trends
3 reasons we’re afraid to talk about hell
By Jonathan Merritt — April 24, 2014
A majority of Americans believe in heaven and hell, yet they shy away from discussing the latter. Here's three reasons why.
Barbara Brown Taylor on the devil, death, and the definition of ‘Christian’
By Jonathan Merritt — April 15, 2014
The "New York Times" bestselling author talks openly about personal topics, even sharing how aging affects her and whether she is afraid of dying.
Barbara Brown Taylor tells Christians to embrace darkness
By Jonathan Merritt — April 14, 2014
One of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world, is on a mission to redeem the darkness. Barbara Brown Taylor says Christians have never had anything to say about darkness, but she plans to change that.
Hobby Lobby, Christian women, and contraception: More complicated than you might think
By Jonathan Merritt — April 10, 2014
New data analysis shows a sizable gender gap among Christians on contraception. Sixty percent of Christian women support health care plans that cover contraception or birth control at no cost.
Sochi Cadillac ad encourages worship at the altar of work and stuff
By Jonathan Merritt — February 12, 2014
A car company's brash commercial promotes an un-Christian message of materialism and workaholism.
Are Christian conferences sexist? ‘The Nines’ controversy prompts reflection.
By Jonathan Merritt — November 13, 2013
When a popular blogger accuses a major Christian event of gender discrimination, RNS' Jonathan Merritt decides to take stock of the industry itself.
God in Gotham: 16 Christians making a difference in New York City
By Jonathan Merritt — October 17, 2013
New York is experiencing a rise in "born again" Christians.
Bestselling author Andy Crouch: Christians should wield power for good
By Jonathan Merritt — October 10, 2013
Author Andy Crouch says power isn't a bad thing after all, but it needs to be stewarded well.
Government shutdown may drive more young Christians from GOP
By Jonathan Merritt — October 9, 2013
The Republican-led government shutdown may have the unintended effect of driving more young Christians from the GOP.
‘Jesus (still) hates religion’: An interview with YouTube sensation Jefferson Bethke
By Jonathan Merritt — October 8, 2013
YouTube sensation Jefferson Bethke answers his critics and explains why he still hates religion.
Will Rick Warren lead a Christian movement for gun control?
By Jonathan Merritt — September 18, 2013
Rick Warren says his son's suicide will affect how he engages gun control.
From ‘Full House’ to ‘Modern Family’: Ten shows that forced us to reimagine the American family
By Jonathan Merritt — September 10, 2013
Ten shows from the 1960s until today that radically reshaped America's definition of family.
Christians must oppose anti-Muslim discrimination
By Jonathan Merritt — August 14, 2013
Many Christians claim to care about freedom of religion, but some seem to mean freedom of "their own" religion.
Why Christians need the church: An interview with Lillian Daniel
By Jonathan Merritt — August 13, 2013
Rev. Lillian Daniel is calling a disenchanted generation of Christians back to church.
Navigating moral gray areas: An interview with Brett McCracken
By Jonathan Merritt — August 8, 2013
Brett McCracken shares how he believes Christians can navigate the moral gray areas in culture.