Faith and Law

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.

Dr. Jessica Moerman, a climate scientist and the President and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, dives into the vital connection between faith and environmental stewardship. She discusses the biblical mandate for caring for creation and humanity’s responsibility in addressing climate change. Moerman highlights how climate impacts maternal and child health, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable communities. She also counters misconceptions about environmental crises, framing them as a chance for Christians to engage in meaningful advocacy and justice.

Laura Wolk Slavis from Becket advocates for religious liberties, while Paul J. Ray of the Heritage Foundation offers insights on regulatory policies, and Rachel Morrison from the Ethics and Public Policy Center discusses the implications of recent legal changes. They delve into how the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Chevron deference impacts agency rules and religious freedom. The conversation also examines the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, highlighting conflicts between accommodations for pregnant employees and religious beliefs.

Marriage and fertility rates are lower than ever seen before in America’s history. This means that a record share of today’s young adults will never marry or have children. But the paradox is that men, women, and children in married families are much more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and financially than their peers who don’t enjoy that safety and stability.University of Virginia Professor Brad Wilcox of the Institute for Family Studies and American Enterprise Institute joined us to reveal what’s happening to marriage and family life, why these two institutions are losing ground, and what Washington can do to revive their fortunes in 21st-century America.Support the show

Disagreements are easy; productive disagreements require effort. But productive disagreements are the heartbeat of a healthy democracy, a healthy team, and even a healthy family. Dr. Rick Langer and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff of Biola University joined us for a look at productive disagreements and what they ask of our hearts as well as what they ask of our speech–both toward those on the other side and also toward our own in-groupSupport the show

Dr. Vince Bacote, a theology professor at Wheaton College, dives deep into the intricate relationship between creation and politics. He explores how Christians can engage responsibly in governance while embracing stewardship of the earth. The discussion highlights the significance of Jesus' incarnation and common grace in societal flourishing. Bacote encourages a proactive approach to community impact inspired by faith, emphasizing love for one’s neighbor amidst the complexities of political life, while promoting thoughtful self-examination within the Christian community.