The Lutheran Studies Conference on Political Life examines: “What does God have to do with Caesar?”

Lutheran Studies conference examines the Lutheran perspective on political life

This year’s Lutheran Studies Conference on Political Life is inspired by the enduring question: “What does God have to do with Caesar?”

Professor Larry Rasmussen will give the keynote address of this year’s Lutheran Studies Conference on Political Life at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20. Rasmussen address is entitled: “New Wineskins: The Lutheran Contribution.” In science the present geological changes to the planet announce a new geological age, the Anthropocene, as a successor to the present age, the late Holocene. For humans this is, to remember a parable of Jesus, “new wine” that requires some “new wineskins” (i.e., a different way of life). Rasmussen will explore what these new wineskins and what are the contributions of Lutherans to them.

Rasmussen is the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics from Union Theological Seminary in New York. The conference is free and open to the public – registration is requested. The keynote is in honor of the PLU’s new president Thomas W. Krise and part of the month-long inauguration celebration.

This election year is marked by a still shaky economy, highly polarized political sentiments, and seemingly intractable positions on the extreme religious left and right.

In this context, the second Lutheran Studies Conference highlights the distinctive voice of Lutheran scholarship on the relationship between faith and politics. Through presentations, conversation, artwork, new publications, and the open exchange of ideas, participants will be inspired to consider the enduring question: What has God to do with Caesar?

Presentations will be held from  2 to 5:30 p.m. and the keynote address starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 in the Scandinavian Cultural Center of the Anderson University Center. PLU professors Doug Oakman – addressing the New Testament, Seth Dowland – addressing American church history and Marit Trelstad – addressing contemporary theology, will be the featured speakers from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete schedule and to register go HERE.