On Faith and Culture
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 […]
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.
Richard Mouw: Despite Trumpism, I’m not quitting evangelicalism
By Richard Mouw — December 13, 2016
(RNS) Anti-Trump evangelicals claim they are giving up on the movement. Richard Mouw, an influential theologian and author, explains why he's not.
Why Jerry Falwell Jr. says he turned down Trump’s Cabinet position
By Yonat Shimron — November 28, 2016
(RNS) Falwell told RNS the decision was due to concerns for the health of his family and the university he leads.
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.
Jonathan Merritt
On Faith and Culture
Jonathan Merritt is a senior columnist and contributing editor 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 the author of "Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them," "Jesus is Better Than You Imagined," and "A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars." He resides in Brooklyn, NY.
