Amish-Mennonite
After being trapped inside his own body for a decade, ‘ghost boy’ shares how faith sustained him
By Jonathan Merritt — May 28, 2015
A strange illness sent Martin Pistorius into a vegetative state where, unknown to those around him, he could still perceive and hear everything around him. A decade later, he emerged to tell the story of faith amid despair.
The Christian baker who refuses LGBT couples is not a persecuted preacher
By Jonathan Merritt — May 27, 2015
A Southern Baptist college professor and blogger says that business owners who discriminate against LGBT couples are the ones Jesus called "the least of these." Here's why that doesn't jibe with the Bible itself.
Who are ‘the least of these’? Scholars say Mother Teresa and others may be wrong
By Jonathan Merritt — May 22, 2015
The common understanding of Jesus’ famous phrase may be inaccurate and inconsistent with the way most Christians throughout history have understood it.
Charles Manson’s chaplain speaks out amid national death row debate
By Jonathan Merritt — May 19, 2015
After spending years as a chaplain at San Quentin, America's most notorious prison, Reverend Earl Smith concludes, "death is final and the system can be flawed."
Prominent theologian finds joy amid incurable cancer diagnosis
By Jonathan Merritt — May 15, 2015
"The suffering of cancer raises raw questions about God, life, and death," says J. Todd Billings. "In this context, theological clichés are not enough."
The importance of doing your homework
By Jonathan Merritt — May 13, 2015
An ancient rabbi once said that if you prove you can’t be trusted in small things, it will be difficult for others to trust you when it matters most.
Evangelicals’ claims of conservative supremacy are overstated — and misread America’s religious landscape
By Jonathan Merritt — May 13, 2015
A popular evangelical trope is not as true as some assumed. Regardless, evangelicals would do well to focus on reaching people who are apathetic or antagonistic to the claims of Christianity.
Amish schools find ways to serve special needs kids
By Heather Adams — May 11, 2015
CLARK, Mo. (RNS) As the number of Amish have grown, so too have the number of Amish children diagnosed with genetic-based disorders.
Follow other nations’ lead on gays? Be careful what you ask for
By Jonathan Merritt — May 8, 2015
It is inconsistent to exploit non-Western perspectives on LGBT rights but refuse to hear those same voices on matters such as nation building, the waging of imperialistic wars, immigration, environmental policy, and foreign aid.
Meet the gay celibate Catholic who’s shaking up the sexuality debates
By Jonathan Merritt — May 6, 2015
Eve Tushnet is a popular blogger and author of "Gay and Christian." But is she missing something about the uniqueness and importance of erotic intimacy?
The solution to situations like Baltimore is somewhat spiritual
By Jonathan Merritt — May 5, 2015
The police captain who directed security operations for the city of Ferguson after Michael Brown’s death says faith may be the secret to solving racially charged conflicts involving law enforcement
BONUS INTERVIEW: NYT’s David Brooks talks humility, technology, and more
By Jonathan Merritt — May 1, 2015
A bonus interview with the New York Times columnist becomes a window into his mind and heart.
David Brooks on morality, theology, and his personal religious journey
By Jonathan Merritt — May 1, 2015
On sensitive moral and theological matters, the "New York Times" columnist is ready to share his thinking. But not completely.
Are Christians dead wrong about the execution of Jesus Christ?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 29, 2015
"Jesus did not teach that God’s wrath burns against us but that God loves us," says theologian Tony Jones. He argues that the traditional Christian view of atonement was largely a medieval invention.
Faith leaders call for religious protections ahead of gay marriage hearing
By David Gibson — April 24, 2015
(RNS) Christian leaders have issued a call to civil authorities to preserve “the unique meaning of marriage in the law” -- but also to “protect the rights of those with differing views of marriage.”
