Dan Cruver:
David Smolin (a professor of law at the Cumberland Law School at Samford University) recently wrote a critique of the theological foundations of the evangelical adoption/orphan care movement (PDF version of Smolin’s essay). One reason I am grateful for Smolin’s essay is that it provides us with the opportunity to engage in more self-critical reflection. As you know, the evangelical orphan care movement has experienced exponential growth over the past 5-7 years. We should all be very encouraged by the increased number of churches that are committed to serving orphaned and vulnerable children in tangible and best-practice ways. God has been at work to awaken and mobilize Christians to mirror His heart by caring for the fatherless. However, with the rapid growth of a movement comes a certain amount of theological and practical growing pains. As a movement, then, we must continually strive to mature theologically and practically. In God’s kind providence, Smolin’s essay provides us with encouragement to do just that.
As a way to encourage continued dialogue and discussion, Smolin graciously asked if I would write a response to his essay that would be included in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Christian Legal Thought, published by the Christian Legal Society and Regent University School of Law. I was glad to accept his invitation. Smolin asked several others to write responses as well (read a PDF copy of my response). Due to space limitations, I chose to respond only to Smolin’s understanding of the Apostle Paul’s use of adoption in Romans, Ephesians, and Galatians. I will address more of his concerns as the dialogue continues.
Download: David Smolin’s Essay (PDF) | My Response (PDF)
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