[1] In this section, readers can find links to study guides as well as questions that will guide discussion based on the articles in this issue.
[1] In August of 2025, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA adopted the Social Statement: Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All, a social statement that began, in part, at the Lutheran Ethicists Gathering in January, 2020. The topic at that Gathering was Lutheran Theology and the Relationship between Church and State. This was before the pandemic and before the January 6th insurrection. At that conference, the speakers challenged those who were afraid to discuss their stance about politics at church and those who proudly proclaimed that their views were the most righteous. The Lutheran Ethicists Network and the Journal of Lutheran Ethics have maintained a position that invites dialogue about faith and politics, about trust in God and loving action. For readers who are looking to learn more, please consider studying the social statement. There are two study guides available right now: one through a partnership between Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania and ELCA Theological Ethics and one from the Greater Milwaukee Synod.
[2] With that in mind, we invite congregants and other discussion groups to consider the following questions that were raised in the essays published in this issue.
- From Sivin Kit’s essay: What lesson from the global church most surprised you? What lesson most encouraged you?
- From Mindy Makant’s essay: Considering what practices make a football player, what practices do you see in worship that have helped form you into a faithful and loving actor in your community?
- From Sydney Dekker’s essay: What has been the cost of grace in your life? What are the dangers of not expecting grace to change you? What has been the gift?
- From Paul Hinlicky’s essay: What are the benefits and dangers of signing a faith statement that is geared to resisting totalitarianism? If you are interested in reading the Faithful Resistance Statement and using the study guide: Faithful Resistance – resisting autocracy in the name of Jesus.
