Jim Daly

Do You Live in a Generous State?

A recent study commissioned by the Chronicle of Philanthropy revealed something that won’t surprise many people of faith: the more “religious” a state or region of the country, the more likely its people are to give generously to charity.

Here are the top ten most charitable states:

1. Utah

2. Mississippi

3. Alabama

4. Tennessee

5. South Carolina

6. Idaho

7. Arkansas

8. Georgia

9. North Carolina

10. Maryland

All of the bottom five states are located in the New England area: Rhode Island (46), Massachusetts (47), Vermont (48), Maine (49) and New Hampshire (50).

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: church, faith, news, pop culture

The Professor Who Dared Rock the Boat

Mark Regnerus’ life was turned upside down this past June when he published a study in the journal, Social Science Research, with findings that contradicted popular homosexual activist talking points.

The respected associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin became fodder in the blogosphere and was accused of committing “scientific misconduct” by several individuals and organizations.

What was so controversial or egregious about Dr. Regnerus’ research?

In short, the professor’s study found that children who are raised by parents who have had a same-sex relationship don’t do as well in life when compared to children of married heterosexual parents.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, marriage, news, policy, pop culture

Miserable Christians

It surprises me when many Christians engage in work to redeem the culture with a somber, morose, and even anxious spirit. I don’t pretend to be smarter or more spiritually mature than anyone else, but this particular attitude is curious and even a bit contradictory.

Have you ever encountered this from time to time?

A dear friend of mine who is a pastor once preached on an uplifting text of Scripture. He spoke of God’s sovereignty and perfect will, of His love and goodness and graciousness.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, pastors

Photo: Why We’ll Never Tire Defending the Defenseless

This is what you looked like at just 12 weeks in the womb:

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: kids, policy, pro-life

Urban Meyer’s Contract with His Family

Urban Meyer will take the field on Saturday for his first game as head football coach of Ohio State.

In many ways, the 48-year-old will be coming full circle, both personally and professionally.

Born in Toledo, Meyer met his wife, Shelley, while attending the University of Cincinnati. He was hired as an assistant coach at Ohio State in 1986 and earned a master’s degree at the school prior to his departure for another coaching position with Illinois State.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, kids, marriage, parenting

Should Churches Display the American Flag?

With the opening of the Republican National Convention this week and the Democratic Convention next, the American flag will be front and center as members of both parties proudly fly and wave the red, white and blue.

It’s difficult to put into words the emotions and sentiments that stir when the Stars and Stripes ripple in the breeze. When you know that men and women have died in its defense, you can’t help but stand a little straighter when you see it.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: church, faith, pastors, policy

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage

Terri Orbuch is a psychologist and research professor at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research. She recently identified some of the top common regrets of divorced couples.

“Divorced individuals who step back and say, ‘This is what I’ve done wrong and this is what I will change,’ have something powerful to teach others,” she recently told the Wall Street Journal.

Here are five things divorced couples regret not having done more of with a few comments of my own:

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: husband, intimacy, marriage, wife

Communion on the Moon

The passing of Neil Armstrong this past Saturday stirs up a wave of nostalgia for me. At the time he became the first man to walk on the moon, I was seven and had just two great loves of my life: football and astronomy. My affinity for space was cultivated by my mother, who used to get gas for the car at the Gulf station by our home in Southern California. Gulf Oil used to sponsor NBC’s coverage of the U.S.

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If You Think You Don’t Have Time to Read

Once upon a time in the dead of winter in the Dakota Territory, Theodore Roosevelt took off in a makeshift boat down the Little Missouri River in pursuit of a couple of thieves who had stolen his prized rowboat. After several days on the river, he caught up and got the draw on them with his trusty Winchester, at which point they surrendered. Then Roosevelt set off in a borrowed wagon to haul the thieves cross-country to justice.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: discipline, news, pop culture

What’s So Wrong About a Church Feeding a Football Team?

A high school football coach in Georgia is under investigation today. But he’s not being scrutinized for sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse or recruiting violations.

He’s being investigated for allowing his football team to receive meals from local church groups. He’s also being accused of violating the Constitution by praying with his team, quoting the Bible in his inspirational messages and interacting with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Parents haven’t complained. Neither have school officials. The complaint was filed by the Wisconsin-based group The Freedom from Religion Foundation.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: faith, kids, news, pop culture, religious liberty