Jesus Is Better Than You Imagined

The author relates how he has encountered Jesus in silence, tragedy, honesty, and sacrilege, and urges readers to search for Jesus in similarly unexpected places.

Jonathan Merritt is a faith and culture writer who has published more than 1,000 articles in outlets such asThe Atlantic, USA Today, National Journal, The Washington Post, and CNN.com.He is a senior columnist for Religion News Service, America's largest provider of news and commentary focused on religion and spirituality. His previous books includeA Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars and Green Like God,which Publisher's Weekly called, "mandatory reading for churchgoers."

Recently named one of 30 leaders reshaping Christian leadership by OutreachMagazine, Jonathan has become a popular speaker at conferences, colleges, and churches. As a respected Christian voice, he has been interviewed byABC World News, Fox News, CNN, NPR, PBS, Politico, Slate, and The New York Times.

Jonathan sits on the national board of directors for Bethany Christian Services, America's largest adoption and orphan care agency. He holds master's degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Emory University's Candler School of Theology, and he resides in Brooklyn, NY.

Follow Jonathan on twitter: @jonathanmerritt