This lecture introduces students to the foundations of law and justice, including the source of law, the definition of liberty, and the principle of jurisdiction based on God’s delegated authority to separate and interdependent human governments—state, church, and family.

We can all agree that we are currently living in confusing times. Who can tell the difference these days between what is real and fake? Who is right and who is wrong? Who can we trust? People are very confused, trying to answer the big questions about what it means to live the good life, what their purpose is, and how they know what is true. This session will address some of the root causes of our confused age and suggest some ways we can help ourselves and our neighbors think more clearly about the world around us.

An introduction to epistemology. Truth is revealed, and truth is a person. Discipleship is a practical outgrowth of the pursuit of truth. We discuss the source of truth, how we know what we know, and the means through which God reveals Himself. In this lecture, Mike spends a few minutes exploring potential conflicting views of revelation, particularly as they relate to the scientific method and scientism. We also examine the nature of discipleship and its relationship to one’s view of truth.

This investigation into presuppositions about law and legal institutions is presented through the lens of the 1885 opinion of the court in the famous case of Regina vs. Dudley and Stephens, a murder trial for acts committed in a lifeboat in dire circumstances. Students will examine, among other things, the nature and purpose of punishment, the nature of law itself, the foundations for the rule of law and equality under law, and the role of judges, legislatures, and courts. In addition, this lecture demonstrates why worldview matters—our unspoken assumptions about the nature of human beings or the nature of law, or the purpose of courts and the role of judges will drive the decisions we reach.

A meditation on the book of Joshua and the military and spiritual success he models. Students will answer the question: Should I pursue success . . . . or faithfulness?

This lecture presents the basics of the Christian view of “calling” in all areas of life—family, church, work, and country. What does it mean to be “called” to a job or to a role in one’s family, and how does it help to think about life through the lens of calling? The discussion answers the questions “how do I know my calling?” and “are some jobs more “Christian” than others”?

An introduction to a Christian view of leisure in the classical sense: pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty for their own sakes, because we are created to pursue them. The lecture discusses habits that lead to true leisure and its relationship to our pursuit of God.