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
Hurt by the church? It’s time to talk about it
By Jonathan Merritt — February 6, 2017
Critiquing the church has become taboo among many, but sharing our suffering may help you heal from spiritual wounds.
A large Colorado congregation just became LGBT-inclusive. Here’s why it matters (COMMENTARY)
By Jonathan Merritt — January 26, 2017
(RNS) One reason Denver Community Church's announcement will be a big deal in the world of American Christianity is precisely because it won't feel like a big deal to so many.
Welcome to the Trump era. Hold onto your hope.
By Jonathan Merritt — January 19, 2017
A former Obama White House staffer says all Americans have reason to hope in the age of Trump.
Author: Jesus didn’t believe in ‘original sin’ and neither should we
By Jonathan Merritt — January 13, 2017
One theologian says that Jesus didn't believe this doctrine, and we shouldn't either.
How to love each other (and ourselves) despite our differences
By Jonathan Merritt — January 3, 2017
The son of a popular Christian author talks about his struggle to embrace his uniqueness.
Marginalizing Russell Moore is grave mistake for Southern Baptists
By Jonathan Merritt — December 20, 2016
(RNS) Southern Baptists are threatening to withhold funds from Moore's agency. But they need him more than he needs them, writes Jonathan Merritt.
Ann Voskamp answers tough questions about a word that can both harm and heal
By Jonathan Merritt — November 7, 2016
The New York Times bestselling author talk about overcoming her struggle with cutting and how brokenness can be used to hurt or heal.
On LGBT issues, how can Christians disagree in a loving way?
By Jonathan Merritt — November 1, 2016
Is it possible to disagree about LGBT issues without demonizing others as haters or heretics, Pharisees or apostates?
The politics of Jen Hatmaker: Trump, Black Lives Matter, gay marriage and more
By Jonathan Merritt — October 25, 2016
(RNS) The HGTV star and best-selling Christian author holds nothing back in this candid and personal interview.
InterVarsity Press responds to authors’ protest of controversial gay marriage termination policy
By Jonathan Merritt — October 14, 2016
InterVarsity says authors will be exempt from their controversial gay marriage termination policy. Why, then, can't the same grace be extended to their accountants, assistants, and executives?
InterVarsity authors and alumni protest policy terminating employees who support gay marriage
By Jonathan Merritt — October 11, 2016
After InterVarsity's announced it will fire employees who theologically support same-sex marriage, the organization faces public protest from more than 1,000 alumni and 50 prominent authors.
Theologian Miroslav Volf makes a surprising case for one candidate
By Jonathan Merritt — October 5, 2016
Theologian Miroslav Volf makes a surprising case for one candidate.
Billy Graham’s grandson on his near suicide and whether he’s planning a comeback
By Jonathan Merritt — September 29, 2016
Tullian Tchividjian tells RNS he spent hours researching the best way to commit suicide during this period of despair.
Justin Bieber performs Christian worship song before thousands
By Jonathan Merritt — September 22, 2016
This public display of faith in conjunction with his other shenanigans raises questions about whether it's helpful for celebrities to broadcast their faith.
What a gay Christian rocker’s woes tell us about American Christianity
By Jonathan Merritt — September 16, 2016
Trey Pearson's woes reveal at least three surprising truths about American Christianity and LGBT issues.
