Jay Tolson

America's Best Leaders: Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - November 19, 2008

He addresses important issues on the big screen and through his philanthropy. more >>

John McCain and Barack Obama: How They Speak to Voters

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - October 22, 2008

The ability to inspire through the spoken word is an important presidential attribute. more >>

The Evangelical Vote: How Big Is It Really?

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - September 24, 2008

Polling data are muddled by issues of how to define this key voting bloc. more >>

Sarah Palin Sparks Revival of the Culture War

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - September 23, 2008

Along with the economic concerns, voters split over so-called values issues. more >>

With Palin on the GOP Ticket, a Return to the Culture Wars

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - September 9, 2008

But in stoking passions about wedge issues, McCain may jeopardize his appeal to independents. more >>

A Digital Dumbing Down?

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - August 28, 2008

The lively debate over the intellectual impact of digital culture. more >>

New Poll Shows Public Thinks Churches Should Stay Out of Politics

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - August 21, 2008

A slight majority of people believe religious institutions should stop speaking out on political issues more >>

Paying Attention to the "Other Islam"

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - August 20, 2008

The moderate voices of the Sufi tradition more >>

Putting "Values" Issues in the Political Spotlight

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - August 14, 2008

Obama and McCain will engage with the Rev. Rick Warren on matters of personal faith and public policy. more >>

The Legacy of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - August 8, 2008

An American scholar talks about the famed Russian author. more >>

Strife Inside the Anglican Church

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - August 8, 2008

On matters of faith, is compromise possible? more >>

The Gay Bishop at the Center of the Anglican Storm

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - July 30, 2008

The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson on tensions in Anglican Communion and his own controversial ministry. more >>

A Growing Trend of Leaving America

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - July 28, 2008

By some estimates 3 million citizens become expatriates a year, but most not for political reasons. more >>

A Conference of Anglican Leaders Confronts Deeply Divisive Issues

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - July 23, 2008

Actions by the U.S. Episcopal Church test the durability of the Anglican Communion. more >>

How George Washington's Savvy Won the Day

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - June 27, 2008

Despite his share of errors, the commander in chief prevailed as a strategist and a politician. more >>

The Role of Religion in This Year's Election

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - June 24, 2008

A new survey suggests the complex role of faith in the race for the White House. more >>

Dissident Anglicans to Set Their Own Agenda

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - June 20, 2008

In a conference, more than 1,000 conservative leaders will call for restoring identity to their church. more >>

Exposing a Network of Powerful Christians

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - May 28, 2008

A new book claims that the "Fellowship" influences key decision makers. more >>

John Updike on American Art

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - May 23, 2008

The writer brings a life of creative and critical labor to the examination of American masterworks. more >>

The Evangelical Manifesto: What It Means

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - May 13, 2008

An important new statement says theological principles should trump policy preferences. more >>

The Reverend Wright Controversy Draws Attention to the United Church of Christ

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - May 9, 2008

The UCC leadership, embracing controversy, welcomes debate over its liberal stands. more >>

Does Wright Represent Black Church-Goers?

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - May 2, 2008

Two leading experts share their diverging views. more >>

Why Islamic States Would Be Bad for Muslims

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - May 1, 2008

Defining 'sharia' is crucial to finding a healthy place for religion in Muslim nations. more >>

The Pope Praises Catholic Educators

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - April 18, 2008

The pontiff offered encouragement, not ultimatums on "minimal Catholicity." more >>

Pope Warns Bishops Against Creeping Secularism

By Jay Tolson - Nation & World - April 17, 2008

Speaking to bishops, the pontiff makes a strong defense of faith in a secular world. more >>