Podcasts about how we can revive them

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by Fire And Silk by Meghan Irene Turner. It is published by Quoir and is available now.In this episode we chat with Jonathan MerrittJonathan Merritt is one of America's most prolific and trusted writers on faith, culture and politics whose articles have appeared regularly in outlets such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, USA Today, Christianity Today, and The Washington Post. He is the author of numerous critically-acclaimed books including "Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them," which was named "Book of the Year" by Englewood Review of Books.  Jonathan has become a popular speaker at conferences, colleges, and churches and has provided commentary on CNN, Fox News, CNN, NPR, PBS and ABC World News. He holds graduate degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Emory University's Candler School of Theology.You can follow Jonathan on:Facebook     Instagram     TwitterYou can find all things Jonathan Merritt related on his websiteYou can purchase Jonathan Merritt's books on Amazon.comYou can connect with This Is Not Church on:Facebook     Instagram      Twitter     TikTok     YouTubeAlso check out our Biolink for all things This Is Not Church relatedPlease like and follow our Quoircast Partners:Heretic Happy Hour     Messy Spirituality     Apostates Anonymous    Second Cup with Keith     The Church Needs TherapyIdeas Digest      Snarky Faith Podcast     Wild Olive     Deadly Faith     Spirituality Brew Pub     Faith For The Rest Of UsJonathan_Foster     Sacred Thoughts     Holy Heretics     Reframing Our Stories     Bros Bibles & Beer      Liminal LivingLove Covered Life     The Social Jesus Project     I Was A Teenage FundamentalistEach episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you're thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Episode Summary:Interviewing Jonathan Merritt felt like having a conversation with myself. His journey out of white evangelical subculture is an almost mirror-image of my journey. My guess is, you'll find a lot of correlation as well. Jonathan was a card-carrying evangelical who left his Southern roots and evangelical home to find faith, family, and freedom outside the confines and cult-like community of evangelical Christianity. His journey led him from certainty to contemplation, from winning to wisdom, from the shallow end of the pool into the deep waters of Ignatian spirituality, and from exclusion to radical inclusion. As he reminds us, evangelical Christianity is not only a fairly modern invention, it is also a minority movement within global Christianity. Evangelicals do not have a monopoly on God. There are a myriad of spiritual pathways available to you once you leave. So take heart, there is life after evangelicalism. There is faith after evangelicalism. There is new found family after evangelicalism. You get to decide what your future is going to look like. You have the power to form a freer faith and a more inclusive “family.” Four years and seventy-four episodes into Holy Heretics Podcast and I can honestly say I believe this conversation with Jonathan Merritt to be the most helpful and hopeful episode we've ever created. I hope you enjoy!Bio:Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today. In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS' “60 Minutes.” Jonathan is also a sought after speaker at colleges, conferences, and churches on topics relating to spirituality, politics, and current events. Whether he is delivering an academic lecture or inspirational sermon, Jonathan's captivating communication style and powerful presence are well-suited for intimate gatherings of hundreds or arenas filled with thousands. As a collaborator or ghostwriter, Jonathan has worked on more than 50 books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online course. He is often available for exclusive one-on-one coaching for a select number of advanced writers.Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work focused on ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, and the Religion News Association's columnist of the year award. Jonathan currently happily resides in New York City. You can find Jonathan's latest children's book My Guncle and Me here! For more information about Jonathan and his writings, visit his website. You can also connect with Jonathan on Instagram. Please follow us on social media (use the buttons below) and help us get the word out! (Also, please don't hesitate to use any of these channels or email to contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback.)If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review, or share on your socials

Have you ended a relationship to get relief from tension and conflict?Do you struggle with developing a clear sense of boundaries around what's your responsibility and what's not, especially when feeling responsible for how others think and feel? When relationships are toxic, abusive, and oppressive and the other person does not have the interest or capacity to work on the relationship, ending the relationship can bring grief but also relief, emotional healing, and health.But when you regularly use emotional cutoffs to protect yourself from hurt and discomfort, you create a world that feels dangerous and small when the slightest sense of conflict or overwhelm arises. But if two people can come together with clear boundaries, shared values, compassion, curiosity, humility, and support to work through conflict and disagreement, an emotional cut-off may become unnecessary.My guest today returns to the podcast to share his experience of an incident that could have ended his relationship with his father, and how they both committed to working through the conflict to maintain their connection, even through their differences.Jonathan Merritt is a prolific and trusted writer on faith, culture, and politics whose articles have appeared regularly in outlets such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, USA Today, Christianity Today, and The Washington Post. He is the author of numerous critically acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them, which was named Book of the Year by Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of the forthcoming children's book, My Guncle and Me, releasing in May 2024. Jonathan has become a popular speaker at conferences, colleges, and churches and guest commentary on CNN, Fox News, CNN, NPR, PBS, and ABC World News. He holds graduate degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Emory University's Candler School of Theology.Listen to the full episode to hear:How being publicly outed forced Jonathan into a reckoning with his faith, his identity, and his family and communityThe role that dreams and expectations play in the way both parents and children respond to fundamental differences between themWhy an expectation of change cannot be a prerequisite for a relationshipWhy Jonathan says he and his father fight with each other in private and for each other in publicWhy finding healthy surrogates or outlets for processing is vital for healing when we truly can't continue the relationshipNavigating past avoidance and confrontation to renegotiating the relationship with necessary boundaries and guardrailsHow “flash-card faith” stifles the questioning and openness to possibilities that underpin trust and faith and breeds binary divisivenessLearn more about Jonathan Merritt:WebsiteFacebook: @JonathanMerrittWriterInstagram: @jonathan_merrittTwitter: @JonathanMerrittLearning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing–and How We Can Revive ThemPreorder My Guncle and MeLearn more about Rebecca:rebeccaching.comWork With RebeccaSign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader EmailResources:Bowen Family SystemsFaith does not live by answers alone, Jonathan MerrittThe Artist's Way, Julia CameronWrite for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer, Julia CameronMother, Nature: A 5,000-Mile Journey to Discover If a Mother and Son Can Survive Their Differences, Jedidiah JenkinsDarlin' (Christmas is Coming), Over the RhineIf We Make It Through December, Phoebe BridgersIf We Make It Through December, Merle HaggardJulia

This week, Jonathan Merritt joins me to discuss all things writing and publishing. If you have ever been interested in the behind-the-scenes of publishing a book or have the desire to refine your own writing, you will surely enjoy this episode!  Episode At A Glance: This week on The SavvyCast, Jonathan Merritt joins me to discuss all things writing, publishing, and ghostwriting. Jonathan is a widely celebrated author, cultural commentator, and ghostwriter. He is also an incredible writing teacher and has trained hundreds of young writers through one-on-one coaching, his online seminar, and writing courses. In this episode, Jonathan shares how he became involved with writing, the details of his writing seminar, the three main ways to publish a book, and so much more.  Who Is Jonathan Merritt?  Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, and Christianity Today.  As a collaborator or ghostwriter, Jonathan has worked on more than 50 books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online courses. He is often available for exclusive one-on-one coaching for a select number of advanced writers. Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work focused on ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. Jonathan currently happily resides in New York City. He is an aspiring dog dad, a college football fan, and intolerable before coffee. Questions Answered In This Episode: How did Jonathan start writing? What are other forms of writing people can do other than writing a book? What is the “Write Brilliant” writing course and what skills does it teach? What is ghostwriting? What is the ghostwriting process like? What are the 3 main ways to publish a book? What do you need if you want to go into trade publishing? What is hybrid publishing? Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Jonathan Merritt's website Write Brilliant Writing Course - Use code SAVVY for 25% off until Oct. 1 http://www.christopherferebee.com/ I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on Apple Podcasts, it would be SO appreciated. If you would prefer to watch the podcast interview, check it out on YouTube. Blessings to you! Jamie Announces New Role With Birmingham/Nashville Christian Family Magazines How Glorilight is Making Kids' Bedtime More Productive and Peaceful

Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including "Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them" named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today. In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS' “60 Minutes.” Jonathan is also a sought after speaker at colleges, conferences, and churches on topics relating to spirituality, politics, and current events. Whether he is delivering an academic lecture or inspirational sermon, Jonathan's captivating communication style and powerful presence are well-suited for intimate gatherings of hundreds or arenas filled with thousands. As a collaborator or ghostwriter, Jonathan has worked on more than 50 books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online course. He is often available for exclusive one-on-one coaching for a select number of advanced writers.Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work focused on ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, and the Religion News Association's columnist of the year award. Jonathan currently happily resides in New York City. He is an aspiring dog dad, a college football fan, and intolerable before coffee. Hear more from Jonathan at:https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_merritt/Facebok:  https://www.facebook.com/JonathanMerrittWriter/ Learn more at StephanieNelson.comDownload Stephanie's free ebook to cut your grocery bill in half--no coupons required!Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cmFollow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Today we welcome Jonathan Merritt - one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing – and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today.In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS' “60 Minutes.”this podcast was recorded on November 3rd, 2022.

We are one week away from the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting and it promises to be an interesting time.Aside from another contentious presidential election, the nation's largest Protestant denomination must also reckon with the explosive findings from a sweeping sex abuse investigation. On this week's episode, Roxy is joined by her good friend and a son of the Southern Baptists, Jonathan Merritt. The two discuss their own SBC upbringings and how it feels to watch your childhood denomination go so off the rails. They are also joined by SBC insider Ben Cole, who gives a preview of what to expect next week in Anaheim.GUESTS:Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor and monthly columnist for Religion News Service. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books including "Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them."Benjamin Cole is the founder of Longview Strategies consulting firm. On Twitter, he's @BaptistBlogger, where he has a lively feed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Jonathan Merritt joins Rachel and Matt to talk all about marijuana, and how a person of faith can wrestle with differing perspectives. Jonathan shares his personal experience and discusses his article, "A Christian Case for Marijuana."  They look at the history, criminalization, and research around marijuana, and share how we can take a position of mercy and justice no matter where we land on the issue. It's a beautiful conversation filled with compassion. You don't want to miss it!Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books.Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today.++++To support Make It Simple, head to mpm.simple donation.comCheck out What Matters Most, daily teachings from Matt Popovits, available wherever you get your podcasts.For more information on MPM, head to mattpopovits.comSupport the show (https://mpm.simpledonation.com)Support the show (https://mpm.simpledonation.com)

In this week's episode we discuss pain and why it needs to be "saved." We are riffing off of Jonathan Merritt's Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them. Simple Theologian Recommends: Come From Away: A musical that was released on Apple TV+ about the aftermath of 9/11 in a small Scandinavian town. My Bluegrass Heart: A new album by Béla Fleck where he gets back to his bluegrass roots.

A conversation with Jonathan Merritt. Jonathan is one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books.

In this week's episode we discuss pain and why it needs to be "saved." We are riffing off of Jonathan Merritt's Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them. Simple Theologian Recommends: Manifest on Netflix The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson

In this week's episode we discuss prayer and why it needs to be "saved." We are riffing off of Jonathan Merritt's Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them. Simple Theologian Recommends: Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson The Orthodox Heretic by Peter Rollins

In this week's episode we discuss the word, "creed." Do creeds matter? Why are they important or not important? We are riffing off of Jonathan Merritt's Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing and How We Can Revive Them. Simple Theologian Recommends: Mike says, "Go visit Torch Lake!" Dan says: Practice Resurrection by Eugene Peterson Check out Eastern Market in Detroit

Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today. In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Jonathan is also a sought after speaker at colleges, conferences, and churches on topics relating to spirituality, politics, and current events. Whether he is delivering an academic lecture or inspirational sermon, Jonathan’s captivating communication style and powerful presence are well-suited for intimate gatherings of hundreds or arenas filled with thousands. As a collaborator or ghostwriter, Jonathan has worked on more than 50 books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online course. He is often available for exclusive one-on-one coaching for a select number of advanced writers. Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work focused on ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, and the Religion News Association’s columnist of the year award. Jonathan currently happily resides in New York City. He is an aspiring dog dad, a college football fan, and intolerable before coffee. @deconstruct.poc @officialadamfrost @laurendeleary Facebook: Jonathan Merritt; Instagram: jonathan_merritt; Twitter: @JonathanMerritt

Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online course. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, the Religion News Association’s columnist of the year award, and the Englewood Review of Books “Book of the Year” award. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stephen675/support

Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. As a respected voice, he regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets and has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS' “60 Minutes.” Jonathan is a sought after speaker at colleges, conferences, and churches on topics relating to spirituality, politics, and current events. Whether he is delivering an academic lecture or inspirational sermon, Jonathan's captivating communication style and powerful presence are well-suited for intimate gatherings of hundreds or arenas filled with thousands. As a collaborator or ghostwriter, Jonathan has worked on more than 50 books, with several titles landing on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online course. He is often available for exclusive one-on-one coaching for a select number of aspiring and accomplished writers. Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and has done additional graduate work on ascetical theology at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, the Religion News Association's columnist of the year award, and the Englewood Review of Books “Book of the Year” award. Jonathan currently resides in New York City where he is an aspiring dog dad and college football fan. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanMerritt Follow Jonathan on Instagram @Jonathan_Merritt

Jonathan Merritt joins us on the podcast to talk about a myriad of things. We spend time reflecting on his Tiny Diary readings, a healthier engagement with social media, the Post-Evangelical Church, a faith that moves from closed to open, engaging with others who seem to be living in a different reality now, and why I want to become best friends with Beth Moore.  Jonathan is one of America's most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them.  He's also one of my favorite people to talk to and learn from. Find Jonathan at His website Twitter Instagram Facebook   Good Shepherd New York   ——— If you're a church leader or pastor who feels ecclesiologically  homeless and want to connect, I'd love to get to know you. Please shoot me a note at mike@mikegoldsworthy.com   If you'd like to contribute with a tax deductible donation to the work I'm doing, particularly with the Post-Evangelical Church, you can make a check out to “WE Ministries” And mail it to: Mike Goldsworthy 6285 E. Spring St #474 Long Beach, CA 90808

"My whole career has been to take the next step." My conversation with Jonathan Merritt is one you do NOT want to miss. Jonathan's insight into calling and what that means is thought-provoking and inspiring. When he talked about being called to be a writer -- not a published writer, it was an Ah-ha moment for me. We are all called to be obedient to God -- we are not called to an end result (such as a published book, a specific platform, a successful business). We are called. End of statement. No qualifier. No additional words needed. Called. It's who you are."Speaking is an act of compassion. I'm showing up because I believe what I have to say will help you in some way." How beautiful -- I wish I'd always been like Jonathan. I'm going to be honest, I've not shown up at every speaking event with that attitude. But how true is it -- if you are called to a specific audience then it's your responsibility to show up and care for those people who are listening, to love the people who will hear your message. Love people. What a message for today and every day. Use your words wisely. Love people. By this, all people will know who you are. Enjoy my conversation with Jonathan Merritt. Jonathan Merritt - websiteSpeaking God from Scratch (an incredible book!)Jonathan on Instagram Join the conversation at Take the Stage speakers group on Facebook. We need your voice!!Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, a contributing editor for Religion News Service, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them.

S04 E014: Jonathan Merritt on Learning to Speak God from ScratchAt a time when religious language has been hijacked by politicians and exploited by hypocritical, profiteering ministers, the idea of an honest-to-God spiritual conversation feels alienating to many of us. In this podcast episode, we discuss how and why words matter, what’s happening on social media today with Christian celebrity, and how to revive sacred words in the Digital Age.Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. As a respected voice, he regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets and has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.”Jonathan Merritt: jonathanmerritt.com and @jonathan_merrittJoanna la Fleur: @joannalafleur and www.joannalafleur.com. Email: hello@joannalafleur.comJoin the Digital Church Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/wordmadedigital/ Want to say thanks? Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/joannalafleur My other Podcast- short, practical, daily episodes on Church Media and Communications: thefuture.churchThanks to our Season 4 Partners:Compassion Canada: www.compassion.com/covid Wycliffe College: wycliffecollege.ca/wordmadedigital

Jonathan Merritt is one of America's most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. In this conversation, Kevin and Jonathan discuss the power of theatre, the role of King George in Hamilton, and compare seeing the Hamilton movie vs. seeing it live in a theatre.

Before we get into a relevant and refreshing conversation on faith with Jonathan Merritt, one of America's most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics (a writer for The Atlantic, The Week and author of Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them), Scott reflects on his prior episode with Lynn Shelton and the loss he has felt.

Today's episode is with Jonathan Merritt. Jonathan is one of America’s most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Additionally, he trains hundreds of young writers through his Write Brilliant seminars and online course. He is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, the Religion News Association’s columnist of the year award, and the Englewood Review of Books “Book of the Year” award. Today's episode will speak on provocative subjects like the church with LGBTQ issues, Biblical authenticity, and PreachersNSneakers. This episode is brought to you with the help of Ambo TV brings inspirational live sermons from the most captivating, next-generation Christian pastors, along with in-studio discussion, to a broad multi-platform audience. Humble and Honest is now on Patreon! For as low as 1 dollar a month you can help support this show and help continue to these conversations. Be a part of the process by clicking here. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/humbleandhonest)

Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He serves as a contributing writer for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and is author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. We were pleased to welcome Jonathan as one of the speakers for our recent live event on "Marginalization and Wilderness." [Apologies for the variations in the sound quality--this was our first Skype interview! But we still had some great conversation!]

Søren Kierkegaard was an angsty young intellectual determined to find and follow his life’s purpose. Years of struggle led Søren to a most unexpected place: in living conversation with the very God he had long avoided. Could Kierkegaard be the perfect saint for today’s nonbelievers?Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.comGuest Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He writes for The Atlantic and is the author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets from The New York Times to Christianity Today. Learn more at jonathanmerritt.com.For further reading, Karen recommends:The Prayers of Kierkegaard by Soren Kierkegaard. Edited by Perry D. LeFevre Christianity Today’s profile of Kierkegaard: https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/moversandshakers/soren-kierkegaard.htmlBecome a podcast partner! Make your gift at: www.theologicalhorizons.org/giving. Thank you!Support the show (http://www.theologicalhorizons.org/giving)

Host Karen Wright Marsh tells the story of Francis and Clare Assisi and discusses their lives with Jonathan Merritt, award-winning faith and culture writer.Everyone knows placid Francis of Assisi, the beaming saint of garden statuary. But in reality, Francis and his friend Clare were bold spiritual adventurers who risked everything to be like Jesus, no matter how crazy it seemed to their families, friends and neighbors. Do we dare to follow their example today? Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.comGuest Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He writes for The Atlantic and is the author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets from The New York Times to Christianity Today. Learn more at jonathanmerritt.com.For further reading, Karen recommends:Francis of Assisi: A New Biography by Augustine ThompsonFrancis and Clare: A True Story by Jon M. SweeneyFrancis and Clare: The Complete Works in The Classics of Western SpiritualityBecome a podcast partner! Make your gift at: www.theologicalhorizons.org/giving. Thank you!Support the show (http://www.theologicalhorizons.org/giving)

Research indicates that millennials have been leaving the church in alarming numbers; 59 percent of younger Americans raised in church have already left. In the face of institutional decline, vintage saints offer a fresh, authentic witness to the vitality of faith. What is the unexpected promise of ancient friendship for the future of faith? Meet host Karen Wright Marsh, and learn more about the show here: www.karenwrightmarsh.comGuest Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He writes for The Atlantic and is the author of several critically-acclaimed books including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them. Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets from The New York Times to Christianity Today. Learn more at jonathanmerritt.com.For further reading, Karen and Jonathan recommend My Life with the Saints by James Martin.Become a podcast partner! Make your gift at: www.theologicalhorizons.org/giving. Thank you!Support the show (http://www.theologicalhorizons.org/giving)

Episode 115: Talking Sacred Words and "Honk If You Love Jesus" Stickers with Jonathan Merritt! In this Episode, David and Ben have a very compelling conversation with award-winning religion and culture writer, Jonathan Merritt who has published thousands of articles in outlets such as USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, and the New York Times They discuss his new book “Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing--and How We Can Revive Them.” In the book, he writes: “In order to speak God from scratch we begin with what we have accepted, then we break it down, challenging our preconceptions, finally we build it up again in a way that is More helpful, richer, and more beautiful.” The guys discuss the benefits and dangers of re-imaging sacred words. They ask: how can we speak God in a way that’s relevant to secular culture while still staying grounded in biblical truth?

On this episode, Nate and Aaron sit down with columnist and author Jonathan Merritt, to talk about his newest book Learning to Speak God from Scratch:  Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing -- and How We Can Revive Them.  Strap in and put your helmets on, because this will be a wild ride.  

My guest is Jonathan Merritt. His newest book is Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing--and How We Can Revive Them. (https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Speak-God-Scratch-Vanishing/dp/1601429304) As America rapidly becomes a pluralistic, postmodern society, many of us struggle to talk about faith. We can no longer assume our friends understand words such as grace or gospel. Others, like lost and sin, have become so negative they are nearly conversation-enders. Jonathan Merritt knows this frustration well. After Jonathan moved from the Bible Belt to New York City, he discovered that whenever conversations turned to spirituality, the words he'd used for decades didn't connect with listeners anymore. In a search for answers and understanding, Jonathan uncovered a spiritual crisis affecting tens of millions. In this groundbreaking book, one of America's premier religion writers revives ancient expressions through cultural commentary, vulnerable personal narratives, and surprising biblical insights. Both provocative and liberating, Learning to Speak God from Scratch will breathe new life into your spiritual conversations and lure you into the embrace of the God who inhabits them. Special Guest: Jonathan Merritt.

"Only about 13% of Christians 'speak God' about once a week... that's shocking! Because we say we love God, we say we love faith, but we don't talk about faith..."—Jonathan Merritt Episode 60 of Spirituality for Ordinary People features an interview with Jonathan Merritt. Jonathan Merritt is an award-winning writer on religion, culture, and politics. He currently serves as a contributing writer for The Atlantic and contributing editor for The Week.  Jonathan has published more than 3500 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. As a respected voice, he regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets and has been interviewed by ABC World News, NPR, CNN, PBS, MSNBC, Fox News, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Jonathan's latest book is Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing--and How We Can Revive Them. In it, he argues that Spiritual or Religious Language is fading from use. He went to the field of linguistics and studied "come-back languages" - languages that had faded from use and had been recovered (e.g. Yiddish, Celtic). He argues for a re-imagining of spiritual words in order to revive sacred speech. The book is really in two parts. The first is the argument about language fading and the need for imaginative recovery. The second is a series of essays focussed on individual words that provide a model for re-imagining around that word. This interview is also in two parts, where we talk about the overall argument of the book, but also spend time exploring a few of the words that Jonathan includes in his book. Key Learnings Religious and spiritual language is fading from use in general society, and this is a major loss. We are losing the ability to express the deep realities of our lives. Only 13% of practicing Christians say they have spiritual conversations on a regular basis. God loves language. Of the ten commandments, two of them are about the use of words. As we look at Scripture, words and language are central. The "word" in John 1 (logos in Greek) is dynamic rather than static. An early translation of John 1, uses "conversation" rather than "word." Languages make a come back not through a simple "re-use" but through reimagining their meaning in their re-use. Finding the "original meaning" of words (particularly from ancient languages) is near impossible. The meaning of words is often fluid. Things to Think About What spiritual words do you avoid using? (perhaps sin, judgment, hell, mystery, brokenness?) Reflect on why you avoid particular words. How might you re-imagine one of these words for you to be able to use it more regularly? What holds you back from regularly talking about God, or having spiritual conversations? Links and Resources: Jonathan Merritt's website Learning to Speak God From Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing--and How We Can Revive Them.   Join others in contributing financially to help pay for hosting and equipment costs.    Follow Spirituality for Ordinary People on Instagram   Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Radio | Google Play

Surprise! We're still on summer break, but we're popping in with this episode. I get the chance to talk to award-winning author Jonathan Merritt about why people are using sacred language less, why that matters, and what we can do about it. We'll see you in a few weeks for Season 3, kicking off in September!Things we mention in this episode/other resources:- Studies in Words by C. S. Lewis- If you're interested more in the connection between our language and the way we view the world, I (Robert) recommend Words Can Change Your Brain by Andrew Newberg & Mark Robert Waldman- Psychology Today article: 'How the Language You Speak Influences the Way You Think'Connect with Jonathan on his website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or buy his new book Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them on Amazon. You can also listen to Jonathan on The Faith Angle or Seekers & Speakers.Quotes:- “The vast majority of Americans, despite widespread religiosity, do not feel comfortable having spiritual conversations." (tweet)- “The words that we speak reveal something about what we believe and then shape what we believe.” (tweet)- “Language is not just expressive, it is also formative. The language that we use actually shapes what is inside of us.” (tweet)- “You cannot pretend you use language in a vacuum. It’s always attached to our experiences.” (tweet)Connect with Robert on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.Connect more with CXMH on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.Ways to support CXMH:- make a pledge on Patreon and get rewards like an exclusive Facebook group, a mug, sticker, t-shirt, or more!- Do your Amazon shopping through this link- Leave us a rating & review on iTunes or Google Play- Check out our CXMH merchandise to show off your support- Listen to the Cxmhunity Spotify playlist here- Check out other episodes and find your favorites guests on our website.Intro/Outro music for this episode is ‘Fall Down’ by Rivers & Robots.

It's summertime! Like last year, I'll be taking the summer off from the show. In this short episode, I talk a little bit about the reasonings behind that, as well as give you some recommendations of things to read and listen to over the next few months!This episode of CXMH is brought to you by Stigma Fighters. Learn more at StigmaFighters.com.Things I mention in this episode:- How To Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Hendriksen- Dr. Hendriksen's podcast, The Savvy Psychologist - Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words Are Vanishing--and How We Can Revive Them by Jonathan Merritt- Jonathan's podcast, The Faith Angle- The Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Seen: Opening Your Eyes to Wonder by Lisa Gungor- Lonely at the Top: The High Cost of Men's Success by Dr. Thomas Joiner- Dr. Joiner's interview on The Social Work Podcast hosted by Dr. Jonathan Singer- the brand new podcast Parenting Forward, hosted by Cindy BrandtConnect with Robert on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.Connect more with CXMH on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.Ways to support CXMH:- make a pledge on Patreon and get rewards like an exclusive Facebook group, a mug, sticker, t-shirt, or more!- Do your Amazon shopping through this link- Leave us a rating & review on iTunes or Google Play- Check out our CXMH merchandise to show off your support- Listen to the Cxmhunity Spotify playlist here- Check out other episodes and find your favorites guests on our website.Intro/Outro music for this episode is ‘Fall Down’ by Rivers & Robots.