On Faith and Culture
We are what we love: An interview with James K.A. Smith
By Jonathan Merritt — March 21, 2013
James K.A. Smith is a leading Christian thinker influential among Christian scholars, pastors, and lay people. Here he discusses his most recent book, Calvinism, and the true meaning of "kingdom."
Joel Hunter’s environmental documentary seeks to inspire Christians, avoid controversy
By Jonathan Merritt — March 20, 2013
Evangelical mega-church pastor Joel Hunter has never been afraid of controversy. But his new environmental documentary seeks to sidestep scandal and opt instead for inspiration.
Not your mother’s morals: An interview with Jonathan Fitzgerald
By Jonathan Merritt — March 19, 2013
At 31, Jonathan Fitzgerald has become one of the most thoughtful cultural observers among a rising generation of Christians. Here, he talks about his new book, morality, pop culture, and whether he believes God is “still important” today.
Are Christian dating websites undermining “Christian values?”
By Jonathan Merritt — March 18, 2013
ChristianMingle.com is one of many dating websites popping up that seek to match those who share the Christian faith. But as more Christians participate, they may find they've given up more than their personal information.
Being lovable for no reason: An interview with Christa Black
By Jonathan Merritt — March 14, 2013
Multi-platinum selling songwriter Christa Black has become a powerful spiritual spokesperson. Here she talks about addictions, eating disorders, and the redemption she found through faith.
Will conservatives unite against the death penalty?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 14, 2013
A network of conservatives opposed to the death penalty makes a debut at CPAC. Among them, Jay Sekulow ties his support to his Christian faith.
Will God be left behind? An interview with Rob Bell (part two)
By Jonathan Merritt — March 12, 2013
The provocative New York Times bestselling author has released his first book since inciting controversy among Christians with his views on the afterlife. Now he sits down with Jonathan Merritt to talk about his new book, what he's learned from his critics, and where he believes the Christian faith should go.
Will God be left behind? An interview with Rob Bell (part one)
By Jonathan Merritt — March 12, 2013
The provocative New York Times bestselling author has released his first book since inciting controversy among Christians with his views on the afterlife. Now he sits down with Jonathan Merritt to talk about his new book, what he's learned from his critics, and where he believes the Christian faith should go.
Is the “modesty movement” harmful to women?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 11, 2013
Modesty is all the rage among people of faith these days. But some have even asserted that the movement isn't theologically mature and may even be harmful to women. Modern modesty advocates, they claim, end up doing the very thing they want to prevent: objectifying women and their bodies.
Taking an active role in orphan care: An interview with Johnny Carr
By Jonathan Merritt — March 8, 2013
The American Christian Church is at the cusp of an orphan care and adoption movement, and Johnny Carr is one of its most outspoken and influential proponents. In his new book, Orphan Justice: How to Care for Orphans Beyond Adopting, Carr tells readers that caring for orphans may look different than they assumed. He shares […]
Should Christians celebrate the death of Hugo Chavez?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 6, 2013
When news of Hugo Chavez’s death was first released, some people broke out their party hats. More than 200 patrons of El Arepazo, a Venezuelan restaurant outside of Miami, celebrated late into the night. Jim Treacher of The Daily Caller penned a column entitled, “Buh-Bye, Hugo Chavez,” saying, “The Vice President [of Venezuela] claims Chavez’s […]
Why conservative Christians should oppose teaching the Bible in public schools
By Jonathan Merritt — March 4, 2013
On Sunday night, the long awaited mini-series “The Bible” premiered on the History Channel. Produced by reality TV mogul Mark Burnett of “Survivor” fame and former “Touched by an Angel” star Roma Downey in an effort to dramatize key stories from Scripture, the series is already being embraced by Christians nationwide. After all, when is the last […]
Becoming storytellers: An interview with Scott McClellan
By Jonathan Merritt — February 28, 2013
Scott McClellan, 30, is Communications Pastor at Irving Bible Church and former director of the Echo Conference. He is one of the foremost Christian voices on effective communication and is releasing his first book, Tell Me a Story: Finding God and Ourselves Through Narrative (Moody Publishers). In it, he shares what comprises a good story and how we can […]
Am I a “liberal?” On the responsible use of labels
By Jonathan Merritt — February 27, 2013
Call me postmodern, but I am no fan of labels. I accept that they are often unavoidable, helpful, sometimes even necessary. Labels are printed on our food packages and sewn onto the necks of our t-shirts. They are displayed on the front of our businesses and, in some professions, attached to the end of our […]
Rob Bell is back
By Jonathan Merritt — February 25, 2013
*Update: An editor at HarperOne, the publisher of Rob’s book, has explained to me that the video posted below is NOT the official trailer: “That was simply a behind-the-scenes video on Rob’s creative process. The actual trailer will debut the week of March 4. That video will be less vague about the content of the book.” […]
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.
