Bob Smietana
Bob Smietana is a veteran religion writer and national reporter for Religion News Service.
All Stories by Bob Smietana
What is Christian nationalism, anyway?
By Bob Smietana — May 17, 2023
(RNS) — The rise of Donald Trump on the backs of conservative Christian voters has led to a national debate over Christian nationalism and the role of religion in American culture. But few people agree on what Christian nationalism is.
Cyberfraud cost Florida Baptists more than $700,000
By Bob Smietana — May 16, 2023
(RNS) — Churches, like other organizations, face an onslaught of phishing emails and other attempts at cyberfraud. One mistake can be costly.
David Sills, former seminary professor named in Guidepost report, sues SBC
By Bob Smietana — May 12, 2023
(RNS) — The former seminary professor claims in a complaint filed in the US District Court for Middle Tennessee that he was made a scapegoat for the denomination’s sex abuse crisis.
Southern Baptists lost nearly half a million members in 2022
By Bob Smietana — May 9, 2023
(RNS) —The Southern Baptist Convention has lost 3 million members since 2006, about half of that in the last five years.
Why Habitat for Humanity’s theology of the hammer offers hope in polarized times
By Bob Smietana — May 9, 2023
(RNS) — For nearly five decades, Habitat for Humanity has inspired people from different backgrounds — who often can’t agree on anything — to work together for their neighbors’ benefit.
Scott Sauls, author and Nashville pastor, placed on indefinite leave of absence
By Bob Smietana — May 7, 2023
(RNS) — Sauls is one of a growing number of high-profile pastors whose leadership style has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Joshua Butler, author of controversial book on sex, resigns as pastor of Arizona church
By Bob Smietana — May 3, 2023
(RNS) — The book had been criticized for its comparisons of spiritual experiences to sex and male pleasure.
Taylor professor Julie Moore cited Jemar Tisby on her syllabus. Then she lost her job.
By Bob Smietana — May 3, 2023
(RNS) — A well-respected professor and published poet, Moore said her provost named Tisby in explaining why her contract was not renewed.
SBC Executive Committee rejects nominee Jared Wellman and restarts search for CEO
By Bob Smietana — May 2, 2023
(RNS) — Critics of the Texas pastor questioned his role in the search process as former Executive Committee chair and wondered why interim President Willie McLaurin, who is Black, had been passed over.
Missio Alliance hosts hopeful conversation for disruptive times
By Bob Smietana — May 1, 2023
(RNS)—After a ‘season of apocalypse,’ a diverse group of church leaders gathered outside of Chicago to discuss how churches can innovate in trying times.
Georgia pastor Mike Stone to challenge SBC President Bart Barber this summer
By Bob Smietana — April 26, 2023
(RNS) — Stone said he wants to help local churches do more evangelism and to do a better job at dealing with abuse.
New study suggests thinking about God can make people more generous to outsiders
By Bob Smietana — April 24, 2023
(RNS) — The study was a collaboration among researchers looking into how religion affects human behavior. Some thought religion might make people generous to just those who share their faith. Others thought the generosity could extend to people from other groups.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary names David Dockery as new president
By Bob Smietana — April 20, 2023
(RNS) — The past few years have been troubled for the prominent SBC seminary, beginning with the controversial 2018 firing of legendary president Paige Patterson.
Former Calvin professor sues after losing job for performing queer wedding
By Bob Smietana — April 19, 2023
(RNS)— Joe Kuilema, who taught at the evangelical college for 14 years, lost his job after officiating a wedding for a transgender former student.
SBC official Brent Leatherwood urges Tennessee lawmakers to pass red flag law
By Bob Smietana — April 18, 2023
(RNS)— Head of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public policy arm of the SBC, Leatherwood is calling on legislators to pass a law to remove firearms from people who are a danger to themselves and others.
