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…

Joining me today to talk tax justice and church history is adjunct professor at Trinity Law School and author of the formative study — Tax Law, Religion, and Justice: An Exploration of Theological Reflections on Taxation — Allen Calhoun. Buy his book today (here). Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by…

Over the 2023 March for Life, CLS co-sponsored an event Thursday night with FCLNY and Guiding Star Project as part of the Reframing Agency series. This is the second installment of that series, covering the future of intimacy after Dobbs. For this event, we are joined by two panelists, Louise Perry, columnist at The New Statesman and author of The …

In this episode of the Leadership Roundtable, we are joined by Chaplain (MAJ) Mark Lee to discuss moral leadership in an institutional setting hostile to it. Chaplain Lee has an incredible bio, including a number of civilian and military degrees, several commendation medals, and a ministry background across the world, including serving as the CLS P…

A conversation with Andrew Speicher about navigating faith from the big law to the small in the State of Kansas. For more on Andrew, visit his firm page here. This conversation was part of the Foundations Series, a new web content venture from Christian Legal Society aimed at helping Christian law students transition from 3Ls to first-year associat…

Over the 2023 March for Life, CLS co-sponsored an event Thursday night with FCLNY and Guiding Star Project as part of the Reframing Agency series. The event featured Christine Emba (Washington Post), Erika Bachiochi (EPPC), and Destiny Herndon-De La Rosa (Moderator). The heart of the discussion was premised on Christine's Rethinking Sex: A Provocat…

Joining me this week to talk about how we can bridge the vices and virtues of our character gap is the A. C. Reid Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University, Christian Miller (more information). He is the author of several books on moral psychology, moral character, and honesty. The book in question for this episode is called The Character G…

Joining me on this first-of-the-year episode to talk about the civil and divine law, and what can bridge the difference, is assistant professor and author at Arizona State University, Karen Taliaferro (faculty bio). Her book is called The Possibility of Religious Freedom and can be purchased here. RELATED CONTENT 1. Panel discussion on Romans 13 an…

Joining me today to talk about the debate surrounding what Paul meant when he invokes "works of the law" (Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16) is Matthew J. Thomas. He is an assistant professor of biblical studies at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California [bio]. He is also the author of the book, Paul's "Works of the Law" i…

In this episode of the Leadership Roundtable, we are joined by Dean Eric Enlow, calling in from South Korea. His topic is a fascinating one: public witness and persecution, with an emphasis on the political theology of Pastor Wang Yi, a house-church pastor currently serving a prison term in China. Eric is the dean and a professor of law at Handong …

Lecture from Tom Lin (President of Intervarsity) at this year's CLS National Conference in Newport Beach, CA.

Lecture from Jennifer (Marshall) Patterson (RTS) at this year's CLS National Conference in Newport Beach, CA.

Lecture from Justin E. Giboney (AND Campaign) at this year's CLS National Conference in Newport Beach, CA. Following him on Twitter at @JustinEGiboney.

A special group of perfect strangers got together one evening during the 2022 CLS National Conference to talk about Aquinas, swingsets, and the authority of God. A few weeks later . . . their audio was found. PARTICIPANTS: Eric Enlow, Myron Steeves, Frank Beckwith, Eddie Colanter, Mike Schutt (aka "Not a Dean of Anything"). Cross & Gavel is a produ…