Faith and Law
165 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsOver the past 30 years, Faith and Law has brought a wide variety of distinguished speakers to address contemporary political and cultural issues for the benefit of congressional staff.
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Episodes
Christians after Christendom: Our Present Challenge
April 02, 2024 18:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBThe 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
2026 and the 250th anniversary of the American revolution: Is this America’s expiration date or a challenge to renew the great experiment in freedom?
March 12, 2024 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBDeclinism 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 topi...
Is Renewal Possible? Peering past outrage, war and critique
February 29, 2024 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBWe 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 politi...
The Spirit of Our Politics
February 20, 2024 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBThe 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 quara...
Agency vs Equity: An Empowering Alternative to the Victimhood Narrative
January 31, 2024 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBEvery 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
Trials and Tribulations of Living an Ethical Life on Capitol Hill 2024
January 24, 2024 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBFaith and Law hosted our yearly panel discussion with Capitol Hill veterans to explore ethical issues encountered by Hill staff, especially as they reach senior leadership positions. Panelists including John Cusey, Melika McKinnis, and John Shelton shared their stories of success and failure as they navigated the complicated ethical waters of the Hill. The discussion was moderated by Bill Wichterman, President of the board of Faith and Law. Due to technical issues with one of the hearing ro...
Why Should Our Leaders Care About Human Flourishing?
January 03, 2024 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBAs a leader of the largest ever global study on human flourishing, Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University, joined us to discuss why a "focus on flourishing" is important for all policymakers whatever their political party. In conversation with Pepperdine School of Public Policy Dean Pete Peterson, Dr. Johnson went beyond the theoretical to reveal what...
The Global Fight to Protect People from Slavery and Violence
December 13, 2023 15:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBGary Haugen's firsthand experience investigating systemic human rights abuses helped him recognize a troubling pattern: people living in the world’s poorest communities experienced constant physical danger because their local justice systems weren’t equipped to defend them from the violence they faced every day. Haugen was told that this would never change, but he believed otherwise, leading to the founding of International Justice Mission (IJM). Since 1997, IJM's reach has expanded globally...
Western Civilization: Is It Worth Defending?
November 28, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBThe American political order, and the civilization from which it emerged, are under unprecedented assault—from both the political Left and the New Right. Yet the ideals and institutions that have shaped Western Civilization—concepts such as individual freedom, natural rights, and belief in a loving God—have made profound contributions to human flourishing. Dr. Joseph Loconte, Presidential Scholar in Residence at New College of Florida and the C.S. Lewis Scholar for Public Life at Grove City ...
The Roots of the American Founding and the Seeds of Renewal: How American Christianity Advanced Ordered Liberty
November 21, 2023 18:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBMark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy joined us to discuss how Dutch and English Whiggish principles birthed by Anglo Protestantism created ordered liberty and self government. These principles are not static but dynamic. And once shaping society they are not easily erased. Confidence about tomorrow can come if we recall and better live out these principles. They remind us that we each bear God’s political image and are stewards of His creation. And they point us ...
A Note on Social Justice: What Kind of Justice Isn’t “Social”?
November 01, 2023 15:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBIn our day, "social justice" is a loaded term. While it is easy to agree that every relationship carries responsibilities -- friend and friend, business and client, government and people -- identifying the terms and principles of those responsibilities is a trickier task. What makes one party a giver and another a receiver? When injustice abounds, who is to blame? Is it correct to associate "social justice" with an image of the people pressing its government for goods and services? Dr. Russ...
Artificial Intelligence and Other Idols
October 26, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBV. Bradley Lewis, Associate Professor Philosophy at Catholic University, and Jonathon Askonas, Assistant Professor of Politics at Catholic University, engaged in an interview-style discussion on the current standing, risks, and allure of artificial intelligence. Support the show
Bioethical Challenges and Exploiting Nascent Human Beings
September 27, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBThe development of medical treatments often requires use of human subjects, as well as human cells and body parts as models of human systems, to investigate mechanisms of action and to test therapeutics. Biotechnology has provided many successful therapies for previously intractable conditions, but also increasingly complex techniques that can alter what it means to be human and blur ethical lines. When we consider stem cells, cloning, gene editing, human-animal chimeras, organoids, embryoid...
The Politicization of Literally Everything: Christian Leadership in the Age of Purity Tests and Cancel Culture
September 20, 2023 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBThe divisions in America increasingly create an environment where everything is political, and the places in society where people who disagree can come together are dwindling as a result. How does our faith act as a compass to guide us through this culture of litmus tests and virtue signalling? When our culture wants us to pick sides and put our faith in politics, how do we lead a different way? Andrew Hanauer, President and CEO of the One America Movement, joined us to discuss how to rejec...
The New Fight for Life: Roe, Race, and a Pro-Life Commitment to Justice
June 22, 2023 18:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBFor over half a century, pro-life advocates have fought to protect the sanctity of human life. Now that the decision the pro-life community has been waiting and praying for has finally become a reality, a question remains: Now what? How do we continue to stand for life for everyone who bears the image of God—from womb to tomb? And if abortion disproportionately impacts the poor and the marginalized, specifically Black Americans, why should we seize this new opportunity to make right what has...
Compassion First: A Sensible Approach to America’s Homeless Crisis
June 13, 2023 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBFor nearly a decade, federal policies meant to address homelessness have centered around “Housing First,” which begins with an assumption that the crisis is driven primarily by a lack of affordable housing. But is it really? Studies show that most individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from severe addiction, untreated mental illness, or a combination of the two. Others end up on the streets because they have no one to turn to, typically owing to broken familial relationships. It’s time...
2023 Evening Forum: Capitol Hill Forty Years Later
June 08, 2023 15:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn celebration of 40 years of ministry on Capitol Hill, Faith and Law hosted a special panel discussion moderated by alumni Katherine Haley. The panel consisted of current Members of congress, representative Mike Johnson, representative Julia Letlow, and representative Adrian Smith, who shared stories about how their Christian faith has guided them to reflect Jesus to the Halls of congress, our nation, and around the globe. Support the show
Where Do We Go from Here? Life and Race in Post-Dobbs America
June 08, 2023 14:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBWhat do the pro-life and racial justice movements share in common? How can these shared values lead to greater advocacy and more effective outcomes in society. Gloria Purvis, Catholic author, commentator and the host and executive producer of The Gloria Purvis Podcast, joined us to discuss Life and Race in Post-Dobbs America. Before we begin playing the lecture, we’d like to apologize for the poor quality of the audio recording. We hope that you will still appreciate the insight shared by Mr...
No Coup, No Problem? Civil-Military Relations in an Age of Polarization
May 02, 2023 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBCivil-military relations have often been tense and the current age of high political polarization poses particular challenges to maintaining healthy civil-military relations. Dr. Peter Feaver, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Duke University and former Special Advisor on the National Security Council during both the Clinton and Bush administrations, joined us to review best practices in civilian control of the military in light of recent controversies and ongoing political...
Fostering Reentry Success: Advancing Second Chances in the 118th Congress
April 19, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBMore than one in three 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? What can our society do to reduce cycles of recidivism, addiction, and unemployment am...
Anxiety in our Lives and our Politics
April 04, 2023 13:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBAnxiety seeps into everything–into our own individual lives, relationships, and even our politics. As Christians, how might a transformed view of anxiety change the way we participate in politics? Curtis Chang demonstrates how anxiety is not a sin that should be prayed away, but how it is an opportunity to invite God into our individual and political lives in new and exciting ways. If you would like to learn more about how Christians are invited to experience anxiety differently, you can p...
Interview with Russell Moore and David French
March 29, 2023 14:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBFaith and Law Executive Director, Lauren Noyes was joined by special guest panelists Russell Moore and David French for a discussion on some of the issues of deepest concern to the Faith and Law community, including, life, religious liberty, and building unity in today's polarized political environment. Support the show
Pursuing Common Ground: How Religious Freedom is Vital for the Common Good
March 08, 2023 16:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBWhen it comes to religious freedom, should Christians support diversity or are there any limits to religious freedom? If so, what are those limits and how do we determine them in a diverse society? Stanley Carlson-Thies, Senior Director at the Center for Public Justice, Lauren Baas Residential Program Coordinator for the American Studies Program and Emily Fromke, Program Director at the Center for Public Justice joined us to discuss how Religious Freedom is Vital for the Common Good. Supp...
Fostering Trust: A Conversation on Police Training and Mental Health
March 01, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBEvery day, police officers step up to fill an irreplaceable role in the community, responding to neighbors in crisis. However, access to important and lifesaving training for officers is often limited—increasing the risk of excessive use of force and undermining officer well-being. How can federal, state, and local leaders foster more effective and ethical policing and crisis response strategies? Featured panelists included: Ernie Stevens, Deputy Division Director of Law Enforcement, The C...
How to love your country without being a nationalist
February 16, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MBJoseph Capizzi, Ph.D. in Theology, is the Executive Director of the Institute for Human Ecology and an Ordinary Professor of Moral Theology at The Catholic University of America. He has published widely on just war theory, bioethics, the history of moral theology, and political liberalism. Dr. Capizzi worked as a research fellow at the VADM James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2013 to 2014. Bradley Lewis, Ph.D. is Associate Dean and Associate Profe...
The Trials and Tribulations of Living an Ethical Life on Capitol Hill
February 01, 2023 15:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBFaith and Law will host a panel of Capitol Hill veterans to explore ethical issues encountered by Hill staff, especially as they reach senior leadership positions. Panelists will share their stories of success and failure as they navigated the complicated ethical waters of the Hill. Discussion will be moderated by John Palafoutas, co-founder of Faith and Law. Panelists include: Mark Epley, Partner at Arnold & Porter. Epley previously served as Senior Advisor and General Counsel, Office of ...
The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, The Cold War, and the World on the Brink
January 17, 2023 19:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBRonald Reagan’s strategy for a peaceful victory in the Cold War combined military, economic, information, and political pressure with diplomatic outreach – all undergirded by Reagan's Christian faith. Dr. William Inboden, Executive Director and William Powers, Jr. Chair at the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas-Austin joined us to discuss how Reagan’s strategy to defeat Soviet communism holds important lessons for America’s competition with China today. Suppo...
Winsome Conversations: Politics in the Midst of Polarization
December 06, 2022 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBCrossing the aisle has never been easy in politics, but in recent years it has been increasingly seen as an act of betrayal rather than an act of bridge-building. Unfortunately, the same is true of disagreements in many non-political realms. Polarization has found its way into our churches, communities, and even our families. In today's argument culture, is there any hope for restoring civil discourse? Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Rick Langer, co-directors of the Winsome Conviction Project, off...
Public Intellectuals, the Public Square and the Pursuit of the Common Good
November 22, 2022 16:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBWe 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 pres...
(When) Can Gossip be Just?
November 10, 2022 18:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBIt 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. Support the show
The Foundation of Human Trafficking and Current Policy Trends
October 04, 2022 20:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBFrom 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 under...
Our civilizational moment: The crisis of the West, the war of the worlds, and the faith required for our time
September 19, 2022 18:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBWestern 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 Am...
Child Care: Should the Government Pay for It?
July 21, 2022 15:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBIn 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 discu...
To Invent is Divine: How Strong Patent Rights Help Us to Reflect God's Innovative Nature
July 13, 2022 20:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBU.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, ...
Is Our Foreign Policy Good? American Moral Absolutism and the China Challenge
June 27, 2022 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBMany 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 arg...
The Church and a Polarized America
June 09, 2022 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBThe 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 th...
Serving Women and Children in a Post-Roe World
May 25, 2022 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBThere 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 ci...
Putin vs. Zelensky: Religion, Holy War, and Just War in the Current Crisis
May 18, 2022 19:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBMany 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. Support the show
The Missing Religious Center: How the Decline of Christianity Polarized America
May 06, 2022 20:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBFor much of American history, our country had no formally established church but it did have a soft religious establishment -- Protestant at first and then Judeo-Christian -- that shaped and grounded our national debates. In the 1960s and 1970s, the collapse of the Protestant Mainline dissolved that center, and our culture wars should be understood as the attempts by different forces to fill that void: Evangelicals and Catholics in the George W. Bush era, "awokened" progressivism today. Even...
Religious Liberty on Trial at the Supreme Court
May 02, 2022 20:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBReligious liberty is having another significant year at the Supreme Court. Luke Goodrich is VP & senior counsel at Becket, where he represents religious organizations and individuals in religious liberty disputes in courts across the country, including in the Supreme Court. Mr Goodrich broke down the religious liberty cases at SCOTUS this term--from school choice (Carson v. Makin), to public prayer (Kennedy v. Bremerton School District) to religious symbols on government property (Shurtle...
Criminal Justice Reform: Advancing a Culture of Second Chances
April 11, 2022 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBIn celebration of Second Chance Month, we partnered with Prison Fellowship to gather a panel of experts, law enforcement leaders, and directly impacted voices for a discussion around improving outcomes among the one in three American adults with a criminal record. We are excited for this opportunity to dive into ways to advance second chances, thoughtful alternatives to incarceration, and success in reentry. Support the show
The Imago Dei and Culture
March 28, 2022 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBThe central question of this cultural moment, the one behind the most difficult issues we face as a society, is what does it mean to be human. Who are we? What is our value? What is our responsibility to one another? The vision of humanity at the heart of the Christian story is true and good, the most compelling account of who we are, and the best opportunity for Christians to offer life and hope to individuals, communities, and cultures. John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson ...
The Dobbs Case: Is abortion a "right" without a constitutional foundation?
March 23, 2022 16:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBIn 1973 in Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court found an implied right to abortion in the Constitution. By the end of this term in June, it will rule on a case - Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Women's Health Organization - that challenges the continuing validity of that holding. Professors Helen Alvaré of George Mason Scalia School of Law and William Saunders of The Catholic University of America will discuss the prospects for overturning Roe. Below are three readings that will provide background to t...
We the Fallen People: Redefining Ourselves for a Healthier Democracy
February 28, 2022 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBAbandoning the view of human nature that guided the country’s Founders, Americans for two centuries have justified democracy on false and romantic grounds. We think too highly of ourselves, and this comforting misperception magnifies our partisan polarization, intensifies our frustration with democratic institutions, and heightens our susceptibility to authoritarianism. A necessary first step to a healthier democracy will be to redefine ourselves as “We the Fallen People.” During this Frida...
Religious Freedom in Healthcare: Can we both serve the poor and protect Christian doctors and nurses?
November 19, 2021 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBFederal law protects the civil rights of medical conscience and religious freedom in health care. These defend the rights of medical professionals, clinics, hospitals, and other health care entities who refuse to participate in specific medical procedures or health care activities, based on moral objections or religious beliefs. In recent years, advocates and politicians have been trying to pressure health-care providers to compromise their convictions and compel them to perform procedures o...
Christian Political Judgment
November 19, 2021 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBHow should Christians arrive at political positions? How does Biblical political judgement differ from secular judgement? Is there a place to exercise Biblical judgment at all in our modern politics? Dr. Micah J. Watson of Calvin University and Dr. David Corey of Baylor University discuss Scripture, faith, and reasoning by natural law. Support the show
U.S. Immigration Policy: Can we achieve safety, security, and compassion?
October 15, 2021 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBThe United States is facing a moral crisis prompted by rapid increases in cross-border migration and global displacement. For too long, the debate around immigration policy has been framed with false choices that have resulted in political stalemates at a great human cost. Crisis after crisis, Americans are asked to choose between security and unbridled compassion. Is there a better way to safeguard our immigration system while welcoming the stranger? Daniel Garza is the president of the L...
Forget Me Not: Supporting Those Impacted By Reproductive Loss with Michaelene Fredenburg
September 26, 2021 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBOn the eve of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, it is appropriate to reflect on how public policy, current healthcare protocols, and our own lack of understanding can compound the trauma of the loss of a child and contribute to prolonged grief reactions. In addition to gaining a better understanding of the unique obstacles facing bereaved parents and their families, we will discuss evidence-based reproductive grief care best practices that can be employed individually and corporatel...
The Calling to Servant Leadership: Distinctives and difficulties of a Christian understanding of leadership in today’s world
September 13, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBAmerica’s national and international crises have thrown a stark spotlight on leadership, and shown up once again the strong differences between secular views and Christian views. But what are the defining features of a biblical view of leadership? How do we ensure that servant leadership is more than a cliché? How do we make our distinctive dimensions of leadership real in these turbulent times? Os Guinness is an author and social critic. Great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the D...
Finding your path: A Conversation with Congressman Mike Johnson
July 30, 2021 22:00 - 56 minutes - 34.2 MBMany young professionals have sought answers to the important question: “How exactly do I discern God’s will, and determine what life and career path to take in the days ahead?” While countless responses to this question have been suggested and published, the biblical answer is profoundly simple and truly liberating. Join Congressman Mike Johnson as he presents the answer that may change your life and perspective in dramatic ways. Congressman Mike Johnson is a Republican member of Congress...