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The Cross & Gavel Podcast

A production of Christian Legal Society — focusing on the interaction between law, religion, and public policy, with an emphasis on building-up Christian students and attorneys to intelligently engage in public life and better love their neighbors. Hosted by Anton Sorkin (Director of Law Student Ministries)
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Now displaying: Page 1
Apr 17, 2024

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 is our third episode on criminal justice this spring. Watch the first episode with Matthew T. Martens here and the second with Heather Rice-Minus here.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

Apr 3, 2024

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 episode with Matthew T. Martens here.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

Mar 27, 2024

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

  1. Confident Pluralism - John Inazu (Episode # 55)
  2. The Witte Lectures - John WItte, Jr. & John Inazu (here)
  3. Blessed Are The Peacemakers - Ken Sande (Episode # 114)

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

Mar 13, 2024

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 first of three Spring episodes looking at the criminal justice system.

RELATED CONTENT

  1. Break Every Yoke (Episode # 138).
  2. Romans 13 (Epsiode # 131)

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

Feb 28, 2024

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 CONTENT

  1. Bridging the Civil & Divine - Karen Taliaferro (Episode # 133)
  2. Christianity & Constitutionalism: Higher Law - Li-ann Thio (Episodes # 148)
  3. Mere Natural Law - Hadley Arkes (Episode # 159)

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

Feb 14, 2024

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 focus on the future of Christianity and law, with reference to a few of his recent articles on domestic and international religious freedom (provided here and here). He was joined by Professor John Inazu (Wash. U. School of Law) for a period of Q&A after the lecture. His new book comes out in April so pre-order today (here). Also check out his Substack here.

Finally, if you would like to hear the introductions and concluding remarks, go here. For more on John's publications, check out his website here.

SPONSOR: The Witte Lectures are sponsored by TRINITY LAW SCHOOL.

SOUND: Special thanks to Josh Deng for his technical support in getting this audio ready. 

MUSIC: Prelude No. 2 by Chris Zabriskie.

Feb 7, 2024

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 Argument for Immigration Policy Reform in Welcoming Undocumented Refugees.

 For an introduction to our conversation and a summation of Jay's many, many bona fides, check out our Substack article here.

Jan 24, 2024

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 Founding. His new book and the focus of this episode is called Mere Natural Law: Originalism and the Anchoring Truths of the Constitution.

RELATED CONTENT

  1. Bridging the Civil & Divine - Karen Taliferro (Episode # 133)
  2. Summer Series on "Christianity & Constitutionalism" (see Episodes # 141 to 151)

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

 

Jan 10, 2024

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 step back from the mandates (and madness) of law and practice, and into a space for contemplation and imagination regarding the outworking of God in our day and age. In the words of Makoto Fujimura, "[c]ultivating our imagination is essential to fully realizing our potential as God's creatures." For a brief background to this Forum, check out my article  here.

Other Forum-specific episodes include: Jason Thacker (Following Jesus in a Digital Age |  Episode # 128), Crystal L. Downing (The Subversive Sayers | Episode # 112), and Holly Ordway (There Will Be Dragons | Episode # 108).

Enjoy!

Dec 25, 2023

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 Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Dec 13, 2023

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 After Innovation - Andrew Root (Episode # 130)

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Dec 4, 2023

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 political and constitutional thought, along with early modern thought, on questions of statesmanship, political culture and civic character, politics and religion, civic education, and constitutional design.

For more on Zach and his work, check out her faculty page here.

Zach was gracious to offer a reading list as well for those interested in digging deeper. Check out the descripton here.

Nov 22, 2023

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 Called Into Questions. Follow him on Twitter: @mattleeanderson.

RELATED CONTENT

1) Conversations About Books - Byron Borger & Richard Leiter (Episode # 140)

2) What It Means To Be Human - Jeff Brauch (Episode # 81)

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Nov 8, 2023

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 CONTENT

1) Reformation & Constitutionalism - John WItte, Jr. (Episode # 143)

2) 2000 years of Christian public philosophy - Greg Forster (Episode # 113)

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Oct 18, 2023

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 of Conscience. Nathan is a preeminent scholar in the areas of constitutional law, religious liberty and ethics. His faculty page here.

RELATED CONTENT

1) Religious Liberty in a Polarized Age - Tom Berg (Episode # 152)

2) Confident Pluralism - John Inazu (Episode # 55)

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Oct 4, 2023

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 gave it increased weight. The opinion can be found here.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Sep 27, 2023

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 providing students resources and discussions to face this issue, together.

For our inaugural event, the Wellness Program is privileged to host a very special guest—Ruth Haley Barton. Her topic will focus on pursuing wellness through established rhythms and an abiding relationship with God. Ruth has spent over 20 years as a student, a practitioner, and a leader in the area of Christian spirituality and spiritual formation. She served on the staff of several churches before founding the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to creating space for God to strengthen the souls of leaders, equipping them to lead transforming communities. Her website here.

She is the author of numerous books, including Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, and Invitation to Solitude and Silence (purchase here).

Music Credit(s): Tokyo Music Walker & Rexlambo.

Sep 20, 2023

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 law, politics and society. His work has been cited multiple times by the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals. He is the author of the recent bestseller (among some circles), Religious Liberty in a Polarized Age. Faculty bio here.

RELATED CONTENT

1) Cancel Wars - Sigal R. Ben Porath (Episode # 137)

2) Religion and Its Dicontents - Kelsey Dallas (Episode # 102)

3) Confident Pluralism - John Inazu (Episode # 55)

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Sep 13, 2023

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 of constitutionalism. Douglas is a professor of Theology and Ethics at McGill University and the author of numerous books, including a commentary on 1 & 2 ThessaloniansAscension Theology, and Desiring a Better Country: Forays in Political Theology. Check out his faculty bio (here) and his Subtack (here).

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Sep 6, 2023

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 of law at the University of Notre Dame Australia and author of the article discussed here entitled Subsidiarity: Origins and Contemporary Aspects. See his full bio.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Aug 30, 2023

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. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California (faculty page here). David has written a number of popular books, ranging from Divine Covenants and Moral Order: A Biblical Theology of Natural Law, Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms: A Study in the Development of Reformed Social Thoughtand most recently Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured World.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Aug 23, 2023

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 National University of Singapore and a renowed expert in public international law, human rights, constitutional and administrative law. Her faculty bio can be found here.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Aug 16, 2023

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 Constitutional Government at the University of Oxford. He is co-author of Legislated Rights: Securing Human Rights through Legislation (CUP, 2018) and author of The Nature of Legislative Intent (OUP, 2012). Check out his faculty profile, with a full list of publications, here.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Aug 9, 2023

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 London and a visiting professor at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Notre Dame. David's books are numerous, relevant to this podcast are A Trinitarian Theology of Law and A Biblical View of Law And Justice: Christian Perspectives on Law. Check out his website (here) where he aims to help people think deeply about the integration of work and faith.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

Aug 2, 2023

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 School of Law (faculty bio here). He is a world traveler, having studied and lived in Spain, Germany, Colombia, and Australia. He's worked on a myriad of publications, including the recent volume called  Constitutional Change and Transformation in Latin AmericaIn this episode, we talk about the separation of powers, the catalytic role of the judiciary, and more.

The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento. A special thanks to Nick and Ashley Barnett for their contribution in making this podcast possible.

Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY.

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