About Ryan C. MacPherson, Ph.D.
Academic Administrator
- Academic Dean (since 2023), Luther Classical College
Christian Apologist
- Director (2020–2023), Center for Apologetics and Worldviews
Author
- Rediscovering the American Republic: Biographies, Primary Texts, Charts, and Study Questions—Exploring a People’s Quest for Ordered Liberty
- The Culture of Life: Ten Essential Principles for Christian Bioethics (2012), with a Bonus Section including:
- Studying Luther’s Large Catechism: A Workbook for Christian Discipleship (2012)
- Telling the Next Generation: The Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s Vision for Christian Education, 1918–2011 and Beyond (editor and contributor, 2011)
Speaker
- Seven Things about the U.S. Constitution that Every College Student Needs to Know (2013)
- Men and Abortion: The Forgotten Legacy of Roe v. Wade (2013)
- “From Pedagogy to Publication: Involving Students in a Documentary History of Their College’s Educational Philosophy” (2011)
- “History and the Art of Storytelling: Two Tales from the Early American Republic, Each Told in Two Different Ways” (2010)
- “The Coercive Reality behind Pro-Choice Rhetoric” (2009)
- “The Electoral College: Its History, Some Controversies, and Your Questions” (2008)
- Speakers Bureau, Lutherans for Life
Historian
- Ph.D., University of Notre Dame (2003)
- Faculty (2003-2023) and Chair (2011-2023), Dept. of History, Bethany Lutheran College
- Teaching Experience includes American Revolution, U.S. Constitution, Religion in America, Civil Rights Movement, U.S. Supreme Court
Philosopher
- Hybrid Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science
- Teaching Experience includes Logic, Moral Philosophy, Bioethics, plus History and Philosophy of Science
Policy Analyst
- Tax Law Research, for the MacPherson Group, P.C., Attorneys at Law
- Senior Editor for The Family in America: A Journal of Public Policy (2012–2016), e.g.:
- “Homeownership and Public Policy: What Helps, and What Hinders, the American Dream” (2013)
- “Marital Parenthood and American Prosperity: As Goes the Middle-Class Family, So Goes the Nation” (2012)
- Circle of Experts, The Ruth Institute: Healing the 21st Century Family
Nonprofit Manager
- Founding President, The Hausvater Project (promoting a biblical vision for family, church, and society in the spirit of the Lutheran confessions)
- Board member, Evangelical Lutheran Synod Historical Society (2004-2013)
- Previous service includes church council, preschool superintendent, and Sunday school superintendent
Education Consultant
- “Training Children As They Should Go?: Evaluating Government Education Standards That May Impact Lutheran Elementary Schools” (2007)
- Genesis Academy
- Lutheran Schools of America
- Wittenberg Academy
Grass-Roots Civic Leader
- “Advice for Keeping Your Republic: Constitution Day Address” (2011)
- Testimony at Public Hearing on Education Standards, Testimony at Town Hall Meeting, Precinct Vice Chair, Party Convention Delegate (2012)
Defender of the Natural Family
- Principal Author of a “Friend of the Court” Brief for Perry v. Schwarzenegger (renamed Perry v. Brown), in support of the Proposition 8/California Marriage Amendment (2010)
- “The Natural Law of the Family” in Natural Law: A Lutheran Reappraisal (2011)
- “Bringing Good News to Life in Defense of Marriage,” Lutherans for Life national conference (2010)
Devoted Husband, Homeschool Father
- “‘Balancing Work and Family’ vs. ‘Redeeming the Time’” (2011)
- “Rhythm, Footwork, and Leadership—Three Essentials for the Marriage Dance” (2011)
- “Honoring Fatherhood and Motherhood: Insights from Luther’s Large Catechism” (2010)
- Member, Homeschool Legal Defense Association