Bible
Christian sexuality debate in Boston mirrors national conversation
By Jonathan Merritt — April 24, 2015
The conversations at the Q conference did not mirror the raging debates common on cable news networks, but they may more closely resemble the national conversation as it occurs in many homes, workplaces, and churches.
Tennessee Senate shelves bill that would name Bible as state book
By Reuters — April 16, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Reuters) The state Senate referred the proposal to its Judiciary Committee, which is not scheduled to meet again this session.
Okla. attorney general wants private citizens to distribute religious literature in schools
By Greg Horton — April 16, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt wants private individuals to distribute Bibles in the public schools. Atheists and others say they want the right to distribute their literature, too.
Tennessee House approves bill to make Bible official state book
By Reuters — April 16, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Reuters) The Republican-controlled state House of Representatives voted 55-38 to approve the Bible as state book.
Tennessee Attorney General: Bible can’t be official state book
By Reuters — April 15, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) "I am quite confident that the Bible's distinguished place in history will not be diminished in the absence of a state's endorsement," state Attorney General Herbert Slatery said.
Oklahoma Satanist church wants permission to distribute books in elementary school
By Greg Horton — April 14, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) In a letter to the school district, some 80 miles south of Oklahoma City, a church leader assured administrators that the Satanic book is “no where (sic) near as graphic as the Christian Bible.”
How to read the Bible: An interview with legendary theologian Harvey Cox
By Jonathan Merritt — April 14, 2015
The longtime Harvard Divinity School professor says, "There is no single 'correct' way to read the Bible." But, he argues, some ways are more helpful than others.
Can churches disagree and still stay together?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 8, 2015
When it comes to church, theologian Scot McKnight says, different is good. He argues that it should be comprised of people who are dissimilar ethnically, socioeconomically and, to some degree, doctrinally.
Celibate gay Christian leader urges faithful to ‘normalize’ committed friendships
By Jonathan Merritt — April 7, 2015
In 2010, Wesley Hill helped fan the flames of a growing movement of celibate gay Christians. Now he's taking his arguments a step further.
How Frank Bruni misunderstands Christians—and why it matters
By Jonathan Merritt — April 6, 2015
The New York Times columnist argues church leaders should be “made” to abandon their views on same-sex relationships. If liberals want to energize their opposition, this is exactly the kind of thing that will do it.
God as a wild dog…and the Bible’s other surprising divine metaphors
By Jonathan Merritt — March 25, 2015
Bestselling author Lauren Winner explores provocative and often overlooked metaphors for God, such as a laboring woman and the "one who smells."
What Jesus’ encounters with women teach us about God, life, and gender
By Jonathan Merritt — March 24, 2015
"Jesus absolutely treated women differently than the prevailing religious authorities of his time," author Mary Demuth says.
You’ll never guess which U.S. cities are most ‘Bible-minded’
By Jonathan Merritt — January 26, 2015
A new study ranking cities according to "Bible mindedness" contains a few surprises. Did your hometown make the list?
Life’s busy, but mealtimes are still sacred
By Jonathan Merritt — January 22, 2015
"The table is not just a place for food," says Leonard Sweet, "but a place for stories and ideas to mingle, interact, attract each other, argue with one another, and procreate."
‘I did not die. I did not go to heaven,’ teen says in admitting his book was fiction
By Jocelyn McClurg — January 16, 2015
The publisher said it will withdraw the 2010 best-seller "The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" now that author Alex Malarkey says invented those chats with angels.
