The Witness of Sinners — An interview with Jennifer McBride at Wartburg College who evaluates the way Christians have engaged public life and offers an alternative vision grounded in the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
The Christian Intellectual
The Christian Intellectual — A thoughtful column by R.R. Reno, editor of First Things, on the vocation and character of the professor who is a Christian. Among other themes, Reno notes the tension of our work being both conventional and peculiar and the importance of each.
The Alcohol Discussion: Redux
The Alcohol Discussion: Redux — A brief update on shifting views and practices regarding alcohol that touches on several topics including tolerance on Christian campuses, the temperance movement, drunkenness, craft breweries, and biblical texts.
When I Die: Lessons From the Death Zone
When I Die: Lessons From the Death Zone — In this 9 min. video, Philip Gould shares his thoughts and insights as he confronts his impending death from oesophageal cancer. Filmed during the last 2 weeks of Philip’s life, this intimate portrait reveals his quest to find purpose and meaning in what he called “the […]
Views on End-of-Life Medical Treatment
Views on End-of-Life Medical Treatment — A growing minority says that medical professionals should do everything possible to save a patient’s life in all circumstances. the share of the public that says doctors and nurses should do everything possible to save a patient’s life has gone up 9 percentage points since 2005 and 16 points […]
Two Inventories on Moral Response and Reasoning
Two Inventories on Moral Response and Reasoning – These two unrelated sources offer a variety of topics, features, and examples that might be used in various disciplines from genetics to philosophy. Radiolab Season 2/Episode 3, Morality, includes several vignettes of the current usual topics in science and morality. The Evolution of Conscience from First Things […]
Eight Landmark Church-State Supreme Court Decisions
Eight Landmark Church-State Supreme Court Decisions — As the Supreme Court struggles in Greece v. Galloway to decide just how “religious” prayers at public meetings can be, here is a starter list of past decisions that continue to inform the Christ-and-culture relationship in the U.S.
The Princess Bride, Revenge, and Justice
The Princess Bride, Revenge, and Justice — “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” From a movie known to many, here is a possible starter article on the Biblical theme of justice, Lev. 19:18, and the role–valid and invalid–of violence.
New Christian Voices: Lila Rose
New Christian Voices Series: Lila Rose — Catholic pro-life activist Lila Rose has gained attention for her covert investigations of Planned Parenthood while still in college. This 9 minute video may provide content for a unit starter, a focus for pro- and con- discussion, or a case study for journalism, social activism, the culture wars, […]
Malcolm Gladwell: the Unheard Story of David and Goliath
Malcom Gladwell: The Unheard Story of David and Goliath — A 16 min. TED Talk from popular writer and speaker Malcolm Gladwell who offers his take on the event from 1 Samuel 17. Possibly useful for content in literature, hermeneutics, the sciences, and the psychology of perception.
