Articles

[1] Earlier this year, I was asked to serve as a co-investigator on a research project aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of spiritual care in helping emergency trauma nurses cope with experiences of moral injury in their work experiences. As I am currently serving as a chaplain, I eagerly accepted the invitation to participate. However, […]

[1] We are living through a technological watershed driven by artificial intelligence. Since the arrival of early generative Large Language Models (LLMs) in 2017, billions of dollars, years of research, and instruments of state power have all been used to reshape our world to better accommodate the next generation of AI models.[1] These technologies are […]

[1] The topic of artificial intelligence has moved from science fiction to science and business. The essays in this issue raise topics for discussion that relate to spirituality and the church.  The following is a brief discussion guide to help congregations think through the issues presented in this edition of JLE. [2] The essay by […]

[1] There is a lot of talk about artificial intelligence. As there is a rush to market the uses of AI, there is a need to create guardrails and guidelines for the use of AI in order to protect intellectual property, safeguard personal data, and reign in the energy consumption of AI.  Here at Journal […]

Introduction [1] Over the past several decades, theological education has undergone significant changes due to declining enrollment and more recently a global pandemic. In response there have been seminary mergers with undergraduate institutions, widespread use of hybrid and on-line models of education, and closures. While changing winds have affected all seminaries, the ones who have […]

[1] Martin Luther was a pastor, a husband, and a father.  He was, also, a university professor.  He was a tireless advocate for education for girls as well as boys, for the working poor as well as for the wealthy elite.  He insisted to both parents and princes that they must provide education for all […]

The Journal of Lutheran Ethics is meant to be a bridge between congregations and the academy.  This issue in particular is a good time to discuss the connection between our NECU schools and our ELCA churches.  The following discussion questions can be used to lead a conversation on this relationship.  Luther was both a pastor […]

[1] As Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), I have a job description, but I have a vocation too. It is a calling that transcends the tasks of administration to touch the spiritual, intellectual, and moral life of our communities. To lead NECU is to be a steward of 28 […]

[1] Artificial Intelligence is a highly contested topic. Many conversations in social, political, and academic contexts eventually turn to the implications of AI on job prospects, college success, and more.[i] [2] While discussing this topic can often feel overwhelming, the role of synthetic thinking produced by AI requires us to analyze the broader implications felt […]

[1] Just days after the election, with the board of directors on campus for their fall meeting, then LSTC President, James Nieman, scraped his prepared board report.  Instead, he shared five significant potential threats he saw to in the rhetoric of the U.S. President elect. He also gave theological responses to those. Nieman clearly stated, […]