Do Strong Religious Beliefs Stifle Innovation? — Countries that are intensely religious are typically less innovative than those that aren’t, according to a new paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The study compares religious beliefs and belief in God with scientific innovation as measured by issuance of patents.
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.
"Open Book" by R. Marxhausen: the Bible, the book open to us all
Liturgy as a Public Event
Liturgy as a Public Event — The word, liturgy, comes from the Greek word, “to do a public work.” This article discusses an exchange occurring in the American evangelicals’ columns about worship, mission, and the nature of liturgy and may assist students with thinking about liturgy and the public square.
Notre Dame’s Core Curriculum Review
Notre Dame’s Core Curriculum Review — For multiple views, links, and references on the role of theology in general education at Notre Dame and the university’s review of its curriculum, see this interview regarding the theology courses in their core curriculum.
Religious Conservatives Complicit in No-fault Divorce
Religious Conservatives Complicit in No-fault Divorce — Ryan Macpherson, Professor of History at Bethany Lutheran College, maintains that religious and political conservatives are complicit in the rise of the “no-fault” divorce policies in the United States, which has led to the dissolution of countless families in America in the last 40-plus years.
Challenges and Opportunities After the Supreme Court Decision
Challenges and Opportunities After the Supreme Court SSM Decision — This four-point review of Douglas Laycock’s amicus brief notes that “we will see more challenges to religious student groups, religious universities, and religious social-service organizations” but also “an opportunity—an opportunity to offer a more credible witness to the world as we find it.”
Sex and Danger at UVA
Sex and Danger at UVA — An assessment of the chaotic sexual ethos on college campuses: “There are many ironies in the proposed remedies of surveillance and reeducation. One irony in particular stands out. The same persons who in their youth supported the liberation of the sexes from so-called Victorian inhibitions and morals are now […]
Philosopher Alva Noe Challenges Redefining God in the NPR Science Blog
Philosopher Alva Noe Challenges Redefining God in the NPR Science Blog — In 13.7, guest blogger Nancy Abrams suggest we rethink the definition of “God.” Professor Noe responds, questioning how this would work and what is to be gained.
Supreme Court SSM Hearings
Supreme Court SSM Hearings — Here are Nina Totenberg’s two NPR summaries on the court arguments in the same-sex marriage case: Deeply Divided and Hears Challenges. Here also is the SCOTUSblog summary page. And this WaPo review lists five issues considered in the arguments.
The Future of Reproduction and the Limits of Responsibility
The Future of Reproduction and the Limits of Responsibility — The New America Foundation’ conference on The Future of Reproduction presents several speakers. First Things commentator offers a critique and registers several concerns. Students can review and weigh the claims, perspectives, and world views.
Ryan Anderson’s Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage
Ryan Anderson’s Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage — This WaPo profile of a young Heritage Foundation scholar offers students am opportunity to assess the arguments of an opponent to gay marriage and whether those positions are credible and whether they can be influential.
