In an attempt to hold together the disparate constituencies of social conservative Christians and libertarian Tea Partiers, Paul Ryan and other Republican leaders have attempted to create an unholy trinity of Ayn Rand, Jesus Christ, and the GOP. But, as the classic children’s song goes, “One of these things is not like the other.”

“Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” was a low-budget dramatic film my grandparents borrowed from their church when I was a kid. I don’t think they made us watch it with the intent of scaring us so badly — but it worked nonetheless.

Throwing Jim Wallis and Sojourners under the bus for their decision not to run Believe Out Loud’s advertisement is as misguided and counterproductive as saying “Farewell, Rob Bell”. A gay atheist and young evangelical offer a joint perspective.

Upon hearing about the death of Osama Bin Laden, I was immediately struck with a profound sadness. Something about the events surrounding Bin Laden’s death causes me to mourn something bigger: the limits of human love.

I see again that unity and hope. It’s the kind of hope you speak of Mr. President, hope that stands in the midst of ruin and dares to say that a different world is possible. As a person of faith, this is the hope to which I cling.

Only God truly knows what evil is. We just like to pretend we do. All too often we, like those who have come before us, see evil exclusively in the faces of our adversaries and good only in those who bless us.