Ryan C. MacPherson, Ph.D.

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Need a Speaker?

Planning a workshop or seminar? Seeking a keynote speaker for your conference? From rural midwestern churches to the U.S. Capitol Building, Dr. MacPherson has 20 years of experience talking to a broad range of audiences concerning issues of great importance:

  • Marriage & Family
  • Christian Education
  • Pro-Life Compassion
  • Evangelism
  • American Values
  • Constitution Day Speeches
  • ... and more!

To reserve a seasoned professional for your next event, contact Dr. MacPherson today.

P.S. Have you read Dr. MacPherson's books on these topics?

External Links

  • Christian Life Resources
  • ELS Historical Society
  • The Hausvater Project
  • Into Your Hands LLC
  • Lutherans for Life
  • University Faculty for Life
  • Marriage & Family
  • Bioethics
  • Apologetics
  • Liberal Arts
  • Banquet Speech

Would You Name Your Dog ‘Interim’? (Banquet Speech)

People love their dogs. Probably too much. Learn and laugh about some of the dangers that pet owners face.

  • Theology
  • Apologetics
  • Natural Law
  • Liberal Arts
  • Classical Education

The Classical Education Revival

Dr. Ryan MacPherson is featured in a long form interview by Rev. Bryan Stecker for “On the Line.”

  • Marriage & Family
  • Theology
  • Apologetics
  • Evangelism

The Art of Christian Parenting

Dr. Ryan MacPherson is featured in a long form interview by Rev. Bryan Stecker for “On the Line.”

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
    • Volume 1: 1492-1877
    • Volume 2: 1877–Present
  • The Culture of Life: Ten Essential Principles for Christian Bioethics (2012), with a Bonus Section including:
    • “How a Christian Child’s Love Won Jane Roe’s Heart” (2009)
    • “Will You Forgive Her, As God Has Forgiven Her?” (2011)
  • 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

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Need a Consultant?

Dr. MacPherson provides a variety of consulting services for organizations that need assistance pursuing their mission to the next level. Click for more information.

Books by Dr. MacPherson

  • Rediscovering the American Republic, vol. 1: 1492-1877 (author)
  • Rediscovering the American Republic, vol. 2: 1877-Present (author)
  • Debating Evolution before Darwinism (author)
  • The Culture of Life (author)
  • Teaching Children Chastity for Life (co-author)
  • Studying Luther's Large Catechism (author)
  • Telling the Next Generation (managing editor)
  • Here We Stand (contributing writer)
  • Natural Law: A Lutheran Reappraisal (contributing writer)

Enroll in Courses with Dr. MacPherson

  • Luther Classical College
  • Lifelong Lyceum (Homeschooled Young Adults)

Academic Posts

  • Academic Dean and Professor of History and Philosophy (2023–), Luther Classical College
  • Director (2020–2023), Center for Apologetics and Worldviews
  • Adjunct Professor (2020–2023), M.A. in Theological Studies Program, Martin Luther College
  • Professor (2003–2023) and Department Chair (2011–2023), B.A. in History Program, Bethany Lutheran College

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