Author Archives: John Hilton

About John Hilton

I grew up in Susquehanna County, Pa. and graduated Syracuse University with a dual degree in journalism/political science in 1998. After working for nearly three years for a weekly paper in upstate New York, I came to southcentral Pennsylvania. I spent 13 years as a reporter and editor for The Sentinel in Carlisle and joined the York Daily Record as religion reporter in September 2011.

Ancient Bethlehem seal discovered

Posted on May 24, 2012 by John Hilton

Interesting news from Jerusalem, where archaeologists have discovered a 2,700-year-old seal that bears the inscription “Bethlehem.” The finding is significant because it would seem to prove that Bethlehem was not just the name of a fabled biblical town, but a … Continue reading →

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Stryper fans unite!

Posted on May 23, 2012 by John Hilton

The 80s were a confusing time musically. I started the decade listening to Kool & The Gang and ended it by discovering Black Sabbath. In between, I went through a hair band phase and saw Winger, Cinderella, ZZ Top and … Continue reading →

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Gay marriage and the Bible

Posted on May 22, 2012 by John Hilton

I find the issue of gay rights an interesting one in the context of religion. I tend to view a commitment to Christ as a commitment to compassion for all. That includes gay people. Obviously, many people within the religion … Continue reading →

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Does Heaven exist?

Posted on May 21, 2012 by John Hilton

Famed Christian scholar N.T. Wright, who made a May 13 trip to Dallastown, is the most prominent voice to date questioning the traditional view of heaven. Wright, a former Anglican bishop and author of several books on Christianity, is among … Continue reading →

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Shorter University campaign targets employees

Posted on May 16, 2012 by John Hilton

Interesting goings on at Shorter University in Rome, Ga. I had never heard of Shorter University until Monday, but they seem determined to get national publicity. Forcing your faculty and staff to sign a pledge renouncing homosexuality and a few … Continue reading →

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I need your Vacation Bible School dates

Posted on May 15, 2012 by John Hilton

Summer means vacation Bible school programs for many area churches. To have your vacation Bible school listed in the York Daily Record, send announcements to news@ydr.com by June 4 with VBS title/theme, church name, location, times, cost and contact information.

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Girl Scouts in the Catholic Church crosshairs

Posted on May 14, 2012 by John Hilton

Cookie season may have passed, but the Girl Scouts find themselves in the news again through no fault of their own. The Catholic Church is threatening to cut ties with the GSA over lingering (and largely unproven it seems) allegations … Continue reading →

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A softer, gentler Christian culture war

Posted on May 13, 2012 by John Hilton

The author of a new book on faith and politics says young evangelicals are tired of the 30-year culture war and want to make change in more subtle ways. Author Jonathan Merritt wrote a USA Today op-ed piece that ran … Continue reading →

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That gay marriage thing

Posted on May 10, 2012 by John Hilton

Not sure what to talk about today. If only there were some big news with religious implications like, oh, the president taking a stand on gay marriage. Yeah, wow, I did not see that coming. Seems like an odd thing … Continue reading →

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‘Prosperity Theology’ takes a hit

Posted on May 9, 2012 by John Hilton

One of my favorite topics — the so-called “prosperity theology” — was back in the news last night, and not in a good way. No, it wasn’t about Joel Osteen, although he has a connection to the story. ABC News … Continue reading →

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