Bible
Are anti-spanking Christians feckless or faithful?
By Jonathan Merritt — September 25, 2014
One Christian critic argues that anti-spanking Christians are sacrificing the Bible on the altar of modern culture. But such arguments are rooted in tired tropes and unfair characterizations.
Why my Dad regrets spanking his children
By Jonathan Merritt — September 23, 2014
At more than 60 years old, pastor James Merritt says he regrets spanking his children even though he won't say the Bible categorically condemns it.
Climate change beliefs driven by partisanship & religion (Graph)
By Tobin Grant — September 22, 2014
Together, partisanship and religion shape how we view climate change. There's no denying it.
Have evangelicals diluted Jesus’ radical message?
By Jonathan Merritt — September 11, 2014
A popular Christian blogger says evangelicals have created a domesticated, American Jesus. But is he just making the same old liberal arguments we've heard for decade.
Anti-Semitism * Helmet hair * ROHINGYA : August’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — September 2, 2014
Anti-Semitism continues to seep across Europe following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Motorcycle-riding Sikhs in Ontario must wear helmets, even though they don’t fit over their turbans. And Myanmar is asking foreign officials not use the word “Rohingya,” to which I say “ROHINGYA ROHINGYA ROHINGYA.”
Why James Martin’s Middle East pilgrimage matters
By Jonathan Merritt — August 17, 2014
Rev. James Martin, editor-at-large for "America" magazine, says his recent trip to the Middle East revealed surprising new truths about Jesus that many have not previously considered.
The Bibles are back: Navy lodges scuttle removal plan
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — August 15, 2014
(RNS) An atheist group prompted the ouster but public outcry led the brass to reverse course Friday (Aug. 15).
Bibles booted from U.S. Navy base guest rooms
By Lauren Markoe — August 12, 2014
(RNS) The Navy's decision came after the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter questioning the constitutionality of religious literature in the Navy lodges' 3,000 guest rooms.
Rowan Williams’ four essentials for being ‘Christian’
By Jonathan Merritt — July 14, 2014
Former head of worldwide Anglican Communion shares what he believes are the four essentials for being a Christian. But he claims to have no agenda for sorting "who's in" and "who's out."
Forget Republican or Democrat: Americans divide by their values
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — June 27, 2014
(RNS) Instead of neat boxes, there's a reddish/blueish tint in attitudes toward faith, family, and government.
Theologian Walter Brueggemann on how to speak truth to power
By Jonathan Merritt — June 26, 2014
One of the most prolific and influential Bible scholars of the modern era challenges Christians to offer a "sneaky whisper" in the face of power.
Pastor Matt Chandler talks redemption–from substance abuse to serial failures
By Jonathan Merritt — June 24, 2014
Many believers get burnt out on faith, exhausted by efforts to "work harder" to be holy. But mega-church pastor Matt Chandler says this is neither necessary nor possible.
The decline of biblical literalism and the rise of secularism in one chart
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 5, 2014
(RNS) About one in five Americans view the Bible in secular terms, described as ancient "fables, legends, history, and moral precepts recorded by man."
Duck Dynasty and other Bibles
By Laura Turner — June 5, 2014
Phil and Al Robertson of Duck Dynasty are collaborating with Thomas Nelson to produce "The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible." That's just weird.
NT Wright on homosexuality, science, gender
By Jonathan Merritt — June 3, 2014
One of the most formidable figures in the world of Christian thought weighs in on hot topics such as natural disasters, homosexuality, and whether he thinks Christians can believe in Darwinian evolution.
