justice
The gospel for gun-loving Christians
By Jonathan Merritt — October 3, 2017
How exactly can someone do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly while carrying a deadly assault rifle? asks David Gringor in a commentary.
Brian Zahnd: No, God didn’t command genocide in the Old Testament
By Jonathan Merritt — August 29, 2017
The following is an adaptation from “Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God.” I have decided to feature it here because it was one of the most profound and readable theological reflections that I’ve encountered in my life. I highly recommend that you order it. Even a casual reader of the Bible notices that […]
Jim Wallis on racism, reparations, and whether he supports #BlackLivesMatter
By Jonathan Merritt — February 18, 2016
The prominent Christian leader talks about racism, the "Black Lives Matter" movement, and whether he supports reparations.
Heaven and near-death experiences: Separating fact from fiction
By Jonathan Merritt — January 1, 2016
Books and films on heaven and near-death experiences came under scrutiny in 2015. Theologian Scot McKnight says that the topic has become muddled with myths and extra-biblical notions.
On #GivingTuesday, Christians can help child soldiers trapped in global conflicts
By Jonathan Merritt — December 1, 2015
More than 300,000 brainwashed children are trapped in global conflicts. Exile International works to provide them with healing and hope.
Jesus is never mentioned in Psalms, but best-selling author Tim Keller sees him there
By Jonathan Merritt — November 19, 2015
The New York Times best-selling author finds Jesus in book compiled centuries before Christ's birth. "There are two ways to read the Bible," Keller says. "The one way to read the Bible is that it’s basically about you. ... Or you can read it as all about Jesus."
Thank God: Evangelicals shrink back from support of death penalty
By Jonathan Merritt — October 19, 2015
The National Association of Evangelicals has officially supported capital punishment for more than 40 years. They are now backing away.
Christian moviemakers opt for black cast after glut of whitewashed Bible films
By Jonathan Merritt — August 12, 2015
The movie industry has a long history of casting white actors to play African and Middle Eastern Bible characters. But religious audiences can witness a stark departure from this trend when Sony's “War Room” hits theaters on August 28.
Pope Francis, if you’re listening to U.S. critics, start with gun makers
By Jonathan Merritt — July 14, 2015
Pope Francis says he'll open his ears -- and presumably his mind -- to hear his American critics. Here are two places he should start listening.
Who are ‘the least of these’? Scholars say Mother Teresa and others may be wrong
By Jonathan Merritt — May 22, 2015
The common understanding of Jesus’ famous phrase may be inaccurate and inconsistent with the way most Christians throughout history have understood it.
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 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
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.
Following Jesus sometimes feels awkward, but should it be?
By Jonathan Merritt — February 24, 2015
Following Jesus in a secular or pluralistic context can feel a little bit like getting stuck in adolescence. But author Ken Wytsma says this weirdness is actually quite normal.
Theologian: Religious extremists like ISIS carve a bloody path through history
By Jonathan Merritt — February 17, 2015
"America was founded by folks who thought like this," a prominent Yale professor says of Islamist extremists. Some may find his comments difficult to swallow in light of recent events.
