Social Sector

In Praise of Dissent

Humans unfortunately have a tendency to accept the status quo and go along with prevailing opinion. But could it be that society needs dissent? What if thoughtful disagreement was actually a springboard to new ideas, fresh thinking, and better solutions?


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Science + Tech

Born to Sin

What can science teach us about bad behavior?

In 1984, Van Halen released their sixth album with eye-catching cover art featuring an angelic baby . . . casually smoking a cigarette. It raised a profound, theological question about the nature of human beings: Does even a seemingly innocent child possess an innate predisposition for bad behavior (aka "sin”)? It's a question that theologians and anthropologists struggled with long before the 1980's, and one that was recently revisited in the June 2010 issue of BBC Knowledge.


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Church

Will "Radical" Christianity Have Any Effect on the American Church?

Over-sized mansions, super-sized French fries, and sport utility vehicles. These are the marks of contemporary America, and we’re proud of them. After all, these are the tangible products of the “American dream,” a concept that promotes ingenuity and hard work as the means to financial abundance. But a new generation of American faithful is questioning whether such things are inconsistent with the Christian Gospel. Will this “radical” Christianity have any real effect on the American Church?

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Restorers

Restoration in the Land of Make-Believe

The Legacy of Fred Rogers

It's been 10 years since Fred Rogers filmed the final episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Many are familiar with his ability to communicate to children as a television host, but few know about the way he saw his role as a social change agent. Q editor Jonathan Merritt says Fred Rogers was more than an affable neighbor. He may be one of the greatest American restorers of the 20th century.


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Social Sector

Redefining Hate

Gay Activists Should Reconsider Rhetoric

Are organizations that oppose same sex marriage, and people who associate with them, hate-mongers? Jonathan Merritt and Tim Willard reveal the irony in public discourse over hate, same-sex marriage and Christians.


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Social Sector

Ten Years from Normal

Lessons Learned from 9/11

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we remain unable to explain why God allowed this suffering. But, as we stare through the corridor of time, we can ask another question: What, if anything, have we learned? Jonathan Merritt grapples with suffering and shares a few of the lessons that he's observed in this decade of uncertainty.


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Government

Faith of Our Own

Take a moment to look back on how Christians have engaged the public square in the last 50 years and trace the trajectory of where the movement is headed. Is the Religious Right’s influence waning as so many have argued, or is it only making a comeback after a short sabbatical? Does the Religious Left represent a new generation of Christians, or is there something different? Jonathan Merritt describes what he believes is the new posture of Christian political engagement.

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Cities

What Skyscrapers Tell Us...About Us

Skyscrapers have always been storytellers. Draw up next to a historic building and you’ll hear tales of the time in which they were constructed. You’ll learn about architecture and innovation. But today’s skyscrapers speak about more than a bygone era. They tell us about a people, about ourselves.


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Government

Prayer as Politics?

Since 1952, the first Thursday of every May has been set aside as “The National Day of Prayer.” It’s the one day that everyone from politicians to pastors bow their heads to seek God on behalf of our nation.

Thousands will pause today to reflect on the importance of prayer—both in their own lives and in the great social arenas of our world today. Prayer is powerful and it has always characterized the "political" and social engagement of Christians ...

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Arts + Entertainment

The Creativity Crisis

For the first time, research shows that American creativity is declining. Experts note that creativity has risen in America until 1990 when it began falling, and some blame technology and our educational system. Should we be worried, and how does the Christian faith inform the way we respond?


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Government

Interview with Bush Speechwriter Michael Gerson

Former aide speaks out on Tea Party, Bush legacy, and future of the religous right

Michael Gerson is a conservative Christian who served as George W. Bush’s chief speechwriter and senior aide from 2001 to 2006. His new book, City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era, has created a stir among both secular and religious leaders. So Q editor, Jonathan Merritt, decided to spend a moment with Gerson to collect his insights on the future of faith in the public square.


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Arts + Entertainment

When Art Offends

On a recent visit to New York City, I stumbled upon a outdoor art market in Soho. Intrigued by the organic “New Yorkiness”, I stopped to encounter gritty “starving artists” with musty suitcases full of original artwork. I couldn’t help but purchase a couple of pieces and as I was leaving, I noticed one lonely artist with violent depictions of animal slaughterhouses with renderings of Jesus superimposed over them. “That is not art,” I thought, averting my eyes. “That guy shouldn’t be allowed to show that.”

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Social Sector

Green Like God

“God is green. The idea seems bizarre, almost trivial. Yet, I'm as sure of that statement as I am that two plus two is four and the mixing of red and yellow makes orange.”

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Church

Looks Like We've Been Left Behind ... Again

Lessons from the Camping rapture scare

Most Americans dread Monday mornings, but it’s safe to say that no one is languishing more this morning than Harold Camping. The 89-year-old Christian radio broadcaster told the San Francisco Chronicle yesterday that he had “a really tough weekend.” Camping created a media firestorm with his prediction Jesus would return and the world would end last Saturday. Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt consider what, if anything, we can learn from this.

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Government

Why the Christian Right Was Noticeably Absent in This Election

Most the votes have been counted and it seems the GOP has made historic gains in Congress. These numbers shouldn’t be a complete shock to those who have been watching the election coverage. But what may surprise you is the noticeable absence of the Christian right during these midterms. Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt comment on why things have changed.


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Church

How to Win the War on Christmas: Stop Fighting It

A web site launched by the conservative mega-church, First Baptist Dallas, is the latest defensive in the ongoing "War on Christmas." But is waging war an effective way for Christians to engage culture this time of year? Jonathan Merritt says a closer look reveals that the "War on Christmas" is both hypocritical and counterproductive.


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Church

Can "Church" Happen Online?

In recent years, "internet churches" have been growing in popularity. But can Christ followers gather via the internet in a way that would build the type of community intended for a New Testament church? Is it appropriate to call an internet community a "church?" Jonathan Merritt explores.


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Government

Arizona Shooting Ignites Discourse Debate

In a turn of events none could have predicted, a six-person killing breathed life into a national debate about public discourse. Q Editor Jonathan Merritt argues that we find ourselves living in a culture of coarseness in great need of a more civil public square.


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Government

Should Christians Support the Bombing of Libya?

We Must Fight Oppression, But How?

When a man like Muammar Gaddafi insists on oppressing Libyans and is even willing to kill his own people, how should followers of a peace- and justice-loving Jesus respond? How can we do justice in this situation and still be the peacemakers Jesus asks us to be? Jonathan Merritt says the answer is not an easy one.


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Social Sector

Rebranding Atheism

An MFA Project Turns Into a Thoughtful Rebranding of Historic Non-Belief

Looks like Christians aren’t the only ones with an image problem. Atheists are now struggling with the way people perceive their movement. Find out what happens when an MFA student tries to rebrand atheism.


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