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
Karen Handel and the spurious Christian case against LGBT adoption
By Jonathan Merritt — June 23, 2017
Does the Christian faith call believers to oppose LGBT couples from adopting children?
Rob Bell once questioned hell: Here’s why he is now taking aim at the Bible
By Jonathan Merritt — June 13, 2017
'What is the Bible?' is Rob Bell at his Rob Bell-iest: punchy, conversational and riddled with provocative questions.
This Vatican adviser is moving Catholics toward LGBT inclusion
By Jonathan Merritt — June 6, 2017
(RNS) James Martin says LGBT people are treated like lepers in the Catholic Church, and it's time for this to change.
Mainstream rap has grown more Christian. So why is Christian rap going mainstream?
By Jonathan Merritt — May 25, 2017
Christian rapper Propaganda's new album only mentions "God" in one song. He focuses on racism and injustice instead.
This woman preacher is schooling the Christian boys club on the crucifixion
By Jonathan Merritt — May 17, 2017
Fleming Rutledge's book "The Crucifixion" is creating conversation among a wide array of Christians.
Why I’ll take courageous Jen Hatmaker over her cowardly critics any day
By Jonathan Merritt — May 2, 2017
Hatmaker’s original sin is that she boldly broke ranks with the evangelical powers-that-be on same-sex relationships.
Forget millennials. How will churches reach Generation Z?
By Jonathan Merritt — May 1, 2017
A new generation of young people is forcing churches to radically rethink ministry, evangelism, and apologetics.
Watch this stunning illustration of religious peacemaking from Tribeca Film Festival
By Jonathan Merritt — April 25, 2017
New Yorkers wear mirrored boxes on their heads in his impressive video short from Tribeca Film Festival.
iPhones and the risen Christ: What’s the connection?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 14, 2017
A few years ago, Esther Emery was not a believer but she was burnt out. In a “desperate attempt for a reset,” she decided to take a year hiatus from technology. Surprisingly, her digital fast leads her into a profound experience with the Risen Christ and the faith she had previously rejected. Her book, “What Falls From the […]
How feminists have failed Christian women
By Jonathan Merritt — April 6, 2017
Championing "women issues" is not the same as championing women, says Allison Trowbridge.
Why Princeton’s snub of Tim Keller should outrage progressives
By Jonathan Merritt — March 22, 2017
As the cultural tides shift, will progressive Christians make space at the table for conservatives?
Turn your morning routine into a worship service
By Jonathan Merritt — March 17, 2017
How everything from making your bed to brushing your teeth can help you uncover the holy in your midst.
Ex-gay pioneer Joseph Nicolosi is dead. That’s good news for LGBT people he hurt (COMMENTARY)
By Jonathan Merritt — March 10, 2017
(RNS) Nicolosi has now crossed over into eternity. I imagine he is shocked to find LGBT people there, too.
This Lent, I’m giving up apologizing for other Christians
By Jonathan Merritt — March 3, 2017
Apologizing for other Christians isn't always edifying or effective. Here's why I'm sacrificing it during Lent.
This woman’s abortion story will challenge your beliefs – no matter what they are
By Jonathan Merritt — February 14, 2017
No matter which side of the abortion debate you’re on, Kassi Underwood will challenge your beliefs. In her book, “May Cause Love: An Unexpected Journey of Enlightenment After Abortion,” she admits her abortion was emotionally painful, which pro-lifers will like. But she claims her abortion led to enlightenment and brought her closer to God, which […]
