It is worth remembering that decades ago, before Jerry Falwell brought them into the GOP fold, Southern Baptists were a standoffish people.

As a denomination, they kept themselves separate. Baptists eschewed not just politics, but most ecumenical alliances – because of the compromise that collaboration could require.

They personified the unscriptural phrase, “I’d rather be right than president.” And while today Southern Baptists are major players in national Republican politics, at bottom they haven’t changed much.

Today, they’d rather be right than elect a president. And if you’re a Republican with an eye on the White House, that’s a problem.

It would be the height of folly to write off SB 129, Georgia’s religious liberty bill, as dead before state lawmakers abandon Atlanta on Thursday.

Regardless, the issue will live on. Because….

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC