The snow has finally melted in West Michigan, which means it’s time for the year’s second issue of Religion & Liberty. Recent news cycles have been plagued with images of angry Americans, students protesting and populist discontent. The 2016 presidential election has really brought to light that the American people are angry—specifically with American leadership. Here at the Acton Institute, we’re interested in looking more deeply at these issues, particularly if there is a cure for this great discontent. To understand the issues, we’ve rounded up experts on employment, trade, millennials and other issues surrounding the 2016 race to the White House. The roundup features Justin Beene, Ismael Hernandez, Ann Marie Jakubowski, Jared Meyer and Vernon L. Smith discussing these themes.
Earlier this year the U.S. Supreme Court suffered a great loss with the passing of Antonin Scalia. He was known primarily for his sharp wit and devotion to the U.S. Constitution, but he was a great father and a friend to those ideologically opposed to him as well. He was also an Acton supporter and gave an excellent speech for the seventh Acton Institute Annual Dinner. Because his words on the Constitution are still so significant today, a portion of the speech has been excerpted as the essay, “What is our Constitution?” He is also featured in this issue’s “In the Liberal Tradition.”
Acton’s director of research, Samuel Gregg, has written a new book titled For God and Profit: How Banking and Finance Can Serve the Common Good. Stephen Schmalhofer breaks down Gregg’s latest book in a review. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, this issue also includes a short excerpt of the book titled “Getting justice right.”
The Double-Edged Sword looks at Psalm 139 and reflects on our relationship with God. It’s through our everyday, ordinary relationships with other people that He is revealed.
June is mere weeks away, which means that Acton University is right around the corner! For the FAQ, Kris Mauren, Acton’s executive director, explains what can be expected at our biggest conference and details the lineup of keynote speakers.
To close this issue, Rev. Robert Sirico ponders religious liberty, discussing the theme throughout history and what it means for us today, especially given the current cultural and political climate. Many brave individuals have fought for our religious freedom; we should never take it for granted.
