Who remembers the 1990s resurgence of the popular phrase, “What Would Jesus Do”? This phrase spread rapidly around the globe among Christian youth, and many had bracelets, keychains, and stickers with the initials: “WWJD”.
However, this did not originate in the 1990s. In fact, a century before, Charles Spurgeon, an evangelical Baptist preacher in London, used the phrase several times in a sermon he gave on June 28, 1891. But that wasn’t even the first time it was used. Charles Spurgeon cited the source of the phrase as a book written between 1418 and 1427 by Thomas a Kempis, which was written in Latin, “Imitatio Christi (The Imitation of Christ).
Recently, a friend of mine shared a post by Dickie Osborne on FB that simply read, “Long read but worth it,” with a photo of “ICE” surrounding Alex Pretti in MN. I read the post and many of the comments that followed. It got me thinking about how the same questions can be answered differently based on the reader’s perspective.
AI responds to AI
I ran the post through an AI Detector and found that it was entirely written by AI. Therefore, instead of trying to figure out how I would answer the questions based purely on my perspective, I turned to AI and gave the following prompt:
“I want you to forget everything you know about me in this discussion and respond to each of the questions asked in this FB post I read, looking at it from the perspective of a conservative (MAGA), a left-leaning liberal, the Old Testament (with citations), and the New Testament (WWJD). I want you to put it in table format with the questions down the left column and the perspectives across the top. Here is the post.”
Fair Warning…This resulted in another “Long Read”.
I hope you enjoy ChatGPT’s Response…
Got it. I’ll answer only based on the post you shared, not on anything about you personally.
Below are the questions from that FB post, answered from four lenses:
- Conservative (MAGA)
- Left-leaning Liberal
- Old Testament (with Scripture citations)
- New Testament (WWJD) (with Scripture citations + “what would Jesus do?” tone)
1) Personal responsibility: “Do I truly understand who I’m defending?”
| Smart supervision programs exist, but must protect the community. | Conservative (MAGA) | Left-Leaning Liberal | Old Testament (with citations) | New Testament (WWJD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do I understand the criminal histories? | Know the record before defending. Safety first. | Know context + harm done, don’t assume innocence or guilt. | Seek truth before judgment (Prov 18:13). | Check facts, don’t rush to condemnation (John 7:24). |
| Civil violation vs violent/repeat offense? | Huge difference. Treat them differently. | Distinguish, but ensure due process + humane treatment for all. | Different consequences for different harms (Ex 21:12–14). | Accountability matters, but mercy matters too (Luke 12:47–48). |
| Reacting to headlines or verified facts? | Verify. Don’t be played by propaganda. | Verify, and still care even when facts are messy. | False witness is sin; truth matters (Ex 20:16). | Truthfulness is required (Matt 5:37). |
| Would I take responsibility for one person? | If you won’t, don’t demand it from society. | Sponsorship can be a model, but shouldn’t be the only moral test. | Care can be personal and communal (Ruth 1:16–17; Deut 15:7–8). | Faith shows up in action, not slogans (James 2:15–17). |
| Would I adopt them into my home? | If not, don’t force risk onto others. | You can oppose abuse without personally housing someone. | Hospitality is valued, but wisdom is too (Gen 18:1–8; Prov 27:12). | Welcome the vulnerable, but be wise (Matt 10:16). |
| Legally responsible for their actions? | No bail without accountability. | Smart supervision programs exist, but must protect community. | People answer for wrongdoing (Ezek 18:20). | Responsibility still exists even with forgiveness (Gal 6:5). |
| Provide food/shelter/transport/supervision? | Charity is voluntary, not coerced. | Community support reduces harm and prevents desperation. | Care for the poor and foreigner (Deut 10:18–19). | “Whatever you did for the least…” (Matt 25:35–40). |
| Transport to court/hearings? | If you’re serious, prove it. | Help people comply with law instead of sabotaging it. | Justice requires order and process (Deut 16:18–20). | “Render to Caesar…” (Matt 22:21). |
| Guarantee court appearance or accept consequences? | Consequences matter; no excuses. | Reasonable accountability is fair if paired with fairness. | Justice includes consequences (Num 5:6–7). | Accountability + restoration (Luke 19:8–9). |
| Let them sleep in home with children? | Protect your family. Period. | Protect kids always, but don’t assume all are threats. | Guard your household (Neh 4:13–14). | Protect children; don’t cause harm (Matt 18:6). |
| Leave them alone in my home? | Trust is earned, not assumed. | Set boundaries; safety planning is okay. | Prudence is wisdom (Prov 14:15). | Be “wise as serpents” (Matt 10:16). |
| Trust around spouse/kids/neighbors/pets? | Safety > signaling. | Safety + fairness can coexist. | Protect community order (Lev 19:16). | Love neighbor means don’t endanger them (Rom 13:10). |
| Install locks/cameras/safeguards and why? | Because risk is real. | Risk management doesn’t mean cruelty. | Watchfulness is praised (Prov 4:23). | Being prepared isn’t sin (Luke 14:28). |
| Accept financial liability for damage/harm? | If you sponsor, you pay. | Liability can exist without dehumanizing people. | Restitution required (Ex 22:1–4). | Make amends where possible (Matt 5:23–24). |
| Still defend publicly if they reoffend? | Own the consequences. | Don’t let one case justify broad cruelty. | Don’t “call evil good” (Isa 5:20). | Don’t enable harm; confront sin with love (Matt 18:15). |
| If I won’t take one, why expect society to absorb unlimited risk? | Exactly. Limits matter. | Society must weigh risk + rights, not “unlimited” anything. | Leaders must balance justice and mercy (Mic 6:8). | Protect the vulnerable without harming others (Matt 7:12). |
| Is compassion real if it requires no sacrifice? | Compassion without cost is cheap talk. | Sacrifice is good, but shouldn’t be coerced as a test. | Care is commanded (Isa 1:17). | Love costs something (John 15:13). |
| Moral to demand outcomes I won’t join? | No. That’s hypocrisy. | It can still be moral to advocate policy even if you’re not the “host home.” | Don’t demand burdens you won’t carry (implied by justice ethic, Mic 6:8). | Don’t lay heavy loads on others (Luke 11:46). |
2) Clarity: “Why am I here, and what do I expect to happen?”
| Love your neighbor; you’re accountable for justice (Lev 19:18). | Conservative (MAGA) | Left-Leaning Liberal | Old Testament (citations) | New Testament (WWJD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What business is this of mine right now? | If you’re not involved, don’t interfere. | Civic action is everyone’s business when rights are at stake. | Love neighbor; you’re accountable for justice (Lev 19:18). | Be salt/light, but with wisdom (Matt 5:13–16). |
| Directly involved or inserting myself? | Don’t obstruct lawful work. | Witnessing can prevent abuse if done peacefully. | Don’t meddle foolishly (Prov 26:17). | Do good without chaos (1 Cor 14:33). |
| What will change because I’m here today? | Probably nothing but risk. | Visibility can pressure institutions, if disciplined. | Plans should be realistic (Prov 21:5). | Count the cost (Luke 14:28). |
| Feeling strongly vs thinking clearly? | Emotion is a weapon used on crowds. | Passion needs strategy and facts. | Wisdom > impulse (Prov 14:29). | Be quick to listen, slow to anger (James 1:19–20). |
| If I walk away, does anything get worse? | Walking away may prevent tragedy. | Sometimes de-escalation is the best protest. | “Turn away wrath” (Prov 15:1). | Blessed are peacemakers (Matt 5:9). |
| What’s my specific goal? | Lawful change through elections/courts. | Policy change, oversight, and rights protection. | Justice requires action, not noise (Isa 1:17). | Let your “yes” be yes, clear goals (Matt 5:37). |
| Is my goal release, visibility, signaling, or policy? | Signaling is pointless. | Visibility can help, but must connect to policy steps. | Don’t do righteousness “for show” (concept echoed in Isa 29:13). | Don’t perform faith for applause (Matt 6:1). |
| Can I explain what law I want changed and how? | If you can’t, you’re just raging. | If you can, organize, vote, litigate, advocate. | Law matters; change must be deliberate (Deut 17:8–11). | Work within order when possible (Rom 13:1–4). |
| Do laws change by interference or institutions? | Institutions. Street blocking isn’t lawmaking. | Protest can push institutions, but interference can backfire. | Leaders and judges carry authority (Deut 16:18). | Use lawful channels, keep peace (1 Pet 2:13–17). |
| If actions succeed perfectly, what’s “tomorrow morning”? | Safety + rule of law still exist. | Better policies + accountability mechanisms. | Think outcomes, not vibes (Prov 13:16). | Fruit matters more than noise (Matt 7:16–20). |
| Am I assuming others stay calm while I act impulsively? | That’s selfish and dangerous. | Crowd dynamics are real; plan for calm. | Don’t rely on others to cover folly (Prov 19:3). | Don’t provoke; pursue peace (Rom 12:18). |
| Am I relying on someone else’s restraint? | Yes, and that’s reckless. | True, so choose nonviolent discipline. | Don’t test disaster (Eccl 10:8). | Don’t put God or others “to the test” (Matt 4:7). |
| Do crowds/adrenaline improve judgment? | No, they worsen it. | Usually worse, unless trained organizers lead. | Anger clouds wisdom (Prov 29:11). | Anger doesn’t produce righteousness (James 1:20). |
| If something goes wrong, accept responsibility? | If you start it, own it. | Yes, activism requires accountability. | You reap what you sow (Prov 22:8). | Each will answer for actions (Rom 14:12). |
3) Safety and tactics: “Is my presence helping or escalating?”
| Question | Conservative (MAGA) | Left-Leaning Liberal | Old Testament (citations) | New Testament (WWJD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why stand close to armed professionals? | Bad idea. Back up. | Distance reduces risk; document safely. | Don’t run toward danger foolishly (Prov 22:3). | Avoid needless harm (Matt 5:9). |
| Does proximity add authority or risk? | Mostly risk. | Mostly risk, unless de-escalating calmly. | Wisdom avoids the snare (Prov 14:16). | Peaceful conduct > swagger (1 Pet 3:11). |
| If a vehicle moves/panic/stumble? | Someone gets hurt fast. | True, risk is high in chaos. | Life is precious (Gen 9:6). | Protect life; don’t gamble it (Matt 22:39). |
| Worth someone getting hurt? | Never. | Never. Peaceful protest must prevent injury. | Don’t endanger innocents (Deut 22:8). | Love does no harm (Rom 13:10). |
| Worth me getting hurt? | No. Go home. | Safety matters; martyrdom isn’t a strategy. | Preserve life and order (Prov 24:11). | Jesus avoided “traps” when needed (John 10:39). |
| What do I want officers to do differently? | Follow the law, but keep calm. | Use restraint, respect rights, avoid abuse. | Judges must be fair (Deut 16:19). | Mercy and justice together (Matt 23:23). |
| Yelling/blocking helps or escalates? | Escalates. | Usually escalates; disciplined calm is better. | Quarrels inflame (Prov 15:18). | Gentle answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1; echoed in spirit by Matt 5:9). |
| Create evidence/records or create chaos? | Evidence wins. Chaos loses. | Evidence, lawyers, court oversight. | Truth established by witnesses (Deut 19:15). | Truth matters; be above reproach (Phil 2:15). |
| Supported legal aid/court navigation? | That’s the right way if you care. | Yes, fund legal defense and services. | Defend the oppressed (Isa 1:17). | Help materially, not just loudly (James 2:16). |
| Understand process or performing concern? | Learn the system or stop interfering. | Learn the system and reform it. | Wisdom seeks understanding (Prov 4:7). | Be wise, not hypocritical (Matt 7:5). |
4) Policy realism: “If I ran the show, what would I actually do?”
| Question | Conservative (MAGA) | Left-Leaning Liberal | Old Testament (citations) | New Testament (WWJD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| If I wrote the law, what would it say? | Secure borders + enforce crime consequences. | Due process + humane enforcement + smart reform. | Laws must be clear and just (Deut 16:20). | Justice + mercy + truth (Matt 23:23). |
| Handle violent/repeat offenders & due process? | Detain/expel, protect public. | Separate violent from nonviolent; preserve rights. | Punish wrongdoing; protect community (Ex 21:12–14). | Authorities restrain wrongdoing (Rom 13:3–4). |
| Resources/funding/unintended consequences? | Don’t bankrupt society for ideology. | Invest upstream to reduce harm long-term. | Count the cost of plans (Prov 21:5). | Count the cost (Luke 14:28). |
| Do laws stop applying if enough disagree? | No. That’s anarchy. | No, but unjust laws should be challenged lawfully. | “Lawlessness” condemned (concept throughout; e.g., Judges 21:25). | Work toward change without violence (Rom 12:17–18). |
| If true, which laws would exist tomorrow? | None we can rely on. | Agreed: chaos harms the vulnerable most. | Order matters for society (Gen 1 shows order; Prov 29:2). | God is not a God of disorder (1 Cor 14:33). |
| Want that applied to issues I care less about? | It would destroy everything. | It would backfire hard. | Measure is applied back to you (Prov 21:2). | Same measure returns (Matt 7:2). |
| Have I ever called 911? | Most people have; we need police. | Yes, and we can demand better policing. | Leaders are meant to restrain evil (Prov 28:2). | Government has a role (Rom 13:1–4). |
| Expect law enforcement when I need help? | Then don’t demonize them all. | Critique abuse, not humanity; reform systems. | Justice requires impartiality (Lev 19:15). | Respect authority, pursue peace (1 Pet 2:13–17). |
| Reconcile with “all enforcement illegitimate”? | That belief collapses society. | Many don’t mean “all,” they mean “unaccountable.” | Authority exists, but must be just (Deut 16:18–20). | Correct wrongdoing without hatred (Matt 18:15). |
| If not a citizen: chaos helps or hurts case? | Hurts. Follow process. | Chaos hurts; legal help is better. | Seek counsel and wisdom (Prov 11:14). | Be wise and peaceable (James 3:17). |
5) Motives and aftermath: “Am I helping people or feeding my ego?”
| Question | Conservative (MAGA) | Left-Leaning Liberal | Old Testament (citations) | New Testament (WWJD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Save lives or feel righteous? | Many are chasing clout. | Some are sincere, but ego is a trap. | God opposes pride (Prov 16:18). | Don’t perform goodness for praise (Matt 6:1). |
| If someone injured, still worth it? | No. Stop escalation. | No. Nonviolence must be real. | Life is sacred (Gen 9:6). | Love protects life (John 13:34). |
| If nothing changes, admit it did nothing? | Most protests accomplish nothing. | Some protests matter, but honesty matters. | Truth over self-deception (Jer 17:9). | Let your life show fruit (Matt 7:17). |
| Thinking or reacting? | Most are reacting. | Reacting is human; discipline is needed. | Be slow to anger (Prov 14:29). | Slow to anger (James 1:19). |
| Principle or anger? | Anger drives chaos. | Principle can exist, but anger must be controlled. | Wrath leads to sin (Prov 29:22). | Anger doesn’t produce righteousness (James 1:20). |
| Walk away: weak or rational? | Rational and safe. | Often wise and strategic. | Wisdom retreats from danger (Prov 22:3). | Turn the other cheek doesn’t mean seek injury (Matt 5:39). |
| After today, after cameras leave? | You still live with consequences. | Real change requires long work, not moments. | Faithfulness is long obedience (Eccl 7:8). | Perseverance matters (Gal 6:9). |
| Future if it escalates vs resolves? | Escalation ruins lives and communities. | Escalation hurts the vulnerable most. | Violence breeds more violence (Gen 4:23–24 theme). | Live at peace if possible (Rom 12:18). |
| Is common sense cowardice or survival? | Survival and responsibility. | Survival + strategy; both good. | “Choose life” (Deut 30:19). | Blessed are peacemakers (Matt 5:9). |
One-line takeaway from each lens 🧭
- Conservative (MAGA): “If you care, don’t obstruct. Facts, order, consequences, safety.”
- Left-Leaning Liberal: “Care deeply, but don’t confuse chaos for justice. Verify, organize, reform lawfully.”
- Old Testament: “Pursue justice, protect the vulnerable, and value truth, wisdom, and order.” (Mic 6:8; Prov 18:13; Deut 16:20)
- New Testament (WWJD): “Lead with truth + mercy + peace. Don’t grandstand. Help in practical ways that reduce harm.” (Matt 5:9; James 2:15–17; Rom 12:18)
But Don’t Forget, Jesus Also Turned Over Tables in the Temple and Drove Out the Money Changers
Another friend of mine responded, “And remember, Jesus flipped tables and shamed those who were doing wrong. I think we’ve hit that stage in our country. There’s no way the man who healed leprosy would be ok with executing an unarmed healer in the street.”
But is that really the same thing? Maybe yes, maybe no. See Caroline Cobb’s blog entitled “Would Jesus Turn Over Tables in Today’s Church?” And/Or, watch the video of Caroline Cobb’s release of “Turn the Tables” and search your own hearts.
Lyrics:
Verse 1
You exploit the ones who would worship
Use devotion to make a dime
Sell the sacred to turn a profit
Make the holy into merchandise
When all the world tries to get in the building
They can’t get in the door ’cause it’s
Overcrowded with goods and salesmen
In the holy house of the Lord
Verse 2
Jesus comes in turning over tables
Flies into a righteous rage
Makes a whip and drives out the idols
He’s jealous for his Father’s name
When all the world tries to get in the building
He’ll stand like an open door ’cause in
Three days gonna raise a signal
This way to the house of the Lord
Chorus
Turn the tables, turn the tables over
Turn the tables, turn the tables over
Verse 3
Do you want to make a cut on the story
Do you want to see your name in lights
Do you want a percentage of the glory
It’s not something you commodify
Don’t you know that your heart is a temple
He’s knocking down your door so
Let him in and he’ll turn over tables
Make your heart a house for the Lord