National Security Studies at a Christian University

This essay approaches two interrelated topics. First, what does it mean to be part of the security studies field? Second, are there unique considerations for how faith-based institutions approach the field? Addressing these topics will help articulate some of the reasoning behind the coming expansion of our university’s curriculum with a new national security program.

Studying Politics with a Faith Perspective

You don’t have to choose between being a person of faith and a scholar. I see at least three ways that my faith in Christ and my appreciation of the academic discipline of political science have affected each other in positive ways.

Debating the Future of Nuclear Weapons

My essay on American nuclear weapons policy was posted last week on Capital Commentary, a current affairs publication by the Center for Public Justice. CPJ is a think tank in Washington that focuses on public policy through the lens of a Christian faith perspective.

The essay argues for reductions in our nuclear weapons arsenal on the basis of two things. First, it is hypocritical to be opposing other forms of WMDs in places like Syria while we maintain large stockpiles of even deadlier weapons. Second, the use of nuclear weapons can not be justified under Just War, one of the three main Christianity-inspired approaches to the problem of warfare.

Not everyone agrees, and there are certainly intelligent points that can be made in opposition. However, mainstream arguments in support of large nuclear weapons stockpiles tend not to emphasize the moral and ecological dimensions, in my opinion. This is one of those issues where reasonable people can come to distinct conclusions.

Voting for Nehemiah

I was fortunate enough to be asked to help my church put together a series on faith and politics this year ahead of the election. My pastor framed the lessons around the book of Nehemiah and the essential leadership lessons that he provides.

I can sum these lessons up with two concepts: credibility and competence.

With respect to credibility, Nehemiah was a stranger in a strange land, but had earned the trust of the empire. As the cup-bearer he had already lived his life in a way where he was trusted by others. Right along with this, when he heard from his own people about the sorry state of a homeland he had never known, they were willing to follow him as a leader to rebuild the city walls.

Nehemiah was trusted by both sides. Can you think of a leader today who lives their life in a way that both the Republicans and Democrats place the highest degree of trust in their word?