What does thinking two rather than one generation out look like? 

What if the legalization of vices we currently outlaw would enhance our capacity to reach those Jesus expects us to care for? 

How often do we challenge our thinking and reflect on our societal norms as followers of Jesus?

Why do we as believers find it challenging to accept that legality doesn't always align with morality, and why is it difficult to be at peace with this realization? 

Do we, as believers and followers of Jesus, support public policies that are incongruent with a biblical worldview? And if so, how would we know without discussing it with others?

We will discuss this today on episode 0005 of The Just a Thinker podcast. I am your host, Bryan Bootka.

Today, let’s consider why confusing legal with moral hinders us from carrying out the Lord’s work. As believers, we often grapple with the incongruity between legality and morality. Why is it difficult to accept this misalignment and find peace with the realization? 

Let’s do a thought experiment: Imagine that on your job site, the city inspector seems to have invented 107 new violations today that were not there yesterday, which could cost many thousands of dollars per day in delays. That’s easy for many to imagine because something like that has happened to them, or maybe it is right now. 

Now imagine praying for that inspector’s well-being and her highest good. 

Why would you even consider doing so?

Jesus said “But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven.”

Maybe you are considering this quote from the great rock and roll philosopher Meat Loaf: “I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that.”

Welcome to episode 0003 of The Just a Thinker podcast. I am your host, Bryan Bootka. I wonder if Jesus would refer to illegal aliens, the legal term, as “Invaders,” or would he have told us they were our “Neighbors?”

In episode 0001, we discussed citizenship and our identity in Jesus. As his followers, we are part of the church, called out from among the world, and that should inform all we do. Perhaps we should see ourselves as the Jews who were carried off to Babylon, exiles in a foreign land.

If you were born in Venezuela or a country facing similar upheaval, what would you do? Would you venture to the United States of America and why? Join us to consider this issue in a way you have not likely done so before.

Brahm French, host of Brahm's Show, and Bryan Bootka, host of Just a Thinker, discuss why the Just a Thinker podcast exists. It is slightly better than the first episode because of the guest.

If you were asked about your national identity, would you say without hesitation, a Christian, or would you say American? If you answer “Christian” have you considered how that should shape your view on public policy?

This is episode 0001 of The Just a Thinker podcast and today let’s talk about  Kingdom Citizenship: Examining National Identity from a Biblical Perspective

Is it possible that we, as Apostolics, support public policies that are incongruent with our professed identity? And if so, how would we know?

A 2-minute introduction to the topics we will be discussing on the Just a Thinker podcast, which is part of the Of God and Men Network.