the Constitution and the Commandments (five gracEmails)
A gracEmail subscriber has asked for my comments, as an attorney and a Christian teacher, regarding the controversy surrounding the installation of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Judicial Building and the federal judge's order to remove the monument on which they are inscribed.a Christian nation?
A gracEmail reader asks, "Is America a Christian nation? Was it ever one?"is America God's nation?
A gracEmail subscriber asks whether the United States is God's nation in any special sense, and whether Americans as such can claim God's Old Testament promises to Israel as his covenant people.God's flag still there
Today, May 30, 2005 is Memorial Day here in the United States of America, a national day of remembrance of those who have given their lives in the armed services of this nation. During a radio program of patriotic music, I was struck by the words of our national anthem which say: "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." What, I reflect, "gives proof" in this world of the presence of God's kingdom?one nation under God
A gracEmail subscriber asks what I think, as a Christian lawyer, of the recent federal appeals court decision declaring the phrase "under God" in the U.S. pledge of allegiance to be unconstitutional.what about military chaplains?
A Christian sister writes, "My husband has always been bothered by the notion of chaplains performing a Mass or service before battle to seek success in that engagement. Isn't it better for a follower of Christ to encourage love of mankind? I also question the practices of chaplains holding rank and receiving governmental support. What do you think?"Karla Faye Tucker
A gracEmail subscriber in Tennessee asks, "What are your thoughts -- as a believer, an attorney, and a Texan -- concerning Karla Faye Tucker? I am so thrilled by her witness to God's redemptive power. But I fear for a nation whose leadership is so concerned about doing justice (vengeance?) that it has forgotten what it means to love mercy. Texans shown on TV here appear so cold and vengeful that it's scary. I would love to get your perspective."aliens among us (three gracEmails)
A gracEmail subscriber writes: "Please share your thinking on what a Christian perspective on aliens, illegal or otherwise, in our country should be. How should we feel toward them? How can we significantly minister to them? What political issues cloud the real issues for a Christian?"immigrants, go home?
A newspaper columnist complained about immigrants who would like to change traditional American customs and ways. This is our country, the author said--a Christian country in which people speak English. If newcomers don't like that, he said, they should exercise their right to return to their original homelands. A gracEmail subscriber asked for my reaction.resolving civil disputes
A gracEmail subscriber and her husband are owed a debt by a young couple as the result of a business deal. The young couple profess to be Christians but have ignored the scheduled payments, apparently thinking the creditor couple does not need the money. The gracEmail subscriber wonders if it would be wrong to sue the debtors, in view of Paul's disapproval of Christians going to court against fellow-believers.law as a calling
A gracEmail subscriber writes that his son is interested in becoming an attorney. "Many people have a negative view of lawyers," notes the dad, "considering them to have but little concern for truth and justice if those things do not further their own agenda or personal gain." Can I offer any advice as a Christian attorney?Christian use of earthly law
A gracEmail reader asks, "Would you care to comment on the use of Paul's appeal as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:9-12) as the basis for Christians organizing and sponsoring litigation against certain of our own laws which permit activities contrary to Scripture?"criminal law and church
A gracEmail reader writes: "Suppose a case of sexual abuse occurs in the church. The law requires that such cases be reported, yet the Apostle Paul forbids believers taking legal action against each other (1 Cor. 6:1-8). What is the right thing to do?"judicial oaths
A subscriber writes: "How can we obey the authorities of our nation (which the Bible commands) by swearing on oath to tell the truth, and yet not swear (which Jesus prohibits)? You have no doubt had to deal with this in your legal profession, and I am curious how we can resolve it."