We discuss the history of religious freedom in light of the Supreme Court’s recent “free exercise” ruling in favor of NYC churches and synagogues.
Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.
Part 1 (1:51): Headlines - We discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision setting aside Covid-related restrictions on attendance at religious assemblies in New York City in the broader context of the constitutional theory and practice of First Amendment protections of the “free exercise” of religion. Links: NYT report on Supreme Court “free exercise” decision; Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo; CNN report on Supreme Court California church decision; Andrew McCarthy at The Hill; Lawrence Tribe and Michael Dorf at USA Today; Michael McConnell and Max Raskin in the New York Times; Obergefell v. Hodges.
Part 2 (25:17): Required Reading - Professor Corbin discusses the history of the “free exercise” of religion in Britain, colonial America, and the American founding era. Links: Westminster Confession (1647 edition); Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan; The Adopting Act of 1729 of the Synod of Philadelphia; Westminster Confession revisions of 1788; Resolution of the 1st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the USA and George Washington’s response; James Madison’s original religious liberty proposal.
Part 3 (43:12): Open the Grade Book - We grade three Christmas season traditions: the live Christmas tree, Christmas cards, and outdoor lights and displays.
Part 3 (50:50): Tocqueville's Crystal Ball - Unfortunately, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as the Corbin kids went 1-4 with their sports picks last week, leaving Dave’s cumulative record at 16-34. Matt went 4-1 and is now 28-22 overall. In a desperation move, Dave adopted the Costanza rule this week, going with the opposite of his judgment on each pick: Texas A & M at Auburn (CFB), BYU at Coastal Carolina (CFB), Washington Football Team at Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Gonzaga v. Baylor (NCAAB). Link: Seinfeld clip.
Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.
Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.
