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.
A Baby With 3 Genetic Parents Seems Healthy, But Questions Remain: A new report describes in further detail both the technique and the participants in the recent birth of a healthy boy with the blended DNA of the birth mother, father, and an unrelated female donor. This event has prompted numerous ethical and scientific questions. See also […]
Civil Procedure and the Ministerial Exception: Courts should approach the procedural questions left open by Hosanna-Tabor in light of the underlying justification for the ministerial exception. The exception reflects a longstanding constitutional limitation on the competence of courts to resolve “strictly and purely ecclesiastical” questions. To conclude that the exception operates as an affirmative defense […]
God and the Secular Legal System by Rafael Domingo (Cambridge University Press, 2016). This book offers a theistic approach to secular legal systems, systems that are neither agnostic nor atheist. It covers a range of liberal legal approaches to religious and moral issues and subjects them to critical scrutiny from a secular perspective. Essentially a defense […]
New ESPN guidelines recognize connection between sports, politics: An ESPN editor comments on new policy from ESPN on reporting and politics and social issues. Students will be challenged by unpacking the concerns, issues, and ensuing practices as well as by where religion fits into the guidelines.
The Target boycott cost more than anyone expected — and the CEO was blindsided: Target triggered a nationwide boycott last year over same-sex restrooms by a single company blog post without the CEO’s go-ahead. The boycott cost millions in lost sales and added expenses. This article may be a useful case study in presumed wisdom, ethics, company […]
‘You Can’t Give In’: Monty Williams On Life After Tragedy — This depth story discusses in detail the circumstances of the NBA coach and his struggle through the death of his wife from a criminally horrific auto collision to arriving at that peace that passes all understanding. Students in various courses may find this article […]
The World’s First Christian Country? This photo-and-narrative spread from the BCC explores Armenia as the first Christian country, officially embracing Christianity in 301 A.D. Armenia is still 95% Christian by demographics.
Parsonage and Prophecy: The Reformation opened up new doors for women—and closed many others. Women’s roles in the church shifted, subtly but certainly, as Katherine von Bora Luther’s had done—away from the church itself and into the home. It was the management of the clerical household, not the theological defense of clerical marriage and an egalitarian […]
Cracking the Gender Code: Douglas Farrow at McGill University has been developing some concise discussions on the gender identity language and perspectives. Students can assess his efforts in this article and in a piece at First Things titled The Right to Be Yourself.
Hey Journalists: Who is the Face of the Religious Left? — This audio program seeks to examine the recent history of politics and religion, the labels for the factions, and the issues embedded in those factions and labels. Students might use this discussion to explore their own perceptions and what they hear in the news […]
