Faith and Law

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.

In a polarized world, where the public square has become increasingly hostile, how do we continue to make progress on the things we are called to build? Is it even possible to build anything at the moment?With a strong track record of working under challenging circumstances to bring about societal change, Baroness Philippa Stroud, Member of the House of Lords and a leading public influential in the UK,  identified the steps needed to renew culture, starting with healthy institutions. Drawing on her work with the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Stroud discussed how policymakers can foster changes in society that ensure that citizens can take hold of the opportunities in front of them and develop the personal resilience to serve over decades. Support the show

Dr. Matthew Mehan, an Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Government at Hillsdale College, offers profound insights on how love intertwines with law. He reflects on the wisdom of biblical texts and Cicero, highlighting how gratitude shapes community values. The discussion spans topics like the role of love in contemporary legal debates, such as the 1619 Project and marriage rights. He also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Empire and modern societal values, emphasizing the necessity of benevolence and moral integrity in law.

Over 70 million adults in the U.S. have a criminal record. These individuals face over 44,000 government-imposed barriers to work, housing, education, and civil rights that limit their efforts to become responsible stewards of their families and communities. How can churches, businesses, law enforcement, and policymakers better unlock second chances for Americans who have paid their debt to society?A panel of experts from Prison Fellowship joined us for a conversation about the importance of strategies that protect public safety and promote success for individuals with a criminal record.Support the show

In the United States – and, indeed, around the world – changing demographics reflect a steadily aging population. As families grow smaller and more far-flung and as care costs escalate, conversations about elder care are complex and, often, heart breaking. While in the past it was generally presumed that care of elders was a family obligation, today that is less often the norm. Public policy makers who navigate this complex arena have decisions to make as to whether policy should be viewed as a way to replace the care once provided by families, as a scheme to assist families in providing this care, or a blend of both.Lucia Silecchia, Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty Research at The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law joined us to discuss the ways in which subsidiarity can be a critical part of these urgent conversations. Support the show

The days of Christianity providing a unifying moral vision for our culture (Christendom) are over.  Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, Chairman of Ligonier Ministries joined us to discuss how Abraham Kuyper anticipated this contemporary problem facing American Christians and can help us develop a persuasive and public Christian program.Support the show

Declinism is in the air in certain circles, and it coincides with the conclusion of some historians that 250 years is roughly the lifespan of great superpowers. How do Christians understand such cyclical views of history, and what are the genuine grounds for confidence in the possibility of renewal. Christians are not called to be Pollyannas, but what should our realistic position be?Os Guinness, Anglo-Irishman, author, and social critic, joined us to discuss this timely and important topic.Support the show

We live in times when low-grade nihilism simmers just beneath the surface of everyday conversation, the desire for impact birthed in secular zeal soon stymied by chokeholds of institutional breakdown and pixelated trust. We call out injustice in public but feel squeamish about acknowledging our contributions to it. We text expressions of care to one another but lack the creativity to prove it off-screen. We feel exhausted by the ever-accelerating pace of modern life, by performative politics, by the cultural demand to keep up appearances and continually refine our own identities. Cynical indifference is tempting an entire generation of young adults.Even as we long for experiences of beauty, transcendence, and meaningful co-creation have we lost the ability to find the quiet space required to discern the movement of God?Anne Snyder, editor-in-chief of Comment magazine, joined us to explore a series of principles that can field regeneration, bear fruit, and change history’s direction for the better.Support the show

The kind of people we are, has much to do with the kind of public life we have. Spiritual formation is central to civic renewal. Michael Wear, Founder, President and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, joined us to share ideas outlined in his new book, The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life.He encouraged us to consider reframing how we view our political involvement as Christians, why who we are in our political life is not quarantined from who we are in "real life," and how we can seek a gentler, healthier politics, all while living and working on Capitol Hill.Support the show

Every child is capable of being an agent of their own uplift provided they are given the resources to inform the decisions that will make them successful adults. Ian Rowe, Sr. Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute discussed four factors that are crucial for children to overcome the victimhood narrative and discover their pathway to power: family, religion, education, and entrepreneurship.Support the show