Jonathan Merritt
TRANSCRIPT: Hillsong’s Brian Houston on same-sex 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.
The Bible term most misused by Christians today: An interview with Scot McKnight
By Jonathan Merritt — October 15, 2014
The New Testament scholar is out to set the record straight on a critical term in the Christian vernacular. As McKnight says, "When all words mean the same thing, no words mean anything."
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."
Christian musician Jennifer Knapp on sexuality and which lyric she wants to take back
By Jonathan Merritt — October 9, 2014
The one time Grammy nominee and lesbian has walked into the furnace again with a new album and tell-all memoir. She talks about sexuality, scrutiny and why she wishes she could take back a lyric in one of her songs.
3 ways Texas’ religion affects us all
By Jonathan Merritt — October 7, 2014
Texas is not just a giant land mass filled with religious people in 10-gallon hats. It is also America's most influential Bible-belt state.
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!
From slavery to sexism, how can Christians make amends for social sins?
By Jonathan Merritt — September 26, 2014
Should modern Christians confess and repent of social sins committed by their religious ancestors? Several Christian leaders have banded together to encourage it.
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.
Is U2 secretly Christian? Here’s what The New Yorker missed
By Jonathan Merritt — September 18, 2014
If U2’s faith is a secret, like a writer for The New Yorker asserted, it is one of the worst kept ones in the global music industry today.
What Christian parents need to know about America’s schools
By Jonathan Merritt — September 15, 2014
One education expert says Christians have a moral obligation to help improve America's schools. She offers practical advice for parents and churches.
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.
Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy dies, leaves legacy of faith in business
By Jonathan Merritt — September 8, 2014
The billionaire fast food mogul dies at 93. He remained true to his religious roots even when it cost him personally.
The two words that can forever shape your life
By Jonathan Merritt — September 5, 2014
A Christian social entrepreneur says that our choices--when we say "yes" or "no"--has the power to change the course of our lives.
