In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the intricate relationship between law and religion stands as one of the most vital, yet often volatile, areas of human experience. From shaping constitutional frameworks and defining human rights to influencing social policy and igniting global conflicts, the interplay of legal systems and religious traditions is undeniably foundational to societal order and individual liberty. It is within this critical nexus that Emory University’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR) has, for over four decades, carved out a unique and indispensable niche, serving as a global beacon for rigorous scholarship, interdisciplinary dialogue, and public engagement.
Far from a niche academic pursuit, the study of law and religion is a profound imperative. Religious beliefs, practices, and institutions have historically informed, and continue to inform, legal codes, ethical norms, and societal values across cultures. Conversely, legal systems regulate religious expression, protect or restrict religious freedom, and adjudicate disputes arising from religious differences. Understanding this dynamic interplay is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is essential for fostering pluralism, promoting human rights, mitigating conflict, and building just societies in an age marked by both resurgent religious identities and mounting secular challenges. The CSLR was founded on this very premise: that an informed, nuanced, and academically rigorous approach to this relationship is crucial for navigating the pressing issues of our time.
A Visionary Genesis and Enduring Mission
The genesis of the CSLR dates back to 1982, when a visionary group of scholars at Emory, led by the eminent legal historian and theologian John Witte Jr., recognized the urgent need for a dedicated academic center. At a time when many universities treated law and religion as separate, even antithetical, fields, Emory took a pioneering step. The goal was not to advocate for any particular faith or legal system, but to establish a neutral, scholarly space where the historical, philosophical, theological, and sociological dimensions of law and religion could be explored with depth and integrity.
From its inception, the CSLR’s mission has been multifaceted and ambitious:
- To conduct and facilitate cutting-edge research: Producing scholarship that advances understanding of the theoretical and practical dimensions of law and religion across diverse traditions and jurisdictions.
- To educate the next generation of scholars and practitioners: Training students from law, theology, and other disciplines to engage critically and constructively with these complex issues.
- To foster interdisciplinary dialogue: Bringing together legal scholars, theologians, historians, philosophers, political scientists, and practitioners to share insights and challenge assumptions.
- To engage the public square: Translating academic insights into accessible formats to inform public discourse, policy debates, and human rights advocacy.
This comprehensive approach, deeply embedded within the rich intellectual environment of Emory’s top-tier Law School, highly regarded Candler School of Theology, and strong liberal arts tradition, has allowed the CSLR to cultivate a uniquely fertile ground for inquiry.
Pillars of Excellence: Research, Education, and Engagement
The CSLR’s impact is most profoundly felt through its three interconnected pillars: groundbreaking research, transformative education, and robust public engagement.
1. Groundbreaking Research and Scholarship:
At the heart of the CSLR’s mission lies its commitment to producing and disseminating world-class scholarship. The Center’s faculty, fellows, and visiting scholars delve into an astonishing array of topics, reflecting the global and historical scope of law and religion:
- Religious Freedom and Human Rights: Examining the historical development and contemporary challenges of religious freedom in constitutional democracies, international law, and diverse cultural contexts. This includes studies on conscientious objection, religious exemptions, church-state separation, and the rights of religious minorities.
- Comparative Law and Religion: Analyzing how different legal systems (common law, civil law, Islamic law, customary law, etc.) interact with various religious traditions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) across the globe.
- Law, Ethics, and Morality: Exploring the ethical foundations of law, the role of religious traditions in shaping moral norms, and the intersection of legal and ethical dilemmas in areas like bioethics, environmental law, and business ethics.
- Historical Studies: Unearthing the deep historical roots of modern legal and religious concepts, from the medieval origins of Western legal traditions to the influence of religious thought on revolutionary movements.
- Contemporary Issues: Addressing pressing current events, such as the legal and social challenges posed by religious extremism, the accommodation of religious diversity in pluralistic societies, and the impact of secularization on legal frameworks.
Under the long-standing leadership of scholars like John Witte Jr., whose prolific writings have shaped the field for decades, the CSLR has generated an unparalleled body of work. This includes foundational texts, landmark monographs, and influential articles published in leading academic journals and presses worldwide. The Center also hosts the editorial offices for the Journal of Law and Religion, a peer-reviewed academic journal of international repute, further solidifying its role as a nexus for scholarly discourse. Furthermore, the CSLR has spearheaded major collaborative projects, such as the multi-volume Cambridge Studies in Law and Christianity series, which systematically explores the impact of Christian traditions on Western law, setting a new benchmark for comprehensive scholarship.
2. Transformative Education and Formation:
The CSLR is not merely a research institute; it is a vibrant educational hub dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders in law, academia, and public service. It offers unique opportunities for students at all levels to engage deeply with the complexities of law and religion:
- Joint Degree Programs: Pioneering joint JD/MDiv and JD/MA degrees allow students to earn both a law degree and a theological or religious studies degree, providing them with a uniquely integrated understanding of legal and religious disciplines.
- Specialized Courses: A rich curriculum of specialized courses explores topics ranging from religious freedom in America to comparative religious legal systems, offering students nuanced perspectives rarely found in conventional legal or theological curricula.
- Fellowship Programs: The CSLR attracts and nurtures emerging scholars through competitive fellowship programs, providing promising junior academics with dedicated time, resources, and mentorship to advance their research and prepare for academic careers. These fellows contribute significantly to the Center’s intellectual vibrancy and expand its scholarly output.
- Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Research: The Center serves as a vital resource for PhD candidates in various disciplines and post-doctoral researchers, offering a supportive intellectual community and access to unparalleled resources for advanced study.
- Conferences and Workshops for Students: Regular workshops, colloquia, and student-led initiatives provide platforms for students to present their research, engage in lively debates, and network with leading scholars in the field.
Through these programs, the CSLR cultivates individuals who are not only intellectually rigorous but also ethically grounded and culturally sensitive—equipped to navigate the challenging landscape of law and religion with wisdom and foresight.
3. Robust Public Engagement and Dialogue:
Beyond its academic pursuits, the CSLR is deeply committed to bridging the gap between scholarship and the public square. It serves as a crucial forum for informed dialogue, contributing to public understanding and policy debates on issues where law and religion intersect.
- Conferences and Symposia: The Center hosts numerous international conferences, symposia, and lecture series, bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, judges, religious leaders, and journalists from around the world. These events provide a vital platform for intellectual exchange, fostering new collaborations and disseminating cutting-edge research to a wider audience. The annual McDonald Lecture Series, featuring prominent figures from law, religion, and public life, is a particular highlight, attracting significant public attention.
- Publications for Wider Audiences: While producing scholarly tomes, the CSLR also contributes to public discourse through accessible publications, policy briefs, and op-eds that distill complex academic insights into clear, actionable information for policymakers, legal professionals, and the general public.
- Expert Commentary and Consulting: CSLR faculty are frequently sought out by media outlets, governmental bodies, and international organizations for their expertise on matters ranging from constitutional religious freedom to the role of religion in international conflicts. This engagement ensures that the Center’s scholarship directly informs real-world challenges.
- Online Resources: The CSLR maintains a robust online presence, offering a wealth of resources, including recordings of lectures, working papers, and publications, making its vast knowledge base accessible to a global audience.
This commitment to public engagement underscores the CSLR’s belief that academic excellence must ultimately serve the broader societal good, informing democratic discourse and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the forces that shape our world.
A Global Reach and Lasting Impact
The CSLR’s influence extends far beyond the confines of Emory’s campus. Its alumni occupy influential positions in academia, law, government, and non-profit organizations globally. Its research shapes legal thought in diverse jurisdictions, contributing to debates on constitutionalism, human rights, and religious pluralism in countries from Europe and Asia to Africa and the Americas. The Center’s collaborative projects with international partners foster cross-cultural understanding and contribute to the development of international legal norms.
In an era characterized by increasing religious diversity, the resurgence of religious identity, and persistent tensions between secular and sacred norms, the work of the CSLR is more vital than ever. It provides the intellectual toolkit necessary to understand, analyze, and ultimately navigate these intricate relationships, not with simplistic answers, but with a deep appreciation for complexity and a commitment to justice.
As Emory University’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges and expanding its scholarly horizons, its core mission remains steadfast: to illuminate the profound and often surprising ways in which law and religion intersect, shaping human societies and defining the very essence of human experience. In doing so, it contributes not only to academic knowledge but also to the arduous, yet essential, work of building a more just, tolerant, and peaceful world.
