For too long, Christians have defended their positions with the simple assertion that this or that is “biblical.” Conversations descend into a flurry of dueling proof texts as different sides mobilize the texts that best support their position, glossing over or even ignoring texts that muddy the waters.

Can we keep growing in life in substantial ways? Can a nation keep growing? Can confronting the ugliness of our injustice lead us somewhere new? I don’t know. Laymon shows that the scrutiny, the tough-minded examined life, is worthwhile in itself.

We must do something, because trusting teachers and nurturing trust in the classroom is vital to the survival of real education. This is especially critical in Christian communities, where our concerns for building bridges of love between people is our godly calling.

Christians of varying ideological leanings are likely to process very differently the new judicial era of Supreme Court consensus around religion and the First Amendment. Notwithstanding such differences, three distinct and important shifts characterize this consensus that should give us a common foundation to inform our conversation. These developments also raise real concerns that should give pause to all Christians, whatever their partisan or political leanings.