Dive into the innovative fusion of faith and law as the discussion uncovers how Christian values can transform legal practice. Explore the notion of law as a form of gardening, cultivating both society and personal growth. Delve into the moral responsibilities of lawyers, emphasizing pro bono work and community engagement. The conversation also tackles the ethical dilemmas of capital punishment and the balance of pride and humility in professional success. Finally, learn about the importance of gracious political dialogue in a polarized world.
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insights INSIGHT
Every Job Cultivates Culture
Every human being is called to develop culture by skillfully rearranging creation for human flourishing.
This applies broadly, from farming and music to law, as all work models human care and creativity.
insights INSIGHT
Law as Relational Gardening
Law is a means to foster relationships and harmony based on love by defining boundaries and serving others selflessly.
Even without sin, laws cultivate intimate cooperation by aligning actions with the will of others for mutual flourishing.
insights INSIGHT
Christians as Salt in Society
Christians act as 'salt of the earth,' preserving and enhancing culture to prevent moral decay and promote justice.
Cultural renewal involves encouraging integrity and justice without seeking to impose exclusively Christian dominance in society.
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power, interests, and conflict in the secularization of American public life
[name missing]
This book challenges the view that secularization in American public life was an inevitable outcome of modernization. Instead, it argues that the decline of religious authority was a deliberate achievement by cultural and intellectual elites seeking to control social institutions. The essays explore power struggles and ideological shifts in sectors like education, science, law, and journalism.
From Christian Civilization to Individual Civil Liberties
Framing Religion in the Legal Field, 1880–1949
David Sikkink
This chapter by David Sikkink explores how the legal field in the United States transitioned from a framework rooted in Christian civilization to one emphasizing individual civil liberties between 1880 and 1949. It is part of a broader discussion on secularization and its impact on American public life.
Shouting Fire
Civil Liberties in a Turbulent Age
Alan Dershowitz
In 'Shouting Fire: Civil Liberties in a Turbulent Age', Alan Dershowitz explores a wide range of civil liberties issues, from abortion rights to the separation of church and state. He argues that human rights are derived from past injustices, providing a unique perspective on the origins of rights. The book includes a selection of Dershowitz's most provocative writings on rights and justice.
Christian Perspectives on Legal Theory
Christian Perspectives on Legal Theory
Michael McConnell
Principles of Conduct
Principles of Conduct
Chuck Colson
Self-Reliance
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Published in 1841, 'Self-Reliance' is one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous essays. It advocates for individualism, urging readers to trust their own unique powers and intuition rather than conforming to societal norms. Emerson argues that true happiness and fulfillment come from living an authentic, self-reliant life, free from the pressures of conformity and institutionalized religion. The essay is a cornerstone of Transcendentalist philosophy, emphasizing themes such as nonconformity, the authority of the individual, and the importance of personal growth and self-trust[2][4][5].
Every Good Endeavor
Connecting Your Work to God's Work
Timothy Keller
In 'Every Good Endeavor,' Timothy Keller explores the biblical perspectives on work, addressing questions such as the purpose of work, finding meaning in a competitive workplace, and staying true to one's values while advancing in a career. The book is divided into three parts: God's plan for work, our problems with work, and the Gospel and work. Keller emphasizes that work is a gift from God and should be approached with excellence, integrity, discipline, creativity, and passion as acts of worship. He also highlights the importance of understanding work through a Christian worldview, which can provide a foundation for a thriving professional and balanced personal life.
Out of Africa
Isak Dinesen
Out of Africa is a lyrical memoir by Karen Blixen, written under the pen name Isak Dinesen. The book recounts her eighteen years in Kenya, detailing her experiences on a coffee plantation and her relationships with the local people and fellow expatriates. It is a poignant reflection on colonial life, love, and loss, structured as a series of anecdotes rather than a chronological narrative.
How can practicing the law be shaped by the Christian faith? And how can we reimagine lawyering?
If you’re reimagining the legal profession, you don’t want to just be a Christian who happens to also be a lawyer. You want the way you practice the law to be shaped by your faith.
For this reimagining, we need to understand three things from Christian theology: 1) that every human being is called to be a gardener, 2) that the law is a form of gardening, and 3) that you need to figure out your own idols.
This talk and Q&A was given by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 2, 2007. Series: Center for Faith and Work.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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