Items included for this subject area 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.
The Religious-Liberty Showdowns Coming in 2017: In 2017, Trump’s administration—backed by a Republican-controlled Congress—will take up pending religious-liberty questions in all three branches of government. Every issue will come saddled with this fundamental conflict: Some groups’ claims to religious liberty may necessarily involve curtailing the rights of others.
Am I a Christian, Pastor Timothy Keller? — This amiable exchange can alert students not yet inducted into the typical apologetics questions to what non-Christians and nominal Christians often ask about historically orthodox teachings. “What does it mean to be a Christian in the 21st century? Can one be a Christian and yet doubt the […]
Five Key Findings on Religion in the U.S. — Religion remains an integral part of most Americans’ lives. Gallup’s ongoing research shows how this has changed over time. Gallup data in 2016 show a leveling off in downward trends in church attendance, the importance of religion and the perception that religion is losing influence in society.
Becket Fund Helps Clergy Intervene In Parsonage Lawsuit: This somewhat breezy column discusses the minister of religion housing allowance and may serve as an example of how this 60 year-old congressional action is perceived by some. Plainly, a two-kingdoms topic.
10 Worst College Majors for Your Career: Here is the Kiplinger list for 2016. The list and its rationale is interesting as one way to consider what others–parents, students, colleagues–are reading, how such readings influences their perceptions, to what extent we want to factor this in to the college or high school’s identity and, if so, […]
A Bible Translation for Everyone? Released by the ABS in 1966, Good News for Modern Man—the TEV—was a cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful religious publications in American history. For 25 cents the public could read a Bible in plain English, representing an important chapter in the post–Protestant Reformation quest to make the Bible accessible […]
Preparing Global Leaders for a Religiously Diverse Society: In June, 2016, reps from ELCA colleges and universities met to participate in the Vocation of a Lutheran College Conference under the theme: “Preparing Global Leaders for a Religiously Diverse Society.” Most of the essays of this volume were first delivered at the Vocation conference last summer and address […]
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 […]
The REAL Data Revolution: A Gallup researcher summarizes the practices that produce several desired outcomes for undergrads. Read past his intro on consumer economics to consider these six features. Then consider if and how they may apply to Christian education and Lutheran higher education in particular.
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: The Triumph of Culture? In this study, Gifford Grobien traces the apparent triumph of the American culture’s view of marriage even within the church. In so doing, he hopes to raise awareness to how the church has let her defenses fall, and to begin to suggest ways that the church might rejuvenate […]
