Subheadings here are self-explanatory. In short, we organize University and Student- oriented Centers or Institutes according to whether they are affiliated with a particular university (first set), or work among or across universities (second set). Some of these entities may work on a variety of research and justice projects (see AI’s six areas of advocacy). And some of these entities may also offer student internship programs to assist Advocates around the world. Bracketing systems used elsewhere on the Study Centers/Institutes pare are also used here.
(1) Specific-University-Affiliated
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (Trinity Int’l. Univ.) (USA) {Life}
In protecting human dignity and life, its research, work, and seminars seek to promote “a truly human future by inspiring young thinkers and equipping church leaders.” [See also Advocacy Groups] {Life}
Center for the Study of Law and Religion (Emory University) (USA) {Religious Liberty, Rule of Law (Government), Marriage and Family, etc.} [See Books, Scholarly Journals]
The Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR) focuses its research and teaching on the fundamentals of faith, freedom, and the family-the three things for which people will die. This group publishes very high quality scholarship in its jurisprudence books series, and many articles (such as Christianity and Law, and God’s Joust, God’s Justice, and many articles in its Journal of Law and Religion.) The Center’s scholarship in the field of law and religion is acclaimed around the world.
Institute of Christian Studies (ICS) (Canada)
It is an educational institute with actual classes and admissions, shaped by the gospel message. Its Scholars focus on the intersection of Reformational philosophy and contemporary scholarship and society.
The Institute for Faith and Learning (Baylor University) (USA)
“Our mission is to offer thoughtful reflection and reliable guidance to church members in engaging the ethical dimensions of today’s world.”
Institute on Religion, Law & Lawyer’s Work (Fordham University) (USA)
At a time when the role of religion in professional life and in the public square is hotly debated, the Institute aims to promote an open, positive and constructive dialogue on issues relating to religion and law.
Keston Center for Religion, Politics, and Society (Baylor University) (USA)
Baylor’s Keston Center works with the Keston Institute in Oxford in carrying out its mission: to promote research and encourage the study of religion in Communist and post-Communist societies and the relationship between religion and Marxism.
Law, Justice and Culture Institute (LJC) (Olivet Nazarene University) (Chicago, USA)
Its purpose is to recover the traditional Judeo-Christian understanding that law is based on a moral order grounded in God’s authority as Creator. The Center achieves this mission through educational initiatives designed to inspire students and concerned citizens to serve God faithfully in the fields of law, government, and politics. The LJC Institute offers scholarships for its intensive course(s) on biblical perspectives on law, justice, and government, and includes college academic credit.
Law & Religion – Legal Research on the Web (Washburn Univ. School of Law) (USA)
This website contains links to both advocacy groups of various stripes and to academic study centers. It has excellent legal research sources.
Nootbar Institute, Pepperdine Law School, and Center for Global Justice [See also Advocacy Groups]
The Nootbar Institute offers a wide variety of seminars and conferences, and includes written scholarship on the intersection of Christianity and the study and development of law.
Redeemer Center for Christian Scholarship (Redeemer University) (Canada)
It has special resources available on the works of Abraham Kuyper and Herman Dooyeweerd, influential Christian political philosophers of the past.
Regent University School of Law, Center for Global Justice {Rule of Law, Justice for Poor} [See Journals, Global Justice Journal]
Scholarship here is highly connected to its interests in justice advocacy, less consideration is given to controversial global public policy concerns.
(2) Inter-University (Institutes that work between Universities or in University networks)
Assoc. of American Law Schools – Section on Law and Religion
AALS Sections are interest groups composed of members of the faculty and professional staff of AALS member schools. A login is required for access.
Centers for Christian Study International (CCSI)
“Centers for Christian Study are learning communities strategically located next to university campuses. Centers include undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and local men and women who want to engage the mainstream academy with Christian perspectives in scholarship, and do it in the context of intentional community. . . [CCSI is] committed to providing opportunities to explore Christian perspectives in scholarship not often available at public institutions of higher education.”
Consortium of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) [See also Advocacy Groups]
The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of more than 180 Christian institutions around the world. With campuses across the globe, including more than 150 in the U.S. and Canada and nearly 30 more from an additional 18 countries, CCCU institutions are accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities whose missions are Christ-centered and rooted in the historic Christian faith. Most also have curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. The CCCU’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help our institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.” It also advocates for the religious freedom in academic missions of its member institutions. (See also Advocacy Groups)
Consortium for Christian Studies Centers (CCSC)
The Consortium of Christian Study Centers exists to advance the growth and effectiveness of Christian Study Centers at colleges and universities around the world. Come check out the listings in this exciting study center movement, that enhances the intersection of Christian thought on life, including culture, society, law, justice, and government.
Global Scholars (coming soon)
It aspires to be “a new way Christian professors can be equipped to serve Christ in higher education.” One of its goals is for every university student to have a Christian professor in their life influencing them, and their university, to live and think for Christ. It’s part of a growing Christian educational missional movement.
Intercollegiate Studies Institute
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) is a non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt educational organization whose purpose is to further in successive generations of college youth a better understanding of the values and institutions that sustain a free and humane society. American based, but has some valuable international materials in its seven principles.
Law School Ministry – InterVarsity.org
Our desire in Law School Ministry is to help law students and faculty, who will play a crucial role in shaping the institutions of our society, prepare spiritually and intellectually for the demands they will face in the legal profession.
Law School Ministry (LSM) of InterVarsity Graduate & Faculty Ministries (IVGFM)
“Our calling is to announce the good news and train disciples among the people who decide major world issues – professionals and academics working amidst the culture-shaping institutions of education, research, business, medicine, law, and government. You can see resources and Bible Studies for law students under their LSM box.”
Ratio Christi
Ratio Christi (Latin for ‘The Reason of Christ’) is a global movement that equips university students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. Bringing together faith and reason to establish the intellectual voice of Christ in the University, Ratio Christi is planting student and faculty led apologetics clubs at universities around the world. Students, engaged in the battle for the mind, learn to defend God’s existence, the reliability of the Bible, and the fact of Christ’s resurrection.
Society of Christian Scholars (coming soon)
The Society seeks to equip scholars and teachers who what to shine the light of Christ in higher education. It is membership-based with benefits, including research databases and English editing services. It includes several academic fields of interest.
The Veritas Forum
Veritas Forums are university events that engage students and faculty in discussions about life’s hardest questions and the relevance of Jesus Christ to all of life.
(3) Christian Universities and Law Schools
(in process)