One thing's for sure, when Chandler Hayes heads back to River Ridge Middle School next fall, he'll have nothing to worry about if he's hit with one of those "What I did over the summer" writing assignments. ...more

May 3, 2008

Growing up in Uganda, the Rev. Benjamin Twinamaani studied the Bible every day. He fell in love with the passages and despite opposition from some of his countrymen, made a commitment to Christianity. Walking to church, Twinamaani dreamed of one day preaching God's word to others. ...more

January 12, 2008

Government, Do Your Job Regarding "Merry Christmas, Now Get To Work" (Our Opinion, Dec. 21): ...more

December 29, 2007

Growing up in Uganda, the Rev. Benjamin Twinamaani studied the Bible every day. He fell in love with the passages and, despite opposition from some of his countrymen, made a commitment to Christianity. Walking to church, Twinamaani dreamed of one day preaching God's word to others. ...more

December 29, 2007

After the U.S. House approved measures supporting the Hindu holidays and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, felt Christianity was being overlooked. ...more

December 21, 2007

Mission Destined To Fail Regarding "Judge Targets Terrorism With Mideast Trip" (Metro, Nov. 29): ...more

December 3, 2007

Spirit Of Community Over the past couple of weeks there has been some discussion regarding the Holiday Tree Lighting event hosted by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. As a pastor I am pleased to be part of this chamber, where I can express my Christian faith through love for my neighbors, and on the whole I have no problem participating in family-friendly events that appeal to a wider, diverse audience. ...more

November 30, 2007

William F. Youngman's lament that God has been expelled from the public schools reinforces the misconception that our government should adopt Christianity as the official state religion. I have even been informed by friends that our Constitution mandates that this is a Christian nation. Had they read the Constitution, they would not have embarrassed themselves with that statement. Christianity not only is not mentioned in the Constitution but neither is it in the Declaration of Independence. The mistake comes from thinking the word God, or Deity is exclusive to one's particular denominational interpretation of God. What the 1st Amendment to the Constitution does say is this: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." I certainly value and believe in the spiritually inspired message of the Holy Bible, and practice my Christianity with zeal and reverence. I do not, however, think the Jewish or Christian Bible should be used as a religious indoctrination in government-supported institutions like the public schools. ...more

November 30, 2007

BRANDON - Apply for a job at one local restaurant chain, and don't be surprised by the fine print: Chain-smoking potty mouths need not apply. Cheddar's Casual Cafe in Brandon and Largo operates under a hiring policy that prohibits smoking, cursing and tattoos in the workplace. The idea, Director of Operations Andy Dennis says, promotes the ownership's set of values, creates a healthier working environment and weeds out workers who might not last. ...more

October 29, 2007

Equal but different. You hear that a lot on the lush green campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. ...more

October 13, 2007