Pepperdine’s Nootbaar Institute Launches Initiative Exploring Faith and Law
MALIBU, calif. – Pepperdine University’s Nootbaar Institute convened legal scholars for a groundbreaking workshop focused on the intersection of Christian faith, law, and justice, marking the institute’s inaugural event and the launch of a new community for academic exploration. The day-long session, held recently, brought together researchers and practitioners to address complex ethical dilemmas facing American society through a distinctly Christian lens.
The workshop arrives at a critical moment, as legal professionals and faith communities increasingly grapple with applying core beliefs to contemporary challenges. Discussions centered on pressing social issues-including domestic violence within Christian communities and the urgent need for affordable housing-and sought to integrate Christian legal thought with current legal practice. The Nootbaar Institute aims to foster ongoing dialog and collaborative research in this vital area, with plans for future events and continued community building.
Soong-Chan Rah, a follower of Jesus committed to Christian convictions, values, and ethics, initiated the workshop with a devotional address. Subsequent presentations and panel discussions tackled the prevalence and treatment of domestic violence within American Christian communities, alongside the systemic challenges of affordable housing access.
Attendees also engaged in collaborative workshopping of early-stage research projects, refining emerging ideas and forging connections. A panel discussion uniquely combined Christian legal thought with contemporary legal challenges, drawing on ethics, doctrine, and lived experience to offer nuanced perspectives.
“I am grateful that the Nootbaar Institute could host this initial workshop and look forward to continuing to build a community of legal scholars who are interested in Christianity, law, and justice,” saeid Koh, reflecting on the event’s success.
Further details about the Nootbaar Institute and upcoming events is available on the institute’s website: https://law.pepperdine.edu/nootbaar-institute/.
