This week, we are joined once more by our friend and comparative constitutional law expert from the mean streets of Padua—Andrea Pin. We discuss his brand new book from Brill entitled, Religious Freedom without the Rule of Law: The Constitutional Odysseys of Afghanistan, Egypt, and Iraq and the Fate of the Middle East (here). Whereby last time we s…

This week, we have a special guest from the University of Florida Levin College of Law—Christopher D. Hampson. Our topic is a good one: the cancellation of debt. To that end, Chris and I discussed his forthcoming article tentatively entitled Law and the Jubilee Tradition. Some of the things we spoke about was the jubilee tradition in the Old Testam…

This week, we have a special episode with a return guest of mine—Nicholas Aroney, who recently delivered the Sir John Graham Lecture in New Zealand. You can listen to that here or read it here. Nick and I talk about this lecture, entitled The Compass of Character, delving into questions relating to the definition of good character, the role that ca…

In this episode, I talk about a new book that models the ten habits that any peacemaker should adopt. The author is Steven T. Collis and the book is Ten Habits of a Peacemaker. For those wondering how this book compares to the work of Ken Sande’s The Peacemaker, the two are excellent companions. While Ken’s is more theological (LISTEN), Steven’s pr…

This week, I discuss a recent piece (here) in Touchstone Magazine with Adam J. MacLeod entitled “How Law Lost Its Way: An Abandoned Ruling Principle & How to Get It Back.” In it, Adam discusses the role of practical reason in the development of law and the change that took place after the Enlightenment toward a positivistic conception of law rooted…

This week, we enter the world of labor law theory — more specifically, the question of faith as it relates to the rights of workers. In this episode, I am joined by law professor Alvin Velazquez to talk about a paper (here) he presented at the St. Louis University School of Law Symposium focused on the question of workplace justice. We talk about h…

This week, we talk about an all too familiar topic for law students: contracts. In this episode, I am joined by law professor C. Scott Pryor to talk about his soon to be published paper in the Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics, and Public Policy: Person-Centered Pluralism About Contract Law (download here). Scott and I talk about the fundamentals o…

This week, we begin a new chapter in the life of the Cross & Gavel podcast, with a renewed effort to explore the interaction of Christianity and law. This new focus will be exclusive to the work being done by practitioners and academics in their field of knowledge, offering their small contributions to the great intellectual tradition that has made…

Joining me this week to talk about his brand new autobiographical work on prison ministry is Joe Ingles, who spent over 40 years ministering to prisoners on death row. His powerful book is called Too Close to the Flame: With the Condemned inside the Southern Killing Machine. RELATED CONTENT God's Law & Order - Aaron Griffith (Episode # 164) Second …

Joining me today to talk about her new book on extermisn is a former homeland security official, Elizabeth Neumann. Her book is called Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace, which looks at how we develop habits of extremism and how we can break the cycle. RELATED CONTENT Agents of Grace - Dan Darling (Episode #…

We have a very special episode today with David L. Bahsen about work and the meaning of life. His book, Full-Time, is a challeging and important contribution for resetting our worldviews to fully embrace our role as workers and Christians. I wrote a short introduction on the Cross & Gavel Substack (here) incorporating David's work with Matthew Kaem…

Joining me this week to talk about reconciliation and civil discourse is the author of Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved — Dan hosts the weekly podcast The Way Home, leads the Land Center for Cultural Engagement, and speaks at churches and conferences around the country. RELATED CONTENT Joy For The World - Greg Forster …

Joining me this week to talk a little church history and political theology is the author of Cultural Santificaiton: Engaging the World like the Early Church — Stephen O. Presley. Stephen is a senior fellow for religion and public life at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy (CRCD) and associate professor of church history at the Souther…

Joining me this week to talk about her new spiritual biography of J.R.R. Tolkien is Holly Ordway. She is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture at the the Word on Fire Institute and Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. Her other two books on Apologetics and Tolkien can be found here and here (respec…

In this week's discussion, David VanDrunen returns to the studio to talk about his new short companion on the natural law (buy here). David is the Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California (faculty page here). He has written a number of other popular books, ranging from Divine Covena…

In honor of Second Chance Month, we continue our conversation on criminal justice by focusing on the history of law and order in America. My guest today is Aaron Griffith—assistant professor of modern American history at Whitworth University and the author of God's Law & Order: The Politics of Punishment in Evangelical America. RELATED CONTENT This…

In honor of Second Chance Month, I am joined by the President of Prison Fellowship, Heather Rice-Minus, to talk ministry in cells and the work that remains to be done for reintroducing prisoners into normal life. Follow their work on their website, here. RELATED CONTENT This is our second episode on criminal justice this spring. Watch the first epi…

Joining me this week to talk about his brand new book, Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect, is John Inazu. He is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law & Religion and Professor of Political Science (by courtesy) (bio page). Also check out his Substack here. RELATED CONTENT Confi…

Joining me this week to talk about reforming criminal justice is the preeminent Christian thinker on matters of law and order, Matthew T. Martens. His new book, Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal, is an essential text for helping students and practitioners alike integrate their faith with the legal profession. Buy it here. This is the…

Joining me this week to talk a little jurisprudence is an Associate Professor at the Singapore Management University School of Law, Seow Hon Tan (faculty page). She is the author of the book Justice as Friendship: A Theory of Law (purchase), which looks at the idea of friendship and how it can help us formulate a more just legal system. RELATED CON…

The John Witte, Jr. Lecture Series on Christianity & Law is here! A new venture from Christian Legal Society aimed at advancing the conversation on the integration of Christianity & law. In our inaugural lecture inspired by the Dutch Golden Age painters, we venture into the future of Christian jurisprudence with John Witte, Jr. himself. His remarks…

Joining me in conversation on immigraiton and Christian character is Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine. He recently released the book When Prophets Preach: Leadership and the Politics of the Pulpit and published a shorter version in the JCLT (here) of his upcoming article with the Howard Law Journal entitled And Who is My Neighbor?: A Faith-Based Argu…

Joining me this week in our first episode of the new year is a renowed thinker and writer on constitutional theory and natural law, Hadley Arkes. Hadley is the Edward N. Ney Professor of Jurisprudence and American Institutions emeritus at Amherst College and the founding director of the James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Foun…

Joining me this time to talk The Abolition of Man on its 80th Anniversary is Joe Kohm, the C.S. Lewis Institute Vice President for Development and City Director for Virginia Beach. Check out their study guide here. I wrote an introduction to our conversation on our Substack here. The Namárië Forum ("go towards goodness") is an opportunity for us to…

In this special Christmas Day episode, I am joined by the President of the C.S. Lewis Institute to talk about all things Narnia and Lewis. Learn more about the Institute here. Check out the devotional resource Joel's recommends for studying the Series here. Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh D…

Joining me this week is a return guest and the author of a brand new (and final) book in the Ministry in a Secular Age Series—Andrew Root. His new book is The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms: Why Spiritualities Without God Fail to Transform Us [BUY]. For more information on Andy, check out his faculty page here. RELATED CONTENT 1. The Church…

In this episode of the Leadership Roundtable, we are joined by Zachary German of Arizona State University, who talks about the leadership prowess of Abraham Lincoln and how it relates to civic faith. Zack German is an assistant professor in the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership (SCETL). His research focuses broadly on American pol…

Joining me this week to talk about the love of learning within the life of faith is Matthew Lee Anderson. Matt is an assistant professor in Baylor University’s Honors College and the Associate Director of Baylor in Washington. He founded Mere Orthodoxy and co-hosts Mere Fidelity, a podcast on faith, theology, and ethics. His new book is titled Call…

Joining me this week to talk about the role of religion in the history of America is Mark David Hall, professor at the Regent University School of Government and the author of the brand new book Proclaim Liberty Through All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans. Check out his faculty bio for more. RELATED CO…

Joining me this week to talk about the history and development of the Establishment Clause is Nathan Chapman, the Pope F. Brock Professor of Law at the University of Georgia School of Law. He is the co-author of the new book with Michael McConnell entitled Agreeing to Disagree: How the Establishment Clause Protects Religious Diversity and Freedom o…

Joining me this week to discuss one the most consequetial cases in years on the freedom of association for religious groups is two Christian Legal Society attorneys, Kim Colby (Of Counsel) and Steve McFarland (Director, Center for Law & Religious Freedom). This case was years in the making and came out of the Ninth Circuit sitting en banc, which ga…

It is no secret that law students and attorneys exist in a stressful environment. The American Bar Association (ABA) has conducted a study that shows how this environment tends to contribute to high rates of mental health disorders and substance abuse. In an effort to face this challenge, LSM is proud to launch the Wellness Program—focused on provi…

Joining me this week to talk religious freedom and the culture at large is Tom Berg, the James L. Oberstar Professor of Law and Public Policy at St. Thomas School of Law. Tom has written approximately 75 book chapters and journal articles and dozens of op-eds and shorter pieces on religious freedom, constitutional law, and the role of religion in l…

Today, we conclude our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we head back to my time zone in speaking with a Canadian man of mystery, Douglas Farror. Our topic today is how the end times contributes to our understanding…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we return to Australia States and tackle the question of God's revelation and how it relates to constitutionalism. Our guest today is Iain Benson, professor o…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we return to the States and tackle the question of God's revelation and how it relates to constitutionalism. Our guest today is David VanDrunen — Robert B. St…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we discuss the essay from Li-ann Thio looking at the confluence of higher law and the rule of law. Li-ann is the provost chair professor of law at the Nationa…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we discuss the essay from Richard Ekins looking at the confluence of self-government and the Kingdom of Heaven. Richard is a Professor of Law and Constitution…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we discuss the essay from David McIlroy looking at the impact of Trinitarian theology for constitutionalism. David is Head of Chambers at Forum Chambers in Lo…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into PART II in the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with the former justice on the Constitutional Court of Colombia and now a professor at the University of Dayton S…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we discuss the essay from Dr. Joan Lockwood O'Donovan on the English Reformation, modernity, and public theology. Joan is an Honorary Reader at the University…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we discuss the essay from Professor John Witte, Jr. on the Protestant Reformers and their contribution to the development of constitutionalism. John is the Ro…

Today, we continue our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, we discuss the essay from Professor R.H. Helmholz on what the canon law can teach us about constitutionalism. Dr. Helmholz is the Ruth Wyatt Rosenson Distingu…

Today, we begin our summer series looking into the essays in a brand new volume entitled Christianity and Constitutionalism (Oxford University Press 2023) (PURCHASE HERE). In this episode, co-editor Nick Aroney discusses his introduction, his essay on Federalism, as well as offering a lengthy breakdown of the volume itself (i.e., 47:12 et al). Nick…

Books, books, books—that is our focus today, with two individuals who spent their lives surrounded by them. Joining me is the bookseller (Hearts & Minds) out of Pennsylvania, Byron Borger. And, law librarian from Nebraska University School of Law, Richard A. Leiter (bio here). RELATED EPISODE: 1) Previous episodes with Byron (56, 64, 71) 2) Previou…

Joining me this week to talk about her new book on theology and environmental stewardship is Sandra L. Richter. She is a renowed expert on the Old Testament, who currently holds the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. See her faculty bio here and buy her new book here. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music fr…

In this episode of the Leadership Roundtable, we are joined by Dr. Tina Armstrong from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her topic is on forming emotionally healthy leaders, including practices you can adopt today for calm and control. Dr. Armstrong is a renowned expert on clinical psychology and leadership, researching and teaching in areas involving c…

Joining me this week to talk about abolitionism and religion are the authors of Break Every Yoke: Religion, Justice, and the Abolition of Prisons (buy here). Joshua is the associated professor of religion and director of the Rochester Education Justice Initiative at the University of Rochester (faculty bio). Vincent is an associate professor of the…

With widespread protests on university campuses, the question of reconciling free speech and inclusion is more important than ever for instutitional integrity. Joining me this week to talk about this balance is professor of education, philosophy, and political science at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of Cancel Wars: How Universities Ca…

Joining me this week to talk about the AI revolution and its impact on the legal profession is the Intel Social Justice and Racial Equity Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University, Kevin Lee. Check out his bio here and some of his publications here. RELATED CONTENT Following Jesus in a Digital Age (Episode # 128). The Religion of Techto…