Thesis 1: human governments are ordained by God to uphold justice
- Does Romans 13 mean God specifically placed corrupt rulers like Stalin and Hitler in power?
The hosts read Matthew Loftus's first thesis and the long supporting passage from Romans 13. They agree God instituted the system of government with accountability but debate whether specific bad rulers (Stalin, Hitler) are individually placed by God, landing on distinguishing the institution from the people occupying it.
More on Justice
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Street justice debate: is vigilante justice okay for a follower of Jesus?
- Is it okay for a follower of Jesus to deliver street justice outside the bounds of the state?
The hosts debate whether street justice is permissible for Christians. Mike cites Moses and Elijah calling Israel back to God's law and dubs Moses the original Batman; Boova draws…
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Why was Paul never arrested for his crimes against the church?
- Why was the apostle Paul never arrested for his crimes against the church?
Ben opens the theological thread of the show: reading Galatians and Romans, he wonders why the apostle Paul — who vouched for Stephen's execution and says he violently persecuted the church — was never arrested or held accountable for that violence.
From No. 579 · Wanted: Paul and Hope | Paul’s Persecution of Christians and Radical Redemption
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Dear LFTP: the $900 Taylor Swift ticket
- Am I wrong to think my neighbor was not acting as a good friend by selling my 15-year-old a $900 Taylor Swift ticket?
A letter writer says a friend and neighbor sold her 15-year-old daughter a Taylor Swift ticket for $900 after buying it for $300, and wonders if she is wrong to think of the woman differently now.
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Don't take macro action based on micro analysis
- Am I taking macro action based on micro analysis?
A host introduces his principle — 'don't take macro action based upon micro analysis,' or 'don't take broad action based upon narrow analysis' — and the room tests it across examples.
From No. 450 · Good News of Narrow Focus