As other statues and monuments are being removed or criticized throughout our nation, a new $150 million memorial located near the U.S. Capitol will be dedicated Thursday honoring the general who helped defeat the Axis Powers in World War II … Continue reading
Gary Scott Smith
Bringing Down Churchill
The current worldwide protests against racial injustice and inequality spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 have prompted attacks on individuals who sold and owned slaves and defended the abominable practice of slavery. It has … Continue reading
Ravi Zacharias: A Tribute
The apostle Peter instructs Christians: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Beginning with the disciples and the apostle Paul, countless Christians … Continue reading
The Character and Convictions of Washington and Lincoln
In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial and in light of the scathing attacks on both Trump and potential Democratic candidates as the 2020 election approaches, the celebration of Presidents Day is a good time to rise above … Continue reading
The Faith of Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu, who played safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2003 to 2014, has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He will enter the hall with Bill Cowher, who coached the … Continue reading
To Go or Not to Go
I recently returned from a mission trip to Brazil with eleven members of my Presbyterian church in Wilmington, North Carolina. Partnering with a Presbyterian congregation in Manaus, our team, which included three physicians and two nurses, furnished medical assistance, dental … Continue reading
Our Life’s Work: Reflections on the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is over, and life moves on. This year’s New England Patriots’ 13-3 low-scoring victory over the Los Angeles Rams has generally been bemoaned as lackluster, listless, and boring, except by those who value carefully planned and well-executed … Continue reading
V&V Q&A: A History of Christianity in Pittsburgh
Editor’s Note: The “V&V Q&A” is an e-publication from The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. This latest edition of “V&V Q&A” is a discussion with author Dr. Gary S. Smith about his new book, A History of … Continue reading
A Point of Light: A Tribute to George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush died on Friday at age 94. Few Americans have had a more distinguished political resume. He was a U. S. Congressman, a United Nations ambassador, chair of the Republican National Committee, U.S. envoy to China, and … Continue reading
The Power of Water
They danced. They sang. They shouted and cried for joy. Had their team won the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup? Had they won a giant Powerball lottery? No, but their lives had been transformed. A well had been dug … Continue reading
Helping America’s Children
Countless Americans are expressing outrage at the separation of almost 2,000 children from their parents who illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in a recent six-week period. Leading Republicans have joined the chorus of Democrats who are denouncing this policy. Columnist … Continue reading
Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fifty years ago, on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed when he stepped from his second-floor hotel room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, to speak to Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) colleagues standing in the parking … Continue reading
A Tribute to Billy Graham
Overstating the significance of Billy Graham is difficult. Arguably the most important religious leader of the 20th century, Graham presented the gospel to an estimated 215 million people through his many evangelistic campaigns around the world and to hundreds of … Continue reading
Presidential Character and Competence: A Presidents’ Day Reflection
Donald Trump’s presidency has raised anew the question: How much does the character of the president matter? Trump has frequently been castigated for narcissism, vindictiveness, lying, sexual improprieties, and crudeness. In a July 2017 Gallup Poll, 65 percent of respondents … Continue reading
Faith and the NFL
After the Philadelphia Eagles’ thrilling victory over the New England Patriots in the 2018 Super Bowl, faith was front and center. In response to being awarded the Lombardi Trophy at the post-game ceremony, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson thanked “my … Continue reading
Celebrating Universal Children’s Day
The celebration of United Nations’ Universal Children’s Day on November 20 should prompt us to consider the plight of the world’s children and commit ourselves to working to give them a better life. The UN established this day in 1954 … Continue reading
A Haven in the Opioid Crisis
Our nation is experiencing an opioid crisis. Currently more than 2.5 million Americans are addicted to either opioid pain relievers or heroin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid-related deaths have more than quadrupled since 1999. All … Continue reading
Marlon “Big Dog” Brown: A Story of Redemption and Hope
I recently had the privilege of sharing two meals with Marlon “Big Dog” Brown and hearing him tell his life story and describe his work in Memphis, Tennessee. At 6 feet 4 inches and 275 pounds, the former star basketball … Continue reading
The Founders and the Presidents: A July Fourth Reflection
It’s time to watch fireworks displays, sing patriotic songs, and ruminate about our country’s rich heritage and history. It’s time to celebrate America’s national birthday. As we do so, we should recognize that millions of our ancestors, by their creative … Continue reading
The Faith of George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush recently celebrated his 93rd birthday. In four and half months, he is on course to surpass Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford as the former president who lived the longest. His son George W. is much better known … Continue reading