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.
Q&A: The Current State of Church-State Relations — This helpful discussion with law professor Howard Friedman, a careful observor of the immediate scene and larger picture, offers an informed overview of current church-state issues. Friedman is curator of Religion Clause, a regular source in this gallery.
The Great Good Thing: Andrew Klavan’s testimony — Among several interesting conversion testimonies in the past few years is a new book by a secular Jew, now baptized. This review provides access to and background on the book and the author’s story. Students may find it helpful in their generation of secular rationalism and its alternatives.
Texas pastor: ‘A classroom is a holy place of learning — not a marketplace of financial gain — This WaPo column considers an independent ministry and outreach group that comprises nearly 2,000 pastors and church leaders from across Texas and works to support public education. The executive director argues against using a business model in […]
Simul Iustus et Peccator and the Two Kingdoms: Steven Paulson examines the two kingdoms in light of the simul. Paulson highlights how the simul cuts against natural intuition and experience. By looking at the two kingdoms in light of the simul, Paulson identifies temptations to turn the church into an instrument for social action, a […]
Ten Reasons Why Theology Matters: This hit list might be useful for those who do not teach formal theology classes but seek to help students understand how theology intersects all that we teach. A few of the ten include 2. Because we can’t feel our way toward knowledge of God; 3. Because the Bible is […]
Create Freely: The ADF legal society has published this guide for artists, musicians, designers, artisans, and other creative professionals who seek guidance on managing the current tension between religious liberty and some forms of civil rights activism. See its p. 22 for “Five Practical Steps” every creative artist can take to protect themselves.
God and the genome: A geneticist seeks allies among the faithful: Is the human genome sacred? Does editing it violate the idea that we’re made in God’s image or, perhaps worse, allow us to “play God”? Harvard Geneticist Ting Wu’s Wu is making the case that one of the most visceral scientific debates of our time need not be […]
The Supreme Court and Religious Liberty: This readable article provides helpful background, analysis, and distinctions about religious liberty. The reader (student or instructor) will find a useful history and some thoughtful conclusions with reference to key cases and legal concepts. The reading can serve as a stand-alone piece or as an introduction to recent books […]
Desanctification of Law and the Problem of Absolutes: (Note: one free download allowed) Legal Scholar Jeremey Waldron reflects on the current breach between the application and practice of positive law and any of its sources in moral absolutes and in the sacred. “I am talking about modes of critical moralizing that seem natural, appropriate, and […]
On Paying a Price for Your Beliefs–the Benedict Option: Dreher’s concept of the Benedict Option is a strategy of Christian community that practices moderated withdrawal from the culture but remains as a distinct influence withing the local neighborhood and city. His views have received increased attention, some agreement, and some disagreement. Dreher explains what he means […]
