In many theological discussions of immigration, Romans 13’s exhortation to be subject to governing authorities plays a central role, especially in framing discussions of undocumented immigration. However, Christian ethics would do well to consider crucial passages like this one from multiple angles and within the broader frameworks of the canon and moral theology. Join us for The State, God’s Servant to do Good? Romans 13 & Justice in Immigration Law to explore this topic.

The Dean’s Forum discussion is free and is open to the public. RSVP is required for those who are planning to attend in person because free lunch is provided. You can also watch the livestream on Facebook.

Register by Wednesday, October 1

The Dean’s Forum is hosted by the Academic Dean’s office. Dean’s Forums exist to explore topics of church, culture, and theology. To learn more about upcoming events and to watch recordings of previous events, visit the Dean’s Forum page.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr. Glenn Butner comes to Gordon-Conwell after serving for eight years on the theology and ministry faculty of Sterling College in Kansas, where he also directed the honors program. Dr. Butner’s research and writing is focused on dogmatic theology and social ethics. His dogmatic writings, including Trinitarian Dogmatics and Christological Dogmatics (forthcoming), draw from a wide range of Christian traditions throughout history and across the globe with analyses rooted in the inerrant text of Scripture. In his social ethics writings, like Jesus the Refugee and Work Out Your Salvation, he seeks a nuanced analysis informed by detailed recognition of the social, legal, and economic contexts within which moral decision making occurs.

Dr. Alvin Padilla returned to Gordon-Conwell in 2022 after serving as Academic Dean, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, and Director of Advanced Degrees at Western Theological Seminary. He has taught at Nyack College, Spanish Eastern School of Theology, New York Theological Seminary and pastored Fort Washington Heights Presbyterian Church in New York City. He is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and has also served as the interim pastor of churches in Newton and Lawrence, MA, and Windham, NH. Having written commentaries on the Gospels of John and Luke for Fortress Press, he is currently working on a commentary on the Book of Hebrews.

Dr. Autumn Ridenour’s primary interests are in the areas of theological, philosophical, and social ethics, with attention to Scripture, history, and systematic theology. Her book Sabbath Rest as Vocation: Aging toward Death with Bloomsbury/T&T Clark (2018) explores the meaning of death and aging in the theologies of St. Augustine and Karl Barth. Her more recent research concerns technology and digital devices, given their impact on moral development, spirituality, and relationships. She is passionate about the foundations of theological ethics and looks forward to exploring this theme further in the classroom. Ridenour also participates in her local faith community of First Baptist Church, Sudbury, MA, where her husband serves as the senior pastor.