On Faith and Culture

‘Doubting Thomas’ story is about gratitude, not doubt
Post-enlightenment Christians read this as a story of dogma and doubt. But it is actually a story of thanks.

From hell to atonement, musician Audrey Assad has been quietly evolving
(RNS) — ‘I suppose if there is anything I could say I reject, it is the idea that God’s love and acceptance is dependent on our right belief. I no longer see how that could be possible,’ said Audrey Assad.

Why isn’t there a ‘War on Easter’ like Christmas?
Despite their many similarities, Easter has avoided the controversy that stalks Christmas. Here’s why.

Evangelicals haven’t always cozied up to Russia
(RNS) — A generation ago, evangelical luminaries denounced the Soviet Union and Russian leadership in the strongest possible terms.

Can former journalist Lee Strobel make a convincing case for miracles?
Former editor for “The Chicago Tribune” compiles evidence to prove miracles. But is it effective to build a logical case for a mystical event?

Advice for dealing with critics — from a religion writer with plenty of them
If you have courage enough to speak up in this divided and uncivil moment, you’ll soon find yourself facing a wave of criticism and resistance.

Responding to American Christianity’s obsession with youth
Author Andrew Root says, “As the church finds itself with an authenticity deficit, it often runs to youthful forms to legitimate it.”

Desiring God, mental health, and the truth about ‘chronological snobbery’
“Thank God for psychologists and Lexapro,” writes Jonathan Merritt. “Without them, I might be dead today.”

What living with a death sentence can teach all of us about life
(RNS) — ‘If someone found cancer to be a gift, wonderful. But there is a certain cruelty to asking suffering people to bear the weight of other people’s theological conundrums,’ Christian historian Kate Bowler tells RNS’ Jonathan Merritt. (Commentary)

Is the ‘evangelical’ label worth preserving or nah?
Should we abandon the term or work to revive it? Theologian John Stackhouse weighs in.

Nancy Pearcey and Jonathan Merritt spar on the hottest of hot topics
Pearcey’s razor-sharp mind combined with a compelling personal story makes her a powerful, if undervalued, champion for conservatives.

Moving beyond a fear-based faith
Fear is largely seen as a psychological issue. But it is also a spiritual issue, according to author Benjamin Corey.

‘Double persecution’: The untold plight of Christian women worldwide
Every day, six Christian women are reportedly raped, sexually harassed or forced to marry under threat of execution due to their faith.

The 12 most dangerous countries for Christians
While American Christians are a privileged majority, their brothers and sisters in many places are a persecuted minority.

RNS Best of 2017: Eugene Peterson backtracks on same-sex marriage
(RNS) — After condemnation from conservatives, ‘The Message’ author says he regrets telling RNS columnist Jonathan Merritt that he would officiate a same-sex wedding.
