noeasyanswer

Yes, it's actually an episode about voting, but mostly about Jesus, the government, our role as followers of Christ and how a vote in this midterm election will be interpreted.

0071 Myths: Myths are the stories we collectively tell ourselves that keep society functioning. They may be true or they may be false. However, their role in society is fundamental. This episode explored myths as part of a new series exploring the truth, reality, and faith. 2023/12/02

0070 Would the Existence of Non-Human Intelligence Conflict with Christianity? In this episode, the idea of whether the simple existence of Non-Human Intelligence would somehow conflict with the Christian faith is examined. Using a paper written from McIntosh and McNabb, six areas of potential conflict are considered and no conflict is found. Additional takes from Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Jimmy A...

Yes I actually am doing a series of episodes on this topic and for good reason. Recent events have brought this topic of UFOs, now called UAPs into the mainstream. I would much rather be proactive in addressing this topic than getting blindside at some point in the near future. In this episode I discuss my own UFO encounters, recent US government de-stigmatizing efforts around the topic, possible...

0068 Grave Dangers of End Thinking War, climate, political instability, economic hardship, disease, asteroids... its just too much! The end must be nigh!  In this episode of No Easy Answer, "end thinking" vs "The End thinking" are examined from a biblical perspecitve.  Simply because there is an end does not necessarily correspond to The End of everything. Our perspective towards both of...

0067 Grave Dangers of "They" Thinking What were they thinking? They are behind it all. They are in control. They have been planning this. They are coming for you.  "They" thinking is ubitquitous. We all do it, and are constantly reminded of the influence of "they".  And of course, since "they" are the ones to blame for all this mess, it is simple and easy to make "they" the source of all...

A big of a break from the normal, a week or so back, feeling a bit overwhelmed by current world events and their consequences, I felt the need to do some commentary regarding some of the powers in play in the background of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  This podcast looks at some of the distinction between western (liberal) ideals and that of traditional (conservative) ideals.  Our id...

0065 Violence: Colonization Part 1 Colonization creates and exploits divisions in identity. This introduction to the topic explores identity, repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness on the individual and corporate level from a Biblical perspective with the key focus being on that of the Kingdom of God and not the kingdoms of this world and their respective ideologies.  2021-11-15

0064 Burn Out Breaking a bit from the series, this is personal reflection on this last season with a bit of my own take on burn out. I share this with the hope that this might benefit everyone as we go through moments of burn out.   2021-11-05

0063 Violence: Murder and Anger Jesus declares in the sermon on the mount that anger is equivalent to murder. This podcast looks at this link and how low the bar for murder is, while just how high the bar is for reconciliation. This is a unique position and opportunity for the disciple of Christ to be a force for peace in the world full of anger. 2021-09-20

0062 Violence: Mass Shootings Part 2 What can be done to prevent mass school shootings? This episode examines three different commonly proposed strategies being gun control, school hardening, and interpersonal relationships.  While the first two are policy based, how can we as Christians be lights in the school system to help prevent violence?   2021-09-01

0061 Violence: Mass Shootings Part 1 One of the most tragic and attention grabbing elements of this age is the rise of the mass shooting. This episode dives into the data presented by the Violence Project as produced by their database of mass shootings. Places, times, warning signs, and motivations are all examined to give a better understanding behind these tragedies. Give it a listen! 2021-08-12

0060 Violence: Environmental Violence Part 3 A follow up from the last episode with truly practical ways to better steward God's creation within the urban, suburban, and rural contexts.  The time to act is now! 2021-08-03

0059 Violence: Environmental Violence Part 2 Instead of the typical environmental call to sacrifice, there are many ways and methods where we, as the part of God's creation called to steward it, can work with nature for mutual benefit. This episode examines some of my own experiences with permaculture along with other examples and resources others have forged to create systems which have benefited...

0058 Violence: Environmental Violence In such a polarized, political, and overwhelming topic such as the environment, the easy path is to look for the scapegoat to blame and sacrifice and continue on as normal. While scapegoating may bring relief to our own psyche, it by no means brings any relief to the creation itself.  As severe weather events increase in frequency and intensity, the time...

0057 Violence: Graphic Violence Part 2 Why are we so drawn to the basic story of the good guys defeating the bad guys via violence? In this episode, Rene Girad's scapegoat theory sheds light on the most basic of all human stories and ritual.  We see how Jesus breaks that story by taking the place of the victim as completely innocent and as such frees us from that same story and the world writ...

0056 Graphic Violence Part 1 At time when screens abound, the pervasiveness of graphic violence is hard to miss. Is it a true problem? What do the studies say regarding graphic violence upon our own actions. What kind of warnings does Scripture give if it is full of descriptively violent stories as well?  This first look at graphic violence examines these questions and more.  2021-06-15

0055 Violence: Gun Violence Amongst a sea of statistics, partisanship, and debate, guns both take and save lives. One much more than the other. This podcast looks at statistics in general as well as the major sources of gun related deaths and the values promoted by gun culture. Finally, a bit of a Biblical perspective on weapons, protection, faith, and love.  2021-05-18

0054 Violence: Gang Violence 3 In this third and final installment on gang violence, the details of the example organization is studied along with the disastrous results of trying to simply "get rid of the problem". Also the impact of the evangelical church in on prison and a brief overview of what God calls us to.  2021-05-06

0053 Violence: Gang Violence Part 2 An examination of the context of the origin of one of the more recognized gang of the past decades.  This is a historical look at an 1850's American Filibuster and the civil war in El Salvador in the 1970's-1990's both of which give the name and context for the beginnings of MS13.   2021-04-21  

0052 Violence: Gang Violence With the endless cycles of killing and violence surrounding gangs, the reaction from outside can be to look for someone to blame or scramble for a solution.  However, Jesus, crucified among two criminals shows a different way.   2021-04-06

0051 Violence: Genocide The word Genocide is first coined in 1944 in response to the horrors of the holocaust. None the less, genocide has been part of human history writ large.  This episode dives into the definition, history, and factors that can lead to genocide.   2021.03.29

0050 Violence: Atlanta Shooting Some reactions to the shooting in Atlanta this past Tuesday, 03/16/2021.  There are many stories to hear. I discuss some of the impact upon the varied Asian American community as well as looking into the now derided "purity culture".  Give it a listen. 2021.03.18

A quick update and brief reflection on the Immerse Bible Study 2021-01-20

0048 Violence: Domestic Abuse When violence is under our own roof, it cannot be escaped except by walking a very difficult road.  Is staying ever justified? Is divorce ever justified? What can we as the church do to help, support and bless those who suffer under domestic abuse? 2021-01-05