Items included on this page come from a variety of sources. The perspectives conveyed may or may not express a Lutheran ethos. They can serve our instruction as discussion-starters, examples (positive and negative), and illustrations of intersections between God’s two kingdoms, intersections sometimes characterized by tension, sometimes by congruence. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.
New Gene-Editing Techniques Hold the Promise Of Altering The Fundamentals Of Life: See the archives for other CRISPR articles. This 45 min audio provides a helpful overview of the concept and technique. At 20 min. in, find an important discussion on nature that can inform a theology of creation and anthropology. Students need to know […]
Radio Lab on Blood: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (Lev. 17:11). This 1 hr. program offers a variety of vignettes on blood with […]
Faith Informing Competitive Youth Athletes in Christian Schooling: How do students use religious faith to inform their actions in competitive sport? This qualitative study critically reflects on this question based upon the thinking processes and experiences of 15-year-old participants who reported a complex, competitive environment where they integrate, overlook, and avoid their faith as a means to […]
Bethlehem’s Holy Family Hospital: This brief 2 min. video introduces Holy Family Hospital, just up the hill from the Church of the Nativity. The medical staff is primarily Christian, most of the patients are Muslim, but the hospital serves everyone, especially mothers, their newborn babies, and all children who need special care.
Women’s Mental Health and Well-being 5 Years After Receiving or Being Denied an AbortionA Prospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study — Here is the JAMA study on whether there are associations between having or being denied an abortion with women’s mental health and well-being. Students can study the research and assess it for methodology, reports on it from […]
Should I Lie About My Beliefs to Get Health Insurance? — Students can untangle the issues, assumptions, and inferences of this op-ed piece that asks, “If you could save your family $8000 next year simply by signing a statement affirming belief in principles you find repugnant, would you?” The comment section is as instructive as […]
“Man of Steel” Brings Muscular Message to Oppose Right-to-Die Legislation: in 2014, J.J. Hanson was diagnosed with a quickly growing brain tumor. He was given four months to live. More than two years later, Hanson is still alive. And he has positioned himself as the new face of a movement fighting against legislation that will give aid […]
Most Americans Say Assisted Suicide is Morally Acceptable: Two-thirds say it is morally acceptable for terminally ill patients to ask their doctors for help in ending their lives and that doctors should be able to help terminally ill patients die. Americans want more say over how they die. That’s especially true if facing a painful, terminal […]
What you need to know about Colorado’s new Aid in Dying law: Coloradans have passed Proposition 106 by a wide margin (2/3 majority), authorizing certain individuals to receive medical aid in dying if they meet several requirements. Here are some answers to questions about the process from the Denver Post.
This Is My Body: How Christian Theology Affects Body Image — People who consider their body “fearfully and wonderfully made” (in the words of Psalm 139) are significantly more likely to feel good about their bodies, according to a new study. However, believers who consider the body to be basically sinful are more likely to be […]
