The Seminary Explores

The State of Education

Two retired professors of education and school Superintendents, Dr. Wenifort Washington and Dr. Jean Harper discuss the challenges and opportunities in public education. They talked about the need for partnership between the schools and community agencies and institutions including the church. In addition they highlighted the role of the Federal Government in the educational process.

Hand’s–on Social Justice

The Rev. Scott Schul, Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, State College, PA; and chair of the Policy Council, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, describes the work of LAMPA (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania), one of several state agencies that put into practice the Social Statements of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

LAMPA sets policy, organizes resources, and then advocates for that policy in the state legislature.  Two current involvements are opposition to same-day lending practices and promotion of nutrition in early education, especially breakfasts. 

http://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/

Encyclical on the Environment from Pope Francis

Dr. Collinge discusses the content and context of the encyclical, Laudato si, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. It is a meditation on created nature and the place of humanity in it. The pope adds something new: he joins the Catholic theology of creation (not anthropology) with the tradition of Catholic social ethics, especially his concern for the poor. 

What’s the Future of Health Care in America?

Will Lane, Director of the Writing Center, Gettysburg College and former Chair, Adams-Hanover Health Care for All discusses the current status of healthcare in America with host Dr. Christianson.  Mr. Lane says the health care is slowly improving under The Affordable Care Act, but the goal is still to cover everyone with affordable health care. The obstacles today are political and not value or workable solutions.   Two models to meet the goal are regulated private companies and the expansion of Medicare for everyone. 

The Conflict in Ukraine

Dr. Christianson speaks with Ambassador Lawrence Taylor who describes the current tensions in eastern Ukraine and suggests that the U.S. and NATO were surprised by Russia’s incursions. On the other hand, Vladimir Putin was not prepared for the resistance from the new government in Ukraine.  He suggests that we take seriously Russia’s claim to protect Russians everywhere and do so unilaterally, but also try to bridge the gap between the Old Europe (“Mother Russia”) and the New.

The Public Defender as Office and Ministry

Recorded before a live audience at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg PA,  Dr. Christianson disusses with Kristin Rice how her office is a ministry as well as an essential public service, balancing justice with a fair trial and compassion. Publically financed defenders were established as late as the 1963 when the Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment guarantees legal counsel to poor defendants in criminal cases. She believes that the next frontier in her field must be the improvement of mental health services, and she continues her opposition to the death penalty.

Making Aging an Adventure

Dr. Christianson talks to Stephen Niebler, Executive Director, Adams County Council for Aging about important issues around aging.  How to avoid family conflicts over the right to die as in the cases of Casey Kasem or Terri Schiavo. What to do when you suspect abuse of an older person-- financial, physical, or emotional. The most important local issues that impact on the aging:  transportation, housing, trying to understand complicated forms—in health, banking, Social Security, etc.

The Prophetic [Political] Church

Seminarian Lamar Bailey describes his background in public policy to Dr. Largen, and offers a compelling argument for the church to be more involved in the world:  “being a member of a congregation also means being a member of the community.”