One Step Enough

18 Pages Posted: 26 Sep 2019

Date Written: 2019

Abstract

In a world that they perceive as increasingly unfriendly toward (or uncomprehending of) their beliefs and practices, devout Christians face difficult choices. The 2016 election presented such difficulties in stark form; so do the "wedding vendor" cases in which some Christians’ opposition to same-sex marriage can come into conflict with antidiscrimination laws. What to do? Some Christians favor "retreat" strategies; others advocate resistance, even reconquista. This essay, written for a festschrift issue honoring Professor Robert Cochran, considers how Professor Cochran has thoughtfully and faithfully addressed such challenges, in his writing and in his life. The essay suggests that Professor Cochran exemplifies an approach that is neither militant nor defeatist, but rather is in line with the beloved Christian hymn by John Henry Newman "Lead, Kindly Light."

Keywords: Christians, antidiscrimination, Robert Cochran

JEL Classification: K00, K10

Suggested Citation

Smith, Steven Douglas, One Step Enough (2019). San Diego Legal Studies Paper No. 19-414 (2019), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3459681 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3459681

Steven Douglas Smith (Contact Author)

University of San Diego School of Law ( email )

5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
United States
619-260-7969 (Phone)
619-260-2492 (Fax)

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