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.
Has the World Devoured the Word in American Lutheranism? This assessment by Robert Benne, seasoned author and commentator in the Lutheran tradition, offers some observations about the Lutheran scene and our sustaining a presence in the world with rather than without God’s word.
Classical Conflict: Education profs and students may find this overview of the classical model in Christian schools and charter schools informative. Will classical public charter schools lure Christian parents away from schools that acknowledge Christ as the center of all things? “Just like classical Christian schools, the charters aim to teach students to embrace truth, goodness, […]
Three features, three editorials, book reviews, and an inventory: In this edition, we look outside Lutheran teaching and consider the issues of the Christian’s involvement in public schools as a student, parent, teacher, or administrator. With our parochial history in mind, a reader might well ask, “So why is such a publication as this spending effort on public […]
No Protestants on the Court: This essay considers whether and how the religious orientation of the Supreme Court justices may or may not influence the court’s use of the “compelling interest” test when adjudicating cases that involve religious liberty. Use of this and the other usual tests of “substantial burden” and “least restrictive” depend on […]
Proofs of God: Classical Arguments from Tertullian to Barth by Matthew Levering (Baker, 2016) — Levering covers twenty-one theologians and philosophers from the early church to the modern period, examining how they answered the critics of their day. He also shows the relevance of the classical arguments to contemporary debates and challenges to Christianity.
Remarks on “The Future of Religious Liberty” at the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention: Richard Garnett, law professor at the University of Notre Dame, provides this brief assessment on the post-election shifting ground of religious liberty. He offers “one big-picture idea, two reasons for cautious optimism, and three causes for concern” that can help profs, students, […]
Among the numerous responses among Christians to the 2016 presidential election, these two from Alan Sears at the ADF and Jim Wallis at Sojourners can help students consider distinctly different views. Doing so can serve as an intro to or continuance of discussion about God’s two kingdoms and the Christ-and-culture perspectives. Alan Sears: We Have […]
Finding God in the U.S.A. — As Chinese international students flood U.S. high schools and universities, many are learning about Christianity for the first time, and sometimes embracing it. Full-blown conversions to Christianity come by the handful, not the busload. Changing minds and hearts often takes significant time, investment, and hospitality.
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.
Join the Anti-Revolutionary Party: This edition of Comment considers the strategies of revolution or reform. “What has been eclipsed in our revolutionary age is precisely a robust vision for reform as a wise, strategic, faithful pursuit of justice and the common good. There might be ways to effect change that don’t require scorched earth, all-or-nothing re-engineering […]
