Faith and Law

In a democratic society, differences and disagreements are inevitable—but they don’t have to lead to dysfunction. For leaders, especially those guided by faith, understanding pluralism is key to navigating tensions and fostering unity. Ben Klutsey, Executive Director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, will share insights on bridging divides and advancing the common good. Drawing from his experience growing up under military rule in Ghana and his research on pluralism, he will offer practical guidance on how to bring opposing perspectives together in today’s polarized political climate.Support the show

Byron Johnson, a distinguished professor at Baylor University and expert on social sciences, delves into the Global Flourishing Study. This groundbreaking initiative examines why some societies thrive while others struggle, focusing on the essential roles of faith, relationships, and emotional health. He discusses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to policymaking and highlights how mayors are eager to implement findings to enhance community well-being. Johnson emphasizes the transformative potential of faith-based initiatives, particularly in challenging environments like prisons.

In a riveting discussion, Heather Rice Minas, CEO of Prison Fellowship, highlights the importance of rehabilitation and community impact in addressing violence. Bill Murray, a former police lieutenant, emphasizes innovative policing strategies and the need for reliable data. Jason Olin from the Niskanen Center discusses criminal justice reform, while Mark Krupensky focuses on evidence-based policymaking. Together, they tackle the complexities of violent crime, advocating for community-driven solutions and comprehensive approaches to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety.

Secularists have failed spectacularly in their quest for a “naked public square”, devoid of religious values.  Christians enjoy a dominant presence in public life, especially civil government. But how has this extraordinary opportunity impacted politics and public policy?The Honorable Paul McNulty, the ninth president of Grove City College and co-founder of Faith and Law joined us to discuss the wisest road ahead for believers working in the public square.Support the show

Taylor Barkley, Director of Public Policy at the Abundance Institute, shares insights on the intersection of faith and technological advancement. He discusses the concept of radical optimism, envisioning a future enriched by AI and energy technologies. The conversation touches on the stewardship of abundance from a Christian perspective, navigating the ethical challenges of AI governance, and the necessity of cultural shifts in technology use. Barkley also highlights the importance of empathy in addressing job displacement and the complexities of regulating addictive technologies.

War in the Middle East has the entire world on edge. Here at home, the war is also contributing to America’s divisions, from anti-Semitism on college campuses to hate crimes against Arab Americans to a significant breakdown in Jewish-Muslim relations. What has a year of peacemaking among America’s faith groups looked like amidst those tensions? And what does a biblical call to peacemaking (Matthew 5:9) look like for Christians here in the US? Support the show

Mark Hall, speaker at the Faith and Law 2024 Leadership Conference and author of "Did America Have a Christian Founding?", dives deep into America's religious roots as it nears its 250th anniversary. He discusses the ongoing debate about the nation's Christian versus secular founding, revealing the significant role the Bible played in shaping key documents. Hall emphasizes how Christian principles influenced American governance, advocating for civic engagement rooted in faith. He highlights the historical implications of religion on liberty and equality movements.

Retired Brig. General John Teichert shares insightful reflections from his opening prayer and devotional at a leadership conference. He emphasizes the significance of embodying Christ-like qualities to create a meaningful impact. Teichert redefines leadership as a service-oriented approach, drawing from personal stories that illustrate humility and selflessness. He discusses the importance of maintaining calm in chaos and trusting obedience in adversity, while encouraging listeners to uphold their convictions with grace and integrity.

Dr. Yuval Levin, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the essence of unity within the Constitution. He argues that America’s real challenge lies in an overly legalistic interpretation rather than misunderstanding the document itself. Discussion includes the importance of coalition building in governance and reforms for broader election representation. Levin shares a personal story from a naturalization ceremony that reshapes understanding of American identity, advocating inclusivity to bridge political divides.

Join Elaine Petty, a policy panelist, Charmaine Yoest, a bioethics expert, and Dr. Bill Hurlbut, a physician and bioethicist, as they tackle the complex world of in vitro fertilization (IVF). They dive into the ethical challenges posed by IVF technologies, the implications of genetic manipulation, and the societal impact on fertility choices. The trio explores critical issues of human dignity, embryo rights, and the commodification of reproduction, ultimately questioning how these factors shape our understanding of life and ethics.