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Just Thinking: About the State
“Modern Christianity needs more of this type of direct, unequivocal communication as we navigate the contemporary challenges that face us….Where the faint-hearted fear to tread, Darrell and Virgil march boldly, Bibles opened, with full confidence that no subject is exempt from evaluation by rigorous study of God’s written Word.”
- Tom Ascol
- Tom Ascol
212 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
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367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 22, 2021
Excellent, insightful content…especially appreciated articulately defined terminology, historical context, relevant quotes, and Scriptural text generously incorporated throughout. Coauthors and Just Thinking podcast cohosts Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker boldly tackle a host of timely topics facing our nation today: government, socialism, capitalism, social savior, born alive act, Black Lives Matter/abortion, politics and the black church, reparations, equality act, and elections. Keep up the good work, men! Thanks for challenging your readers to view the issues in our current society “by the light of righteousness.” (Charles Spurgeon)
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
September 20, 2021
Fantastic, Biblical, and exegetical book covering several different du jour topics related to the state. If you are a fan of the authors' work on their podcast "Just Thinking" (which I highly recommend), you will be thrilled with having the same style of content available in print.
October 16, 2021
Good book for those who want to think about certain current political issues from a biblical worldview. My main takeaway is that worldview matters. No matter how you vote or how you think through the controversial issues, you are looking at it through a specific worldview. The question becomes... will you look at things with a Christ centered worldview?
January 19, 2023
I suppose for a book titled “just thinking,” I shouldn’t have expected super clear, great arguments. It’s “just thinking,” after all, and so no thesis is given at the start, so it’s hard to know the audience and direction.
In most cases, I don’t actually disagree with the authors. I agree we need to have a biblical worldview behind our politics. The arguments were not the best, meandered, and were at times dismissive. They ascribe motives, make comments without substantiation (or leave out statistics that would give a rounder picture, so their arguments seem weak), and because they try to cram so many issues into the book, flatten complex discussions (ie, that anyone espousing Christian socialism is also subscribing to social gospel and imply false dichotomies such as since Jesus is the only one who can heal our hurts, we shouldn’t try to do it ourselves). Most concerning, there are a handful of times they say something is “the gospel” or “antithetical to the gospel,” when what is really meant is general biblical teaching or implications of the gospel. Maybe this confusion is why we have so many Christians claiming so many political issues are “gospel issues,” something that I often find untrue.
But because of what I ultimately concluded was their thesis (we need to have a biblical worldview behind our politics), I expected more constructing of a political theology from Scripture and less critiquing socialism and specific issues. They touch briefly on Romans 13 and how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility should shape our political views, but needed to flesh out what they think is the actual, biblical role of government—especially when their only critique of government education is that it shouldn’t become tyrannical or monopolistic.
I was critiquing it harder than most books 1) because these arguments are hot contemporary issues and so I want arguments that will hold up against differing views, and 2) I was confused by the trajectory of the book from the start, so was trying to figure out what was so off about it.
I don’t read many political books so can’t really say “read this instead,” but there was nothing in this book I haven’t heard elsewhere and instead I found many issues with it. If you agree with the authors, you’ve probably already come across all their arguments. If you disagree, this won’t do anything to convince you.
In most cases, I don’t actually disagree with the authors. I agree we need to have a biblical worldview behind our politics. The arguments were not the best, meandered, and were at times dismissive. They ascribe motives, make comments without substantiation (or leave out statistics that would give a rounder picture, so their arguments seem weak), and because they try to cram so many issues into the book, flatten complex discussions (ie, that anyone espousing Christian socialism is also subscribing to social gospel and imply false dichotomies such as since Jesus is the only one who can heal our hurts, we shouldn’t try to do it ourselves). Most concerning, there are a handful of times they say something is “the gospel” or “antithetical to the gospel,” when what is really meant is general biblical teaching or implications of the gospel. Maybe this confusion is why we have so many Christians claiming so many political issues are “gospel issues,” something that I often find untrue.
But because of what I ultimately concluded was their thesis (we need to have a biblical worldview behind our politics), I expected more constructing of a political theology from Scripture and less critiquing socialism and specific issues. They touch briefly on Romans 13 and how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility should shape our political views, but needed to flesh out what they think is the actual, biblical role of government—especially when their only critique of government education is that it shouldn’t become tyrannical or monopolistic.
I was critiquing it harder than most books 1) because these arguments are hot contemporary issues and so I want arguments that will hold up against differing views, and 2) I was confused by the trajectory of the book from the start, so was trying to figure out what was so off about it.
I don’t read many political books so can’t really say “read this instead,” but there was nothing in this book I haven’t heard elsewhere and instead I found many issues with it. If you agree with the authors, you’ve probably already come across all their arguments. If you disagree, this won’t do anything to convince you.
February 28, 2022
This book had some good stuff. Their main point being that you can not compartmentalize your biblical world view and everything else, emphasizing that specifically with politics, we can’t remove our identity as Christians. They emphasize how time and time again, Christians do this when approaching their opinions on governmental systems, approaches to certain issues, and when they vote.
The authors were very clear and straight forward and provided lots of scripture to back up their opinions.
Where I struggled was the authors acted as if every election there is a candidate that falls in line with the Bible perfectly, which is obviously not reality. I also wish that in a book like this, the authors would address immigration/refugees. It makes things more complicated, but needs to be brought to the discussion more.
The authors were very clear and straight forward and provided lots of scripture to back up their opinions.
Where I struggled was the authors acted as if every election there is a candidate that falls in line with the Bible perfectly, which is obviously not reality. I also wish that in a book like this, the authors would address immigration/refugees. It makes things more complicated, but needs to be brought to the discussion more.
December 4, 2022
Do you want to have a biblical understanding of politics and your role in how you approach civil government, look no further than this book right here? Darrell and Virgil deal with some very important problems that are taking place today and they do it within the lens of historical research, biblical exegesis, and simple logic as they present the Christian worldview and attack the secular world in a very effective way. These guys don’t disappoint.
December 30, 2021
My least favorite book of the year. Lack of robust biblical and theological thinking on incredibly complex issues. On top of this, the book is very pedantic, divisive, and pejorative to those who disagree with the authors. There’s a general unkindness and lack of pastoral nature that is needed on these issues. Lack of nuance was something applauded and rejoiced in.
January 20, 2022
Just Thinking About the State, while providing some valuable insights, was very obviously Darrell's and Virgil's first attempt at writing a book. The individual points just don't make complete arguments. However, their commitment to being biblical is commendable, and I hope that their next attempts will demonstrate growth in their ability to communicate these vital truths.
April 18, 2022
I have been recommending this book to people since the moment I read the first chapter. Harrison and Walker do not hesitate to speak plainly about so many issues that are influencing both our culture and the church today. Every Christian is ultimately both a theologian and an apologist and therefore should make time to understand how such tough topics addressed in this book should be interpreted through a biblical worldview. 5 stars highly recommend!
November 20, 2021
Absolutely phenomenal book. Truth from start to finish.
January 7, 2022
I’d give it closer to 5 stars if I could!! Handled every cultural issue through the lens of Christ and the gospel being the only lasting solution. Highly recommend.
February 18, 2022
I agree wholeheartedly with the viewpoint of the authors. But I just didn't think the book was very well written. It was OK.
June 7, 2025
This was fascinating & helpful!
One thing I love to do is learn, specifically to learn things from a Biblical perspective. I love to learn about God and the Bible, but even when it's things like current events, modern ideologies, "mental health," the illiteracy rate in the US, etc. I just love to learn. I love to think. I love to apply the Bible, or read how the Bible can be applied to certain issues. Darrell and Virgil, as usual, did an excellent job with what they set out to do.
This book is a conglomeration of issues such as government, socialism vs. capitalism, social justice, BLM, abortion, etc., but it all fit together. I love Darrell and Virgil. They are so smart and research thoroughly. I've listened to several episodes of their "Just Thinking" podcast, and this book was much like one of them.
I really appreciate all the thought and work that went into this book. (And I love that gorgeous cover!)
I loved this quote from Samuel Rutherford:
"There are curtains to be drawn by in Christ that we [have never seen], and new foldings of love in Him. ...There are so many plies in it; therefore dig deep, and sweat, and labour, and take pains for Him, and set [aside] so much time in the day for Him as you can: He will be won with labour. ... My counsel is that ye come out and leave the multitude and let Christ have your company."
One thing I love to do is learn, specifically to learn things from a Biblical perspective. I love to learn about God and the Bible, but even when it's things like current events, modern ideologies, "mental health," the illiteracy rate in the US, etc. I just love to learn. I love to think. I love to apply the Bible, or read how the Bible can be applied to certain issues. Darrell and Virgil, as usual, did an excellent job with what they set out to do.
This book is a conglomeration of issues such as government, socialism vs. capitalism, social justice, BLM, abortion, etc., but it all fit together. I love Darrell and Virgil. They are so smart and research thoroughly. I've listened to several episodes of their "Just Thinking" podcast, and this book was much like one of them.
I really appreciate all the thought and work that went into this book. (And I love that gorgeous cover!)
I loved this quote from Samuel Rutherford:
"There are curtains to be drawn by in Christ that we [have never seen], and new foldings of love in Him. ...There are so many plies in it; therefore dig deep, and sweat, and labour, and take pains for Him, and set [aside] so much time in the day for Him as you can: He will be won with labour. ... My counsel is that ye come out and leave the multitude and let Christ have your company."
September 22, 2022
An excellent book that is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all this woke absurdity we're daily bombarded with.
Just Thinking: About the State details the dangers and history of socialism. It also explains why socialism is antiBiblical, can never beBiblical, and why the claim that Jesus promoted socialism is both false and a disgusting lie. It also covers "reparations", Black Lives Matter, and more. I found it quite beneficial to read and it provided clear definitions of the multiple types of socialism.
I highly recommend this book. It dissembles leftist hot topics from an intelligent, logical, Christian perspective and describes how the woke culture, its repercussions, and its fallout are as far from the Bible as you can get.
Just Thinking: About the State details the dangers and history of socialism. It also explains why socialism is antiBiblical, can never beBiblical, and why the claim that Jesus promoted socialism is both false and a disgusting lie. It also covers "reparations", Black Lives Matter, and more. I found it quite beneficial to read and it provided clear definitions of the multiple types of socialism.
I highly recommend this book. It dissembles leftist hot topics from an intelligent, logical, Christian perspective and describes how the woke culture, its repercussions, and its fallout are as far from the Bible as you can get.
November 22, 2022
Through the use of copious amount of scripture, quotations from solid theologians, historical writings & modern social research, Walker and Harrison teach readers not only what to think (based on a biblical worldview) but HOW to think.
And not just think in the way they perceive to be best, but how to think rightly based on scripture (an unchanging standard), about such important topics in our day as abortion, marriage, social justice, socialism vs capitalism, and elections & politics.
The writers are truly “unashamed of the Gospel” (Rm. 1:16), consistently pointing to scripture and using clear biblically founded arguments.
They write in an academic approach, which may not suit the style of some readers.
And not just think in the way they perceive to be best, but how to think rightly based on scripture (an unchanging standard), about such important topics in our day as abortion, marriage, social justice, socialism vs capitalism, and elections & politics.
The writers are truly “unashamed of the Gospel” (Rm. 1:16), consistently pointing to scripture and using clear biblically founded arguments.
They write in an academic approach, which may not suit the style of some readers.
December 30, 2022
Must Read For Christians
Darrell B. Harrison and Virgil Walker are both GOD fearing brothers that show how the Holy Scriptures are relevant for living today. Most in our culture believe GOD’s Word is out of date and old fashioned, but as the writer of Hebrews has stated “It is active, living”, (Hebrews 4:12). We have lost the fear of the TRUE and LIVING GOD and forgotten our past history. A society that does those two things are soon bound for extinction. GOD is our SOURCE, STRENGTH, and SUBSTAINER of life and only through HIM can we find our Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). HE gives us the BIBLE along with past history to guide us to HIM. Thanks to our brothers. Darrell and Virgil for reminding us once again we serve an AWESOME GOD!
Darrell B. Harrison and Virgil Walker are both GOD fearing brothers that show how the Holy Scriptures are relevant for living today. Most in our culture believe GOD’s Word is out of date and old fashioned, but as the writer of Hebrews has stated “It is active, living”, (Hebrews 4:12). We have lost the fear of the TRUE and LIVING GOD and forgotten our past history. A society that does those two things are soon bound for extinction. GOD is our SOURCE, STRENGTH, and SUBSTAINER of life and only through HIM can we find our Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). HE gives us the BIBLE along with past history to guide us to HIM. Thanks to our brothers. Darrell and Virgil for reminding us once again we serve an AWESOME GOD!
January 25, 2022
Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker have become some of the most thorough and engaging commentators on the culture. Pulling no punches they address the most polarizing hot button issues of our day such as socialism, capitalism, black lives matter, abortion, the equality act, social justice, and how Christians should approach elections. Harrison and Walker show themselves to be committed followers of Jesus as they seek to guide the reader through the development of a biblical worldview as they walk through what the Bible has to say on each issue.
February 22, 2023
Fourth book of the G3 2023 Reading Challenge: A book from last year’s challenge that you wanted to read but didn’t.
Fifth book of the Springfield-Greene County Public Library Winter Reading Challenge: Author of color.
Incredible. I love books that back everything up with Scripture, and this one does it. I wish I could memorize the whole thing so I'd never forget the information I need if I ever get into discussions about politics and current issues. I'll have to get this book again sometime and take extensive notes.
Fifth book of the Springfield-Greene County Public Library Winter Reading Challenge: Author of color.
Incredible. I love books that back everything up with Scripture, and this one does it. I wish I could memorize the whole thing so I'd never forget the information I need if I ever get into discussions about politics and current issues. I'll have to get this book again sometime and take extensive notes.
July 12, 2023
The first time I started this book it felt over my head. Because it came so highly recommended, I gave it another shot. This time I read the study questions at the back of each chapter before reading the chapter, and it caused me to pay more attention and seek the answers, which were rarely obvious. It was written to make the reader think, and I will review my notes again to be sure I remember the valuable information from these two well-read, clearly brilliant authors.
November 17, 2021
Much needed and very helpful. Must read!
Fantastic read from a couple of faithful men. If you like the podcast you won't be able to not hear their voices as you read. God bless this book and may it turn the minds of many who are perishing back to Christ before the venom of these fiery woke serpents destroys them.
Fantastic read from a couple of faithful men. If you like the podcast you won't be able to not hear their voices as you read. God bless this book and may it turn the minds of many who are perishing back to Christ before the venom of these fiery woke serpents destroys them.
March 16, 2022
A must-read for any and every Christian! Informative with in-depth reference to both Biblical text and theological writings. Covers many of the hot topics that are controversial amongst Evangelicals and proves that we should be unified with the God of the Bible and all of them. Please set your presuppositions aside, don the attitude of humility, and read this book!
March 27, 2022
Dare I say every Christian who cares about government should read this book? Yes, I do. This is a Biblically grounded view of so many narratives that swirl in the political scene. I underlined this book so many times over. Without being partisan, they continued to point the reader back to scripture as foundation for thinking about governmental concepts. Phenomenal.
July 13, 2023
A better Christiam
I learned of this book from the podcast "Just Thinking", and reading it clarified much in my Christian growth. I praised the Lord for this message and handbook. Leaving my political pursuit for my church involvement and to make us more Biblical than Worldly. Thank you Pastors Darrell and Ohmaha.
I learned of this book from the podcast "Just Thinking", and reading it clarified much in my Christian growth. I praised the Lord for this message and handbook. Leaving my political pursuit for my church involvement and to make us more Biblical than Worldly. Thank you Pastors Darrell and Ohmaha.
February 1, 2024
We far too often separate religion and politics, and this book gives us biblical reasoning and references on why politics are important, and why we should care about them as Christians. Not only does the book speak of that, but they also give us biblical grounding in other hard topics as abortion, racism, capitalism, communism and more.
Harrison and Walker are incredibly knowledgeable in the areas of both Christianity and Politics, and are very well read, so that they can cite many different writers and books on their topics.
Harrison and Walker are incredibly knowledgeable in the areas of both Christianity and Politics, and are very well read, so that they can cite many different writers and books on their topics.
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October 12, 2021Easy to read and thought provoking.
October 18, 2021
Excellent book. Harrison and Walker definitely did a lot of research.
November 4, 2021
Absolutely incredible. Highly thoughtful read on linking Scripture to the current state of affairs in US gov and political/cultural life. Theologically sound and compelling throughout. 10 stars
January 18, 2022
Great! Social issues aren’t my favorite subjects to read, but this was so good at explaining the issues from a biblical perspective.
February 14, 2022
Excellent book about how the church and state should co exist
July 4, 2022
This book could have been a little more in-depth, but the points were well made, and pointed at problems from both sides of America’s political aisle. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews