Jonathan Merritt
Jonathan Merritt is senior columnist for Religion News Service and a contributing writer for The Atlantic. He has published more than 2500 articles in outlets like USA Today, The Week, Buzzfeed and National Journal. Jonathan is author of "Jesus is Better Than You Imagined" and "A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars." He resides in Brooklyn, NY.
All Stories by Jonathan Merritt
Christian sexuality debate in Boston mirrors national conversation
By Jonathan Merritt — April 24, 2015
The conversations at the Q conference did not mirror the raging debates common on cable news networks, but they may more closely resemble the national conversation as it occurs in many homes, workplaces, and churches.
Q&A: How would you respond if your Christian daughter became a Muslim?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 22, 2015
(RNS) 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 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.
How to read the Bible: An interview with legendary theologian Harvey Cox
By Jonathan Merritt — April 14, 2015
The longtime Harvard Divinity School professor says, "There is no single 'correct' way to read the Bible." But, he argues, some ways are more helpful than others.
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.
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.
How Frank Bruni misunderstands Christians—and why it matters
By Jonathan Merritt — April 6, 2015
The New York Times columnist argues church leaders should be “made” to abandon their views on same-sex relationships. If liberals want to energize their opposition, this is exactly the kind of thing that will do it.
‘Christian America’: Corporate invention or founding fathers’ vision?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 3, 2015
A Princeton historian says the idea that America is a "Christian nation" is a modern invention fueled by corporations, clergy, and politicians.
Getting the most out of #HolyWeek
By Jonathan Merritt — March 30, 2015
The holy hashtags are already starting to trickle onto social media and you can expect a flood when the weekend arrives. How should we think about encountering God in a time when the sacredest days transform into trending topics?
In a groundbreaking vote, Latino evangelicals call for end to death penalty
By Jonathan Merritt — March 30, 2015
(RNS) Many religious groups, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, oppose the death penalty, but evangelical groups tend to take a more conservative stance.
Latino evangelicals call for end to death penalty. Will others follow?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 27, 2015
The National Latino Evangelical Coalition urged their 3,000 member congregations to end capital punishment. They are the first major evangelical association to take this position publicly, but support for the death penalty among Christians is waning.
God as a wild dog…and the Bible’s other surprising divine metaphors
By Jonathan Merritt — March 25, 2015
Bestselling author Lauren Winner explores provocative and often overlooked metaphors for God, such as a laboring woman and the "one who smells."
Meet the Muslim actor playing Jesus in Bill O’Reilly’s ‘Killing Jesus’
By Jonathan Merritt — March 24, 2015
(RNS) “Bless you for playing Jesus, peace be upon him.” This was the reaction of Lebanese-born actor Haaz Sleiman’s mother after she learned that her son had been cast as Jesus in National Geographic Channel’s “Killing Jesus.” The three Abrahamic religions will collide on Palm Sunday (March 29) when the television special premieres, with a […]
Meet the Muslim actor playing Jesus in Bill O’Reilly’s ‘Killing Jesus’
By Jonathan Merritt — March 24, 2015
(RNS) Haaz Sleiman says he -- and other Muslims -- have much to learn from Jesus' example.
