Faith and Law

We are at a crossroads in the US on many fronts, including the intersection of sound logic with pressing concerns. Throughout our history we have had men and women with tremendous influence speak into contemporary issues through their thought, whether manifest in writing or speaking. We are navigating an era in which many have tried to discard the law of noncontradiction. The very humanities basis for life’s important questions is considered suspect as educational institutions are under pressure. We indeed can learn from the steps of public intellectuals with transferable lessons for such a time as this. 

Dr. Jerry Pattengale’s recent book, Public Intellectuals and the Common Good, is one glimpse of these lessons, accenting his decade long project and book in progress, Borrowed Intelligence: Learning in the Shadows of Geniuses.

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It is difficult to know when to share information with others, especially when that information damages another person's reputation. The challenge is especially acute for those who work on the Hill, where information is currency. In this talk, Dr. Anderson developed an 'ethics of gossip' that both challenges our tendency toward "loose lips" and guides us toward knowing when and how to share damaging information about third parties.

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From the private to the public sectors, there is consensus that modern slavery exists and that it is wrong; yet around the world, prosecutions, victim identification, and quality victims services are all in decline. It is an urgent problem and demands our attention and action—but how do we solve human trafficking and other human rights issues today? 

Ambassador John Cotton Richmond joined us for a conversation on modern slavery and current trends. He spoke about why cultivating a deep understanding of inherent human dignity provides common ground and hope for policymakers collaborating across the political aisle in advancing human rights, stopping perpetrators, and protecting victims through thoughtful and wise actions and policies.

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Western civilization is said to be the most powerful civilization the world has ever seen, because of its truly global impact. But two things are now obvious. The West has dominated the world for the past 500 years, and a mounting chorus of voices are now saying the West is in decline. Not only is the Christian faith at the heart of the understanding of this ‘civilizational moment, but the crisis of the West is the wider context in which we need to understand the present challenges within America.

Author and Social Critic Os Guinness joined us for a Friday Forum Lecture. 

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In light of the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and our ongoing challenge to continue pushing for policies that protect and uphold the lives of mothers and of their born and pre-born children, should Christians all the more support (rightly designed) federal subsidies for child care and preK?

Stanley Carlson-Thies, founder and senior director of the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, and Stephanie Summers, CEO of the Center for Public Justice joined us to discuss when and how—if ever—should faith-based organizations accept government support to serve their neighbors? 

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U.S companies are the driving force behind global innovation and the advancement of emerging technologies. A deeper understanding of God’s creativity and our roles as image-bearers can help Christians working on Capitol Hill shape policy that will encourage ingenuity and maintain America's technological cutting-edge while protecting intellectual property.

Phoebe Miles, co-founder of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention and daughter of the inventor of Gatorade and Dr. James Edwards, former Hill staffer and consultant on intellectual property discussed how the Creation Mandate and Common Grace relate to human innovation and human flourishing.

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Many Americans frame frictions with China not only as a set of conflicting interests to be managed, but as a decisive battle between Democracy and Autocracy, between Good and Evil. In this formulation, our interests are often equated with the maintenance of our power and our power is viewed in millenarian terms. This tendency is baffling not only to our adversaries, but to our allies as well. Why do we lean on normative language whenever we feel threatened? And how can we make convincing arguments about the threat of Chinese Communist Party governance in a complex, skeptical world that does not view the United States as a moral exemplar and or the last hope of Christendom?

Robert Daly, Director of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars joined us to discuss this timely topic.

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The toxic divisions, cancel culture and partisan hatred that continue to grip America are a challenge not just for our country but for our faith. Many churches are divided, while many Christians are selecting out of churches they've been a part of for a long time to find a church that more fully lines up with their political views. More than a third of pastors have considered quitting their ministries. But faith is also the answer to our polarization.

Andrew Hanauer, President and CEO of the One America Movement joined us to discuss this timely and important topic.

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There is much public outcry about the Supreme Court's leaked draft majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. Passions are high on both sides of this issue, further fracturing an already divided nation. However, there is one thing that both proponents and opponents of Roe can agree on -- women and children deserve to be empowered with real options and comprehensive care.

Studies have shown that approximately 75% of pregnant women seeking abortion would prefer to parent if their circumstances were different. We partnered with Human Coalition to discuss pro-birth and pro-life solutions that can help make abortion unnecessary and unthinkable.

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Many have missed the deep religious significance of Russia’s recent wars, from the “holy war” against ISIS in Syria to recovery of sacred spaces in the Crimea. Dr. Eric Patterson of the Religious Freedom Institutewill identify key features of Russia’s religious diplomacy across the Orthodox world and key religious aspects of Russia’s geo-politics, from Purim’s necklace to Ukrainian denominationalism.

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