Jonathan Merritt
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."
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.
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.
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.
How would you respond if your Christian child converted to Islam?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 21, 2015
When Patricia Raybon's daughter converted to Islam, it almost ruined their relationship. But their struggle has become a model for sharing life with those of other faiths.
How Shauna Niequist helps Christians turn kitchen tables into sacred spaces
By Jonathan Merritt — April 17, 2015
Shauna Niequist is gifted speaking on stage, but she may be at her best when sitting at a table. Here, she shares her message and one of her famous recipes.
DAVID FRENCH: Why Christians should not vote for Hillary
By David French — April 13, 2015
The Iraq War veteran and contributor to National Review says Hillary Clinton was "a dishonest First Lady, a middling senator, and a failed Secretary of State. That is hardly the resume of a commander-in-chief." Here he argues why Christians shouldn't support her.
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.
‘Christian America’: Corporate invention or founding fathers’ vision?
By Jonathan Merritt — April 3, 2015
A Princeton historian says the idea that America is a "Christian nation" is a modern invention fueled by corporations, clergy, and politicians.
Latino evangelicals call for end to death penalty. Will others follow?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 27, 2015
The National Latino Evangelical Coalition urged their 3,000 member congregations to end capital punishment. They are the first major evangelical association to take this position publicly, but support for the death penalty among Christians is waning.
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."
