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Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics
Navigate a politically charged contentious environment with wisdom, grace, and faith.
About this Course
Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics was designed to be your guide to navigating our contentious political landscape with wisdom, grace, and faith.
What you’ll learn:
Are you tired of feeling caught in the crossfire of today's political battles? Frustrated by how divisive issues are tearing apart families, churches, and communities? There's a better way to engage.
Introducing Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics—your guide to navigating our contentious political landscape with wisdom, grace, and faith.
In this groundbreaking course, you'll discover how to spot God's presence even in the midst of conflict and complexity, gain fresh perspectives on current events through the lens of Scripture, and explore practical frameworks for tackling hot-button issues without compromising your values. You'll also learn strategies to foster unity and understanding, not more division.
Whether you're a pastor, community leader, or concerned citizen, this course equips you with the tools to have meaningful conversations across political divides, address polarization in your community with love and insight, and stay true to your faith while engaging in civic life.
Don't let partisan rhetoric dictate your approach to politics. Learn to think theologically and act compassionately. Join us for Positions: Thinking Theologically About Politics and transform the way you engage with today's most pressing issues.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Politics and Religion
In this module, you will:
- Define religion and politics as living concepts.
- Develop habits of thinking theologically.
- Trust that God is present in complexity.
Political Leaders and Idolatry
In this module, you will:
- Consider theological models for approaching elections and candidates.
- Develop your theological thinking about the character, promises, and platforms of political candidates.
- Trust that God is present in shifting truths.
Love and Discernment
In this module, you will:
- Consider theological models for developing virtue in the area of relationships with others.
- Examine how you might use these models for discernment and productive conversation.
- Trust that God is present.
Justice and Health
In this module, you will:
- Consider theological models for involvement in community.
- Examine the issue of healthcare in light of these modules.
- Develop a God-given compassion for neighbors.
Sin and Confession
In this module, you will:
- Consider the theological implications of sin in personal and systemic settings.
- Develop strategies for discernment of truth regarding sin and confession.
- Trust in the hope that God brings.
Community and Belonging
In this module, you will:
- Consider the theological mandate for unity.
- Examine the personal and systemic implications of this mandate.
- Trust that God is present in brokenness.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
8 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Anthony Bateza
Associate Professor of Religion; Department Chair of Race, Ethnic, Gender and Sexuality Studies
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza specializes in Martin Luther, moral theology, and Christian ethics. Luther’s political theology is his primary area of research, focusing on the reformer’s understanding of human agency and his relationship with the virtue tradition and Augustinian thought. He is also personally and professionally invested in race, identity, and social justice questions. He has written on Black liberation theology and connections between Lutheran teaching and confronting racism in the United States.
Dr. Bateza teaches various courses in the religion department that connect theological and historical questions with contemporary challenges. He has taught in the Enduring Conversations program and serves as the program director of the Race and Ethnic Studies program (RACE) and chair of the Race, Ethnic, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department (REGSS).
Dr. Bateza has earned degrees from Iowa State University (B.S, 2002), the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (M.Div., 2006), and Princeton Theological Seminary (Ph.D., 2017). He is an ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) and frequently speaks in congregational settings and at church events.
Dr. Bateza lives in Northfield with his wife, Cynthia, their two children, Austen and Magdalene, and their loveable dog Charlie. He enjoys cycling, board games, comic books, and cooking in his free time.
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!