Jonathan Merritt
What C.S. Lewis thought about space exploration and aliens
By Jonathan Merritt — November 25, 2014
The iconic Christian author addressed the space exploration and aliens at least twice. What he believed may surprise some of his faithful fans.
Oprah’s network releases sneak peek of ‘The Rob Bell Show’
By Jonathan Merritt — November 24, 2014
After pastor Rob Bell questioned whether hell was real, many conservative Christians tried to oust him from the inner circle of evangelicalism. Now he's back with a talk show on Oprah Winfrey's television network.
‘I don’t’: Conservative pastors vow not to officiate government marriages
By Jonathan Merritt — November 19, 2014
A prominent religious journal has launched a movement encouraging pastors to refuse to perform marriages as representatives of the state. The concept is not entirely novel and isn't just being proposed by conservatives. Americans should seriously consider it.
World Magazine column demonstrates evangelicals’ double standard
By Jonathan Merritt — November 17, 2014
The magazine attacks a pro-evolution Christian group for presenting a pro-evolution Christian perspective at their gathering. No, seriously.
NFL agent says domestic violence crisis due to ungodly men
By Jonathan Merritt — November 17, 2014
After a strong of scandals, some speculate that the NFL has become a haven for violent men. But one Christian NFL sports agent says that the problem isn't limited to sports and is bigger than domestic violence.
Christian aid groups work to dry Syrian refugees’ tears
By Jonathan Merritt — November 13, 2014
The Syrian civil war has produced more than 3 million refugees, and U.N. officials are calling it "the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era." But a collection of Christian relief organizations committed to ministering in the midst of catastrophe.
Why author Randy Alcorn joined one of today’s fiercest Christian debates
By Jonathan Merritt — November 11, 2014
The bestselling "Heaven" author explains why he is so passionate about Calvinist vs. Arminian debates. Along the way, he makes a provocative comment about God's role in natural disasters.
The prominent evangelical woman you don’t know…but should
By Jonathan Merritt — November 5, 2014
She was a bestselling author and powerful advocate for education of the poor who transformed Britain's upper class and helped end the slave trade. Thanks to a new biography, you no longer have an excuse for not knowing who she is.
Bestselling author Tim Keller’s practical prayer advice
By Jonathan Merritt — November 3, 2014
The New York Times bestselling author and influential pastor gets practical on prayer. He calls it "the key to everything we need to do and be in life."
What your body knows about God
By Jonathan Merritt — October 28, 2014
Author Rob Moll says, "What we know from reading our Bibles, we see at work in our bodies."
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.
Anne Lamott offers sneak peek into forthcoming book
By Jonathan Merritt — October 22, 2014
The contents of the bestselling author's next book have been kept under wraps, but she says half of it is about forgiveness and some of it may make "fundamentalists apoplectic."
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.
Let’s talk about sex, baby (er, millennial Christians)
By Jonathan Merritt — October 20, 2014
RNS' Jonathan Merritt and Sarah Pulliam Bailey interview popular pastor and author John Mark Comer as they explore this tricky topic. Comer believes sex is not just "play for grown-ups," but a "joining of body and soul...in self-giving love."
Hillsong’s Brian Houston says church won’t take public position on LGBT issues
By Jonathan Merritt — October 16, 2014
The leader of one of the largest evangelical ministry conglomerates in the world says his church will not offer a "yes" or "no" on LGBT issues.
