Meet the Editors

James Kenneth Echols, Editor
Jim received the M.Div. degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and the Ph.D. degree in the History of Christianity from Yale University. He served for three years as a pastor at The Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, Hempstead, NY before becoming a professor (1982-1991) and dean (1991-1997) at the Philadelphia Seminary. From 1997-2011, he was president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. During his involvement in the ministry of theological education, he also served several congregations as interim pastor, vice pastor and pastoral associate. For Jim, the question “How shall I or how shall we live?” in thought, word and deed is foundational for human existence. Given this, Christian ethics involves “faith seeking understanding (Augustine),” “faith becoming active in love (Lutheran tradition),” and “faith making a difference in the world (praxis).”

Ryan P. Cumming, JLE book review editor, is an alumnus of Capital University, where he received his BA in religion and psychology. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Theology from Loyola University Chicago, specializing in Christian Ethics. His research interests include just war theory, social ethics, black theology, globalization, and issues of violence. He currently serves on the ELCA’s Criminal Justice Task Force and is active with the Lutheran Ethicists group. Ryan also teaches courses in ethics and theology at Lewis University and Loyola University Chicago.