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Richard Land

Beliefnet Columnist

Princeton (A.B., magna cum laude) and Oxford (D.Phil.) educated, Dr. Richard Land has served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention�s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission since 1988. During his tenure as spokesman on Capitol Hill for the largest non-Catholic denomination in the country, Dr. Land has represented Southern Baptists� interests in the halls of Congress, before U.S. Presidents, and in the major media.

In July 2005, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist appointed Dr. Land to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent and bipartisan federal agency. Frist�s senatorial appointment marked Dr. Land�s third term of service to the USCIRF. President Bush selected Dr. Land for his two previous terms (September 2001 to September 2004).

In February, 2005, Land was featured in Time Magazine as one of "�The Twenty-five Most Influential Evangelicals in America."

As host of For Faith & Family, For Faith & Family's Insight, and Richard Land Live!, three nationally syndicated radio programs, Dr. Land speaks on the social, ethical, and public policy issues facing our country. In his latest book, Imagine! A God-Blessed America (Broadman & Holman, 2005), Dr. Land encourages readers to envision an America where more Christians are radical change agents who reflect Christ, not culture.

Dr. Land�s record as a pro-family advocate is capped by his proudest accomplishment�his over 30-year marriage and personal investment in the lives of his three children and his wife, Dr. Rebekah Land, a psychotherapist in private practice.

Columns and articles by Richard Land

A Christian Defense of the War
in Iraq Mar 23, 2006
Removing a dictator, introducing democracy, staying the course in difficult times--it's right, noble, and it's just.

What's at Stake With Justice O'Connor's Replacement? Jul 12, 2005
People of faith favor a new justice who honors the founders' original intent above personal ideas of right and wrong.

'Revelations': 'Must-See' TV Apr 11, 2005
There may be biblical problems with the show, but 'Revelations' takes seriously the reality of evil in the world.

Symptom of Moral Crisis May 12, 2004
Yes, there was systemic failure, but we should be raising individuals capable of separating right from wrong anyway.

Paul, Women, and the Church Mar 31, 2004
The Apostle Paul, and the Bible in general, teach an equality between the sexes expressed by how they complete each other.

In Search of the Historical Paul Mar 23, 2004
There's little debate that the Apostle Paul existed--and had a profound impact on Christian theology.

President Bush, Faith Convictions, and Media Cynicism Nov 25, 2003
Christians and Muslims do not worship the 'same God'

This is Insurrection Aug 25, 2003
Do evangelical Christians really want to say that this United States government is no longer a legitimate government?

A Deviance From God's Norm Apr 29, 2003
Our society has the responsibility and the right to discourage the practice of homosexuality.

How Should Victorious Christians Behave? Apr 9, 2003
We should respond to American victory with gratitude and humility.

This Is Not Vietnam Mar 19, 2003
A war with Iraq meets all the criteria for a just war.

What Would King Have Said About Saddam? Mar 19, 2003
Is the enemy of the anti-war movement Saddam Hussein, or President Bush?

Separation of Mosque and State? Aug 23, 2002
The UNC controversy is analagous to assigning a text about Christianity that focused just on the Sermon on the Mount

Thou Shalt Interfere in Thy Neighbor's Marriage Jun 25, 2002
Divorce is selfish and harmful, and it's our duty not to go along with it.

Confronting Graham's Demons Mar 5, 2002
This episode reminds us that Billy Graham is a great man, but he is not perfect.

Draining the Swamp of Terrorists Oct 8, 2001
Our military response is the only one that could be expected

Seeking Justice in the Midst of Terror Sep 17, 2001
The Christian criteria for retribution

He Held the Line Aug 10, 2001
But the decision is still deeply disappointing

The Power of a Presidential Promise Jul 16, 2001
Will President Bush follow in his father's footsteps and break his word on stem cell research?

Constitutionally Safe, Religiously Dangerous? Mar 6, 2001
There are constitutionally safe ways for the federal government to aid faith-based groups. But at religion's expense?

The Prayer Breakfast and a President Who Feels Our Pain Feb 2, 2001
The president's promise to end discrimination against 'religious institutions' is greeted with an ovation.

Separation, Not Dismissal Jan 8, 2001
Once more, Americans tell pollsters that religion works--even in public.

Is America Two Countries Masquerading as One Nation? Jan 3, 2001
The election results reveal a deeply divided nation, with divisions that transcend region and socio-economic status.

Why We Couldn't Get Along Nov 29, 2000
Behind the flap over same-sex unions and a Christian marriage statement.

A Court of Morals or a Moral Court? Nov 6, 2000
The British court was right to try to save one of the conjoined twin girls, even against the wishes of the parents.

A Phenomenon With a Goal Sep 20, 2000
See You at the Pole is not a culminating event, but the beginning of a quest for spiritual renewal--and it's perfectly legal

An Unorthodox Choice Aug 11, 2000
Aligned on social issues but sharply opposed on abortion, how will evangelicals react to Joseph Lieberman?

Different Gifts, Same Spirit Jul 14, 2000
Women can still serve the church, even if they are not called to be pastors

The Accuracy of the New Testament Jun 23, 2000
A Matter of Faith?

Whither Elian? Apr 24, 2000
Imagine a loving and devoted mother risking her life to bring her son from slavery to freedom. Would you send the boy back?

'As if They Had Cursed' Apr 3, 2000
Is invoking God in public before a football game constitutional? The Supreme Court will decide the fate of a Texas school

Energizing Evangelicals Mar 17, 2000
George W. Bush can learn from John McCain's folly

Why Do Baptists Have Such a High Divorce Rate? Feb 24, 2000
The sexual revolution affects even the most devout Christians

Bible in Public Schools Dec 13, 1999
The Bible in Public Schools: A fatally flawed guide