David Ryden

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. 

Adding to the conservative tenor of the term were a trio of cases dealing with the 1st amendment religion clauses, all of which came down on the side of the pro-religion party. But unlike the decisions on abortion, guns, and administrative power, all of which marked a major shift in constitutional jurisprudence, the religion cases were in line with, and even the culmination of, a pro-religion trend that has been building on the Court under Chief Justice Roberts’ tutelage.