Lutherna View of Church and State

LESSON FOURTEEN

2008

A LUTHERAN VIEW OF CHURCH AND STATE

Note to Class Leader: To conclude this course, I suggest that you choose a couple of current “hot topics” with copies of newspaper articles, blogs, or the like for discussion. Two issues that you may consider are (1) same sex marriage and (2) abortion. Have the people attempt to summarize the “speaking” that should occur within the church and that which should occur in the public dialogue within or to the State. Have the class analyze the pros/advantages of speaking, as well as the cons/risks, remembering to focus upon Message, Messenger, and Means.

I. Application to a specific issue

Pros/Advantages Cons/Risks

II. Message, Messenger, Means

III. Language within Church Language within State