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-Question Doctrine: This essay argues that the source of judicial inconsistency in applying the U.S. religious-question doctrine is confusion about whether the doctrine protects a free-exercise right held by religious individuals and groups against government interference, or is instead an anti-establishment immunity stemming from a structural disability on government (and especially judicial) action with respect […]
Headed toward Christ: This essay, quite readable for students, addresses narrative views about progress, randomness, history, and nature. It also serves as an example of drawing together convergent themes to examine a complementary approach to science and religion with Christ as the end or telos of nature and history. Much to agree and disagree with along […]
Why Justice Divides Us: The Bible’s “justice”—God’s justice—means something quite different from what we usually think. In ordinary conversation justice stands opposed to mercy. It is not a word filled with grace, but with law. If you do good, justice will reward you. If you do evil, justice will bring you the punishment you deserve. Many […]
The Rage Against God: an Interview with Peter Hitchens — Peter Hitchens, a British journalist who writes for The Mail, is the author of six books and an articulate Christian. His late brother, Christopher Hitchens, was one of the radical atheists in the popular media. Provided with a little background, students can compare and contrast […]
Book Talk of Possible Interest: The ADF legal Christian advocacy group is featuring this new title in a book talk with the author: You Will Be Made to Care by Erick Erickson (Regnery, 2016). Faculty and students can consider and weigh the author’s views and points: “Religious liberty is under attack in America. Your freedom […]
Continue to Ponder Christian Soldiers: Here is the index to seven articles in the Christianity Today series which tries to set out the diversity and complexity of voices represented by our military personnel and their communities, which includes civilians. The aim is to begin conversations about the Christian soldiers in Scripture, worship, and theology, as well as the […]
The LGBT Politics of Christian Colleges: This article can serve as an artifact or indicator of how some writers in the popular press are characterizing Christian colleges and the LGBT culture shifts. Students can consider the sources cited, the sequence of the views, and the way the lead and the conclusion frame the discussion.
The Science of Injustice–a book review: Author and law professor Adam Benforado contends that injustice “is built into our legal structures,” and “its origins lie . . . within the mind of each and every one of us.” He argues against the Enlightenment view that we are rational beings in control of our thoughts and beliefs. Because […]
Should you retreat from the public square? More and more people are opting out of civic engagement. It’s a big mistake, says political science professor James Schall. His essay offers several options for students to consider, including what he calls the Aristotle option: “Aristotle is most helpful for us today in his description of what happens […]
President Harrison provides a Lutheran view of church and state: Matt Harrison, president of the LCMS, sent this open letter to clergy on matters of preaching and politics, voting, and engaging in the public square. Students can compare and contrast this position statement with the Christ-and-culture views and the practices in congregations and church bodies.
