noeasyanswer: Recent Episodes
Cameron Carter
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 Akin are also considered.
Paper: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://philarchive.org/rec/MCIHDW&ved=2ahUKEwjR7cP6urCAAxW3JUQIHZdYCKIQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0S3yG0SCySnCD2dAq0lNNM
Michael S. Heiser: Aliens and Demons: https://youtu.be/ThmF7OErkxY
Michael S. Heiser: https://drmsh.com/
Jimmy Akins Mysterious World: https://sqpn.com/2019/08/aliens-and-religion/
2023-07-26
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 interpretations of the David Grusch allegations, and how we as people could potentially react to any big earth shattering news, UFO related or not.
Give it a listen!
2023-07-03
David Grusch Interview: https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/ufo/we-are-not-alone-the-ufo-whistleblower-speaks/
Capturing Christianity Interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/kLGVavxfNcY?feature=share
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 these needs to be guided biblically and not by trying to predict when it would happen.
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 evil. In this episode, "they" thinking is examined under the light of the scriptures and the very real dangers of this type of outlet are exposed.
2022-09-06
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 ideal as Christians is that of Christ and His Kingdom and not the currents of the world.
2022.03.11 (Recorded)
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 both people, society, and nature without pitting one against the other.
2021-07-22
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 for scapegoating must come to an end and be replaced by responsible acceptance of guilt by every individual and group within the human race. This episode examines a few of the many ways in which all of us partake in violence against the environment and creation examined from all sides and perspectives.
2021-07-07
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 large.
2021-06-22
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
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
0047 Masking and Church
Before it becomes any more of a hot button issue, I humbly submit some thoughts about masking and the church at large. This is most certainly not the first pandemic the church has seen but it is quite possibly the most divisive. What can we do to stay united in Christ even with differing opinions and practices?
2020-12-29
0046 Christmas 2020
Thank you Lord for coming here to be with us as one of us. It´s this years Christmas podcast.
2020-12-21
0045 Violence: Corporal Punishment from the Authorities
Rounding out the topic of Corporal Punishment, this week I look at what corporal punishment from the authorities looks like in scripture and in practice. Romans 12 and 13 help distinguish between the roles of the government and of the church. Finally, what does the research say about corporal punishment and how is our current system faring in preventing violence.
2020-12-08
0044 Violence: Corporal Punishment in Parenting
This is a case where science and scripture diverge wildly. Studies consistently show the negative effects of corporal punishment on children while the Bible extols the virtue of the rod. In this podcast, I first go over the scientific view of the matter and lament the limited studies on discipline in general. Next, a brief look at the Biblical texts on discipline and then what our roles as Christian parents and children need to be.
2020-11-24
0043 Violence: Bullying
Continuing on with particular examples of violence, we come next to bullying. Once lived by many and ignored beyond the teenage years, bullying has now come into the general spot light. I take a look at the Biblical example of Gideon to give some insight into the matter and what our Christian response can be when confronted by bullies and how we can treat bullies as well.
2020-11-17
0042 Violence: Abortion
The first examination of particular acts of violence in a semi alphabetical order. The debate over abortion is always set as one of rights vs life. I propose that the issue is that of equality or life. In this extended episode, I look at the Biblical perspective on abortion, how it gets framed in our society on both sides of the isle and finally, what the Christ follower's role should be.
2020-11-10
0041 Violence: Neutral Structures Part 3
In this last look at neutral structures, the question is considered whether the Christian is called to ever attack a neutral structure or the people that are part of or identified with the neutral structure. In examining this, we come to the point of decision: to choose that which gives life, or that which brings death.
2020-11-03
0040 Violence: Neutral Structures: In Defense
What is our role as Christians in terms of defending neutral structures? Can we ever support a structure carte-blanche? It is correct to think that a structure represents God's plans in the world or God Himself?
2020-10-27
In many cases, the position of a Christian should be easy to define when referring to certain types of structures. In this episode, I being to analyze neutral structures and what our position, attitude and actions should be regarding these most common type of structures. Some examples include businesses, governments, police and armed forces.
2020-10-21
0038 Violence: Evil Structures
What is to be done about evil structures? Ironically enough, this is possibly the clearest of all structures to deal with. First and foremost is to differentiate between the structure and the people since our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Ephesians 6 is our guide to stand.
2020-09-22
0037 Violence: Good Structures
In the next few podcasts, I will be examining what our response as followers of Christ should be to violent and oppressive structures. As frequently as not, good intentioned, necessary structures become misguided, oppressive and violent. How does Jesus deal with them?
2020-09-15
0036 Violence: How God treats a Structure
What can be learned by how God treated the Egyptians within the Egyptian empire as well as the Hebrews in the time of Exodus? How does God judge a structure (in this case, the country under Pharaoh´s rule) and how does He judge the individuals within the country? The answer may not be all that comforting, yet our response needs always be the same.
2020-09-08
0035 Something Admirable Challenge
Introducing the Something Admirable Challenge (name is still a work in progress) to be revealed this Thursday. But get ahead of the game and listen now! How can we as followers of Christ bless and speak well of all people in this moment of such division and hatred? This is a vehicle towards just such an effort.
Stay tuned!!!
2020-09-01
0034 Violence: Structures
Being part of a group adds identity that is more than the identity of the individual. This causes a certain justification within our minds for victims of violence that are identified with violent groups. In this podcast, I talk about the recent massacre in Samaniego, Colombia and the conflict there as a bridge point to understanding systemic violence.
2020-08-25
0033 Violence: Definition of Violence and Oppression
Finally, a definition of violence, even if it is a bit anti-climatic. Additionally, is oppression violence? Is all violence oppression? What does violence look like beyond individuals and in groups and systems? Our initial response to these questions may reveal more about our current social status than our true core beliefs.
2020-08-18
0032 Violence: Chaos and Monsters
As a beginning of systematic violence and also as a continuation of the concepts of libetry and order, chaos becomes the topic at hand. What is chaos and how is it depicted biblically? What inhabits the environment of chaos and what is our role regarding chaos?
2020-08-11
0031 A Personal Story
And now for something completely different. A bit of life shared.
2020-08-04
0030 Violence: Liberty and Order
Before looking at other forms of violence, both in the Bible and the world, there is a framework necessary to understand: The Liberty-Order Spectrum. All freedom means no order, while all order implies no freedom. These extremes don't exist, either in the natural world, nor in the social. None the less, if we are honest with ourselves, we want freedom for me and my version of order upon everyone else. Understanding where we find ourselves on this spectrum can lead to be better understanding of others at different positions along it. I propose this framework as a way forward to help us dialogue and better understand individuals and groups instead of write off and judge at writ.
2020-07-28
0029 Violence: Can Christians use Violence?
Regardless of whether God Himself uses violence or not, our role as followers of Christ is rather clear. While violence will always be the most expedient way to resolve a difference, to start and maintain a kingdom and to ensure personal protection, the path of Christ is the path of love towards enemies, of forgiveness and ultimately to sacrifice.
2020-07-21
0028 Violence: God of Peace. Part of the dialectic on God´s character and violence. Here I take the position that God is best revealed through Jesus Christ and it is through Him that we can best understand the scriptures and God Himself. While Jesus certainly isn´t "nice", He is a peace maker and suffers violence rather than commits it to others. At heart, He is about reconciliation, bringing all to Him to which He invites us, not forces us.
2020/07/13
How is the Bible so full of blood if telling the story of an all loving God? This is not an easy question and the best answer is the one that's comes after wrestling with God. To help in that wrestling process, this episode provides one argument of a dialectic that God is free and is best suited to use violence as necessary even if that unsettles us. Next, the second part of the dialectic will take a different approach to God. Give it a listen!
0026 Violence: From Cain to Noah:
Two family lines are drawn. One from Cain where violence increases and one from Seth, where violence also increases. We add violence from insecurity to violence from comparison to the list of violent causes. Even after the flood, God admits that violence is within the heart of man even from youth. This is the last look at the beginning of violence from Genesis.
2020-06-29
Upon separating himself from God's presence, Cain embarks upon a journey of searching. Yet the more he searches, the less he finds. Railing against the God of Creation, he tries countless new beginnings only to find himself the same more than ever. Eschewing the punishment of being an errant and vagabond, he builds a city where surrounded by houses, he will live homeless the rest of his days. In fear, the seeks protection only to be more consumed by paranoia as his security increases. This is the human condition cut off from God's ever waiting presence.
2020-06-15
God is just, but His mercy out runs His justice. We often hope for God's justice upon others and His mercy for ourselves. God is God and will do what He will do. How He treats Cain is far different that what justice what demand, yet still holds consequences barred by mercy.
2020-06-08
I have to break with the series and process so much of what is going on right now. I am sorry if I offend anyone, as this is almost stream of consciousness, but I can´t keep it in. The question that got under my skin was this: What is fair? If my son breaks one of my daughter´s toys, the fair thing is for him to lose one of his toys. So, if a group of people abduct people from another group, work them for centuries as slaves with no recompense for their labor and suffering and then give them legal rights yet they still suffer and fear for their lives...what is fair then? Anything less than the obvious is an act of mercy.
2020-06-02
When Cain finds himself offended, God presents to him a choice: Do well and be accepted, or don´t with sin lying at the door, and it will rule you. When confronting the offense which comes from comparison, there a choice that leads to life and choices that lead to death. Everyone has to make that choice and many times daily. Cain chose sin, and the first true victim dies at his hands.
2020-05-26
Setting up the context for the first instance of violence recorded in the Bible and history. Violence, finds its roots in comparison. Comparison finds its roots in inequality. God is good, He is just, and He is loving, but there is one thing He is not: equal. Nor does He make any promise nor pretense to that effect. The result? When a person does not find themselves blessed compared to others, they have to make a choice: Either do good and bless the other, or kill them. Cain chose the path of violence.
2020-18-05
Why talk about violence? I give some of my experiences with violence and the questions that it raised as to what motivates violence within us. Sadly, there is VERY LITTLE information available about this topic. This series will examine violence, the attackers and the victims, the motivation, possible solutions and of course all the Word has to tell us.
Give it a listen and follow along....
2020-05-11
Scripture is clear that if we believe in Jesus, we shall be saved from it. What is it? It's the Day of the Lord. When is it coming? What will it be like? Who is it for?
220-04-27
Last in the series of the Basics: How will the Judgement play out? Is it one event, two or three? What will we be judged on? Who will be judged? What is actually important for now in the lens of the coming judgement?
2020-04-20
Jesus has defeated the world! Last segment on the world for now. How Jesus defeats the world on the cross, how God so loved the world and why friendship with the world means being an enemy of God.
2020-01-17
How does Jesus confront the world? What actions does he take in His ministry to bring forth the Kingdom of God?
2020-01-13
Jesus faces the temptations of the devil and his response begins to show us how to respond to the powers and make God Lord.
2020-01-09
Looking at the perspective of Walter Wink, C. Peter Wagner and Greg Boyd on the powers and principalities in the world.
2020-01-06
Continuing on the theme of the world. A bit more on the order of things looking at the powers powers and principalities.
2020-01-02
Here at the end of the basics and the end of the age: Eternal judgement finishes out the set of the fundamentals of the faith. First, a look at what it means to judge, starting at the beginning, middle and end of time.
2020-04-13
What happens once we die, but before the resurrection? What options does the Bible lay out? Does it even matter? Today, I'm exploring the ideas of soul sleep and going to heaven while waiting for the resurrection from the dead at Christ's return.
2020-04-06
Resurrection means a risen body, not a just a soul. In this first part, it's time to face the reality of human existence, dualism, death and Christ's resurrection from the dead and a very brief look at the general timeline of what is to come at as we look towards eternity.
2020/03/30
The Basics: The Laying on of Hand
The mature action of the Christian life. Laying of hands for empowering by the Holy Spirit, for healing and for blessing into ministry. Perhaps this is the basic way of living out the Christian life.
2020-03-23
Baptism: A dip, a washing, a proclamation, a transformation. A quick overview of biblical cases of baptisms, how various churches implement it and how it fits into our faith.
2020-03-16
Faith in God...it means faith in God, not in anything of the world: people, money, security or even that which makes sense.
2020-03-09
Looking at what exactly are dead works and why we need to turn from them to God. This gets tricky...what happens when the things of God begin to take the place of the giver Himself?
2020/03/02
Do you know what it means to repent? What have you repented from? We are looking at what the word(s) repent mean and why it is STILL fundamental to following Christ.
2020/02/24
Starting a new series on the basics from Hebrews 6. This is just the introduction to the six or seven topics that are identified as the fundamentals of faith in Hebrews 6.