Chris Reighley

Founder of Shoe Leather Gospel and fellow pilgrim on the journey of faith. I teach Scripture with clarity and warmth to help believers put truth in their shoes and walk with Christ through every step of life.

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Civic Theology

How should Christians think about government, law, and public life? Civic theology explores the biblical foundations of justice, authority, liberty, and citizenship. In a culture shaped by expressive individualism and political polarization, these articles equip believers to engage the public square with theological clarity and moral courage. Rooted in Scripture, this section addresses vital questions about church and state, religious liberty, and Christian responsibility in society.

  • Uncover how biblical principles shaped America’s Constitution, balancing faith, reason, and the rule of law.

    Constitution and Law – God, Reason, and the Rule of Law

    Moral law, natural rights, and checks and balances — discover how the Bible influenced America’s constitutional design.

  • iscover the biblical ideals behind America’s Declaration of Independence — human dignity, rights, and freedom under God.

    Declaration of Independence – Biblical Echoes of Equality

    “All men are created equal” echoes Scripture. See how the Declaration of Independence drew deeply from biblical truth.

  • Explore how America’s Founding Fathers, despite flaws, rooted political ideals in biblical truth and divine providence.

    The Founders’ Faith – Saints, Sinners, and Scripture

    Saints, sinners, and statesmen alike — the Founders leaned on Scripture to shape a new nation. Explore their faith, flaws, and founding vision.

  • See how revival preaching fueled spiritual equality, liberty, and revolution in America’s Great Awakening eras.

    The Great Awakenings – Revival and the Liberty Mindset

    From campfires to pulpits, revival preaching fueled America’s passion for liberty. Explore how the Great Awakenings stirred a nation toward freedom.

  • Learn how New England Puritans built a covenantal society shaped by Scripture, forging the civic foundations of early America.

    Covenant and Calling: The Puritan Vision for America

    The Puritans envisioned America as a covenant community under God. Discover how Scripture guided colonial law, liberty, and life in early New England.

  • Discover how Scripture shaped America’s earliest civil life, guiding the Pilgrims, Founders, and early education in this vivid exploration of civic theology.

    What Is Civic Theology? Reframing Christian Engagement in Public Life

    Before America became a nation, its people saw the Bible as the bedrock of liberty. Explore how Scripture grounded America’s founding ideals in this vivid historical journey.

  • USAID: A Biblical Examination of America’s Foreign Aid Program

    USAID: A Biblical Examination of America’s Foreign Aid Program

    How should Christians think about foreign aid? This post takes a biblical look at USAID, stewardship, global justice, and the unintended consequences of doing good badly.

  • Restoring the Balance: Revisiting the 17th Amendment and Federal-State Power

    Restoring the Balance: Revisiting the 17th Amendment and Federal-State Power

    Is the Senate still serving the states? This post examines the unintended consequences of the 17th Amendment and makes the case for a return to constitutional balance.

  • The Fourteenth Amendment and Birthright Citizenship: A Call for Justice and Compassion

    The Fourteenth Amendment and Birthright Citizenship: A Call for Justice and Compassion

    Birthright citizenship is a legal right—but is it a just one? This post unpacks the history of the 14th Amendment and explores a gospel-informed approach to immigration and justice.

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Faith, Justice, and Love

    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Legacy of Faith, Justice, and Love

    Dr. King was more than a civil rights leader—he was a gospel preacher. This post reflects on his legacy of faith, justice, and sacrificial love rooted in Christ.