wouldn’t be the first time.
How a little-known editor made God a bestseller by helping Americans let go of religion
By Bob Smietana — March 13, 2023
(RNS) — A chance encounter at a party led religion professor Stephen Prothero to rediscover the story of Eugene Exman, a longtime book publisher who helped transform American religion.
For FBI legend J. Edgar Hoover, Christian nationalism was the gospel truth, argues new book
By Bob Smietana — March 10, 2023
(RNS)— In 'The Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover,' Stanford professor Lerone Martin details how the longtime FBI director shaped the belief in America as a Christian nation.
Old-school Christian nationalism’s avatar of racism, antisemitism and conspiracies
By Bob Smietana — March 7, 2023
(RNS) —The early version of Christian nationalism turned the fear of communism into an excuse to embrace prejudice and forfeit American democracy.
Who will pay for the SBC’s abuse reforms over the long term? No one knows.
By Bob Smietana — February 28, 2023
(RNS) — The SBC’s Executive Committee announced it had lost $6 million over the past fiscal year, mainly due to the cost of responding to the sex abuse crisis.
How did Saddleback get kicked out of the SBC? It’s complicated.
By Bob Smietana — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — Five congregations ousted this week were the first to be expelled from the SBC on a national level for having women pastors since the ban on women pastors was instituted in 2000.
Southern Baptists plan to hire Guidepost Solutions to run abuser tracking database
By Bob Smietana — February 21, 2023
(RNS) — The ‘Ministry Check’ database will be the first step toward putting in place a series of reforms meant to address the issue of sexual abuse after years of delay.
Beth Moore tries to untangle her ‘all knotted-up life’ in new memoir
By Bob Smietana — February 20, 2023
(RNS) — In a tender, gracious and at times heartbreaking new book, the beloved Bible teacher and former Southern Baptist recalls the people and the God who saved her from the chaos of her childhood.
Todd Benkert leaves SBC abuse task force after conflict over pastor’s restoration
By Bob Smietana — February 17, 2023
(RNS) — An Indiana Baptist pastor, Benkert played a key role in setting up an investigation into how SBC leaders have responded to the issue of abuse. He also reported a church that had platformed former SBC President Johnny Hunt, who has been credibly accused of sexual assault.
Southern Baptists passed abuse reforms last year. Now they have to make them stick.
By Bob Smietana — February 16, 2023
(RNS) — A volunteer task force charged with implementing SBC reforms to address abuse said recently that its work will likely require more time.
Why students at a Kentucky Christian school are praying and singing round the clock
By Bob Smietana — February 14, 2023
(RNS) — Students have packed the chapel and overflow spaces at Asbury University for nearly a week, holding round-the-clock prayer and worship.
New Tim Keller Center for Apologetics hopes to help churches reach a changing country
By Bob Smietana — February 7, 2023
(RNS) — Named for the popular author and retired pastor, the new center hopes to help churches deal with a ‘post-Christendom’ America.
After 30 years, Buddhist-inspired message of ‘Groundhog Day’ still holds spiritual power
By Bob Smietana — February 2, 2023
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (RNS) — Part Hollywood love story and part secular spiritual parable, the 1993 film shows life can be better if we pay attention.
American Atheists board members exit, dogged by misconduct allegations
By Bob Smietana — February 1, 2023
(RNS) — Several fans have accused popular atheist podcaster Andrew Torrez, who recently stepped down from the board of American Atheists, of harassment.
His art was an act of ‘sacred listening’ says ‘Portraits in Faith’ photographer
By Bob Smietana — January 27, 2023
(RNS)— A selection of Daniel Epstein's portraits is now on display as part of an exhibit called 'See the Other,' at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
