Bible
Seeing the Gospels through a Jewish lens: An interview with Amy-Jill Levine
By Jonathan Merritt — January 2, 2015
A historian at Vanderbilt University says modern Christians may be missing the point of some of Jesus' most popular parables.
The many sins of Newsweek’s expose on the Bible (COMMENTARY)
By Justin Taylor — December 31, 2014
(RNS) Justin Taylor of The Gospel Coalition rips into the piece, calling it packed with errors and written with disdain for traditional believers dubbed "God's Frauds."
How Christians forgot Jesus’ Jewishness, and why they should recover it
By Jonathan Merritt — December 29, 2014
Jesus was not the first Christian; he was a faithful practicing Jewish person. According to one Catholic historian, forgetting this fact has severe consequences.
10 inaccuracies plaguing the ‘Exodus’ movie
By Jonathan Merritt — December 19, 2014
Ridley Scott's epic film deviates from the biblical narrative in at least these 10 places.
Prominent pastor: “The Spirit inside of you is better than Jesus beside you”
By Jonathan Merritt — December 17, 2014
Mega-church pastor J.D. Greear has been quietly amassing influence among conservative evangelicals. Now, he's making waves with a new book about the Holy Spirit.
Christian Bale and Ridley Scott talk religion and ‘Exodus’: An RNS interview
By Jonathan Merritt — December 10, 2014
"Exodus" director and lead actor discuss concerns religious moviegoers will undoubtedly have about some of the film's more controversial moments.
3 religious hurdles Ridley Scott’s ‘Exodus’ must overcome
By Jonathan Merritt — December 9, 2014
The big budget Bible film hits American theaters on Friday, but it faces a few significant hurdles to winning over religious audiences.
Why transgender issues are Humanist issues
By Chris Stedman — November 28, 2014
Two of the core principles of Humanism are the value of the individual and rational, evidenced-based thinking. Our culture is failing miserably at both when it comes to the transgender community—which is why Humanist voices are greatly needed.
Hobby Lobby president’s Bible curriculum shelved by Oklahoma school district
By Adelle M. Banks — November 26, 2014
(RNS) "In summary, the topic of a Bible course in the Mustang School District is no longer a discussion item nor is there a plan to provide such a course in the foreseeable future," Mustang Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel said.
Sorry, Mr. President. You’re wrong on Exodus and immigration (COMMENTARY)
By Mark Coppenger — November 24, 2014
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (RNS) Whenever politicians try to cite the Bible to support their specific policies, Americans should be nervous.
Leading evangelical ethicist David Gushee is now pro-LGBT. Here’s why it matters.
By Jonathan Merritt — October 24, 2014
Gushee is distinguished professor at a prominent Baptist university and co-author of one of the most popular Christian ethics books of the last 25 years. He’s also now an LGBT ally.
Quiet time: It’s not just for conservative Christians anymore
By Jonathan Merritt — October 21, 2014
A new anti-devotional devotional features voices from across the religious spectrum and offers something to challenge, encourage, and royally piss off just about everyone.
Congregants flee traditional churches, but this former pastor rejoices
By Jonathan Merritt — October 14, 2014
"If we choose to embrace this time in Christian and church history with open arms and hearts," says Kelly Bean, "it may be one of the most exciting and promising times for pastors and church leaders."
5 myths of ‘Biblical spanking.’ Taking the text literally would land you in jail.
By Jonathan Merritt — October 3, 2014
Pro-spanking Christians don’t actually read the Bible as literally as they think. If they did, they wouldn’t be defending their views on Twitter. They’d be complaining to the warden.
Should Christians stop defending the Bible? This scholar thinks so.
By Jonathan Merritt — September 29, 2014
A battle over the Bible always seems to be brewing among Christians. But one scholar has a new message: stop trying to defend it!
