In recent weeks, several high-profile religious leaders—including Pope Francis, Billy Graham, and Russell Moore—have expressed concern that churches can get so involved with controversial social and political causes that other important aspects of ministry are neglected, relationships suffer, and basic common teachings are overshadowed. Is it time for faith leaders to tone down the activism and pull back from engaging in contentious "culture wars"?

Contributors include John Beckett, Joseph Bottum, Deborah Dykes, David French, Josh Good, and Valerie Hudson.

The Patheos Public Square is produced in partnership with Christianity Today and the Progressive Christian Initiative.