Law and Theology : Cases and Readings

Based upon their innovative course co-taught at their respective schools, Belsky (law, U, of Tulsa) and Bessler-Northcutt (theology, Phillips Theological Seminary) show students from both disciplines how to analyze questions embedded in a series of significant issues. They keep the readings accessible, mainly using Supreme Court decisions and a variety of writings from Protestant and Roman Catholic sources, beginning with an introduction to thinking like a lawyer for theologians and thinking like a theologian for lawyers. They cover equality (African-Americans, women, gays and lesbians), protecting faith-based society (historic commitment to religious diversity, legal protection of religious diversity, and the development of a pragmatic approach to religion in the Court), human life (evolution, abortion, dying and the death penalty), and law and theology in the twenty-first century (religion and politics, and the civil society under pressure). They also present tables of cases and authorities. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)