family
The Christian baker who refuses LGBT couples is not a persecuted preacher
By Jonathan Merritt — May 27, 2015
A Southern Baptist college professor and blogger says that business owners who discriminate against LGBT couples are the ones Jesus called "the least of these." Here's why that doesn't jibe with the Bible itself.
How would you respond if your Christian child converted to Islam?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 21, 2015
When Patricia Raybon's daughter converted to Islam, it almost ruined their relationship. But their struggle has become a model for sharing life with those of other faiths.
How Shauna Niequist helps Christians turn kitchen tables into sacred spaces
By Jonathan Merritt — April 17, 2015
Shauna Niequist is gifted speaking on stage, but she may be at her best when sitting at a table. Here, she shares her message and one of her famous recipes.
Celibate gay Christian leader urges faithful to ‘normalize’ committed friendships
By Jonathan Merritt — April 7, 2015
In 2010, Wesley Hill helped fan the flames of a growing movement of celibate gay Christians. Now he's taking his arguments a step further.
Evangelicals are shifting on same-sex marriage, but it’s no avalanche
By Jonathan Merritt — March 18, 2015
To hear some commentators talk, debates on LGBT issues are over and conservatives have lost. But such predictions are premature.
Faith-filled finance tips from the ‘Queen of Free’
By Jonathan Merritt — February 13, 2015
Cherie Lowe paid off $127,482.30 of debt through a combination of faith and sound financial decisions. Now she teaches others how to "slay their debt dragons."
Life’s busy, but mealtimes are still sacred
By Jonathan Merritt — January 22, 2015
"The table is not just a place for food," says Leonard Sweet, "but a place for stories and ideas to mingle, interact, attract each other, argue with one another, and procreate."
Andy Stanley gets surprisingly real about love, sex, and dating
By Jonathan Merritt — January 15, 2015
The mega-church pastor hits hot topics head on. He even explains why he avoided discussing homosexuality but chose to talk about "bitches" and "hos."
If the Supreme Court legalizes gay marriage in 2015, how will evangelicals respond?
By Jonathan Merritt — January 5, 2015
(RNS) “A Supreme Court ruling might be the last word in legal terms," Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore said, "but it is hardly the last word in cultural or spiritual terms.”
Countdown to Santa: How to keep Christ in Christmas tomorrow
By Jonathan Merritt — December 24, 2014
Author Amy Julia-Becker gives three surprising ways to honor Christmas' religious roots. Hint: It won't require swearing off gift giving.
How (not) to respond to grieving friends: An interview with Sara Hagerty
By Jonathan Merritt — December 12, 2014
The popular author shares valuable lessons she learned from years of wrestling with marital difficulties, financial pressure, and a brutal battle with infertility.
Controversial pastor Rob Bell and wife, Kristen, share new view on marriage
By Jonathan Merritt — December 2, 2014
Controversial pastor, Rob Bell, and his wife, Kristen, have written a new book on marriage. Here they talk about why they wrote it and what it says that may surprise readers.
NFL agent says domestic violence crisis due to ungodly men
By Jonathan Merritt — November 17, 2014
After a strong of scandals, some speculate that the NFL has become a haven for violent men. But one Christian NFL sports agent says that the problem isn't limited to sports and is bigger than domestic violence.
Let’s talk about sex, baby (er, millennial Christians)
By Jonathan Merritt — October 20, 2014
RNS' Jonathan Merritt and Sarah Pulliam Bailey interview popular pastor and author John Mark Comer as they explore this tricky topic. Comer believes sex is not just "play for grown-ups," but a "joining of body and soul...in self-giving love."
Hillsong’s Brian Houston says church won’t take public position on LGBT issues
By Jonathan Merritt — October 16, 2014
The leader of one of the largest evangelical ministry conglomerates in the world says his church will not offer a "yes" or "no" on LGBT issues.
