Scot McKnight
When does conflict become spiritual abuse? Churches large and small face that question.
By Bob Smietana — August 1, 2022
(RNS) — At a small, diverse church in Austin and a megachurch in San Jose, former staffers and members say unhealthy cultures have led to abuse. But where is the line?
A controversial take: Proposing grace has a place in today’s toxic discourse
By Scot McKnight — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — CNN political analyst Kirsten Powers’ new book, ‘Saving Grace,’ is not a theological study but instead a personal, social and political proposal on how to take grace into the divisive public square.
Why some preachers rely on holy ghostwriters and other pulpit helps
By Bob Smietana — April 28, 2021
(RNS) — To keep up with the demand for high-quality sermons, preachers often turn to ghostwriters and researchers, without telling their congregation. At least one expert calls that ‘cheating.’
‘If you have eyes, plagiarize’: When borrowing a sermon goes too far
By Bob Smietana — April 27, 2021
(RNS) — Preachers love to borrow from each other, but the practice can sometimes lead to plagiarism.
How will the post-pandemic church pay the bills?
By Jonathan Merritt — October 13, 2020
(RNS) — The pandemic may accelerate a long-term decline in congregational giving and force churches to develop new sources of revenue to survive.
Going deeper with Mormon fasting
By Jana Riess — April 10, 2020
A lot of Mormon fasting is taken up with fasting *for* something—a particular end, a better life. What would it look like to go deeper?
Bible scholar: Paul’s letter to the Romans is what we should read in the Trump era — backward
By Jana Riess — July 25, 2019
(RNS) — The evangelical New Testament scholar says we need to hear Paul tell us to treat one another as siblings and tolerate one another in our differences.
Whatever happened to Mormon fasting?
By Jana Riess — May 4, 2019
Mormons fast on the first Sunday of every month—except when they don't. Are Latter-day Saints beginning to fast from fasting?
Heaven and near-death experiences: Separating fact from fiction
By Jonathan Merritt — January 1, 2016
Books and films on heaven and near-death experiences came under scrutiny in 2015. Theologian Scot McKnight says that the topic has become muddled with myths and extra-biblical notions.
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.
Who are ‘the least of these’? Scholars say Mother Teresa and others may be wrong
By Jonathan Merritt — May 22, 2015
The common understanding of Jesus’ famous phrase may be inaccurate and inconsistent with the way most Christians throughout history have understood it.
Can churches disagree and still stay together?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 8, 2015
When it comes to church, theologian Scot McKnight says, different is good. He argues that it should be comprised of people who are dissimilar ethnically, socioeconomically and, to some degree, doctrinally.
The Bible term most misused by Christians today: An interview with Scot McKnight
By Jonathan Merritt — October 15, 2014
The New Testament scholar is out to set the record straight on a critical term in the Christian vernacular. As McKnight says, "When all words mean the same thing, no words mean anything."
Does the Bible prohibit providing services for same-sex weddings? Theologians weigh in.
By Jonathan Merritt — February 26, 2014
Top Christian theologians offer their perspectives on recent debates about whether Christians should serve same-sex couples getting married. Their opinions surprisingly differ from many mainstream voices dominating the conversation.
Are Christian conferences sexist? ‘The Nines’ controversy prompts reflection.
By Jonathan Merritt — November 13, 2013
When a popular blogger accuses a major Christian event of gender discrimination, RNS' Jonathan Merritt decides to take stock of the industry itself.
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