Budget hotels and motels are frequent sites of sex trafficking. Litigation is increasingly holding these facilities accountable for ignoring obvious red flags. An amicus program can amplify these cases by supplying the broader social, empirical, and policy context courts may otherwise miss. 1) Why Hotel/Motel Trafficking Cases Are Strategic This is a focused, high-impact niche for PraxisProfessional with real momentum in the courts. Many survivors report being exploited in motels, and suits against budget hotel chains are common. Civil claims are often brought under 18 U.S.C. § 1595, the civil…
Read MoreARTICLES
Antithetical Comparison: A 2001 CLU Paper and the LCMS View on Sexuality
By James Polk Introduction This article provides a detailed exploration and antithetical comparison between a paper written at California Lutheran University (CLU) in 2001 for a religion major course and the conservative, traditional views of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) on sexuality. The 2001 paper was composed before the author’s gradual shift away from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) toward the LCMS, reflecting a more liberal academic approach at the time. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive account of that paper’s themes, summarize its…
Read MoreBiblical Guidance on Sexuality from the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Understanding Christian Teaching on Sexuality In a culture where conversations about sexuality, gender, marriage, and identity are often polarized, many Christians find themselves looking for clear, compassionate, and biblically grounded guidance. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) offers a suite of resources designed to help believers engage these topics with both conviction and care. On their Social Issues — Sexuality page, LCMS gathers documents, articles, studies, and multimedia materials addressing questions such as: What the Bible teaches about sexual orientation, gender identity, marriage, abstinence, and cohabitation. (lcms.org) How to respond with…
Read MoreConversations with Dr. Reverand Voss of Lutheran Mission Society San Diego
This is my essay answering the question, “Who is James, how I got here, how God is working in my life”) as a part of working with Dr. Rev. Tardelli of Lutheran Mission Society San Diego and it has an aim for authenticity, clarity, and a Christ-centered emphasis. “Who is James?” Introduction: A Life Redeemed My name is James Polk. I am a sinner redeemed by Christ, someone who has experienced firsthand both the reality of human brokenness and the greater reality of God’s grace. I carry with me a…
Read MoreBuilding Religious Projects with views that oppose many in Government
Luther’s catechisms and writings affirm obedience to civil authority in temporal matters, but they also draw a bright line at spiritual teaching and conscience. The Schmalkaldic League acted on this principle: they obeyed the emperor in civil matters but resisted in matters of faith. Proclaiming biblical counseling in opposition to government trends fits squarely within this Lutheran tradition. 1. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529) In the section “The Table of Duties”, Luther cites Romans 13:1–4 under the heading “Of Civil Government”, teaching obedience to rulers. But he pairs this with other…
Read MoreA ChatGPT conversation about Stylometric-ML analysis of the Hebrew Bible: Confessional Lutheran Vindication!
what bible translations and also original language manuscripts have been fed through different current llm ai systems and probed for actual percentages of potential validity as to the literary analysis of the JEDP theory? ChatGPT said: Thought for 3m 18s Here’s the straight answer: What’s actually been run (and on what texts) There’s no peer-reviewed study I can find where a modern, closed LLM (GPT-4/4o/5, Claude, etc.) was fed specific Bible translations or original-language manuscripts and then “probed” to output a numeric “% validity” of J/E/D/P. The big vendors also…
Read MoreBabylonian Captivity, Scripture, and the Canon: ELCA vs. LCMS & My Confessional Articulation
A concise, side-by-side comparison of views with explicit point-by-point negations of higher-critical claims. Contents Executive Summary Two Uses of “Babylonian Captivity” LCMS: How the Exile Affected Scripture Old Testament Canon: LCMS-Aligned Snapshot Side-by-Side Comparison & Negations My Short Confessional Statement Notes & Scope Executive Summary This article contrasts three perspectives on Scripture, the Babylonian Captivity, and canon formation: ELCA/Higher-Critical Academic: Pentateuch as late editorial weave (JEDP); exile as the “forge” of texts. LCMS/Confessional Doctrinal: Divine inspiration; exile preserved existing Scripture; canon recognized, not constructed. My stance Personal: I reject JEDP;…
Read MorePart 3: Prevention & Early Signals — Stopping “Runaway” Risk Before It Starts
Part 3: Prevention & Early Signals — Stopping “Runaway” Risk Before It Starts Part 1: Retiring the “Runaway” Label – Praxis Professional Part 2: The First 48 Hours — A Rapid-Response Playbook for “Runaway” (Endangered) Children – Praxis Professional North Star: Connection prevents crisis. Spot signals early, respond without blame, and build safety plans that make it easy to ask for help. Early Signals at Home Early Signals at School & Community Online Grooming: What It Looks Like Family Safety Plans (Template) Reducing Repeat Episodes After Recovery Printable Quick Checks…
Read MorePart 2: The First 48 Hours — A Rapid-Response Playbook for “Runaway” (Endangered) Children
Part 2: The First 48 Hours — A Rapid-Response Playbook for “Runaway” (Endangered) Children Part 1: Retiring the “Runaway” Label – Praxis Professional Part 3: Prevention & Early Signals: Stop “Runaway” Risk Before It Starts North Star: Treat every missing “runaway” as endangered and act immediately. Mindset Shift Family & Caregiver Checklist (Hour 0–6) Schools & Community Actions (Hour 0–24) Law Enforcement & Child Welfare (Hour 0–48) Digital Evidence & Online Safety After Recovery: Stabilize & Re-Engage Sources Mindset Shift “Runaway” is not a low-risk category. It is an endangered…
Read MorePart 1: Retiring the “Runaway” Label
Part 1: Retiring the “Runaway” Label Part 2: The First 48 Hours — A Rapid-Response Playbook for “Runaway” (Endangered) Children – Praxis Professional Part 3: Prevention & Early Signals: Stop “Runaway” Risk Before It Starts North Star: ⭐⭐ Every time a child runs away, that is a cry for help. ⭐⭐ The Reality Behind the “Runaway” Label The Trafficking Risk We Can’t Ignore Missing From Care: An Acute Danger A Story We Can’t Forget Change the Word, Change the Response What To Do—Right Now FAQ Sources When a child goes…
Read More