Peter Rollo, founder of the website Rival Nations, joined us to discuss his growth as a believer, passion for theology, why he started Rival Nations, "Two-Kingdom Theology," Romans 13, voting as a form of violence, and what it means to be a citizen of a "rival nation." Followers of Jesus are indeed a part of a nation: The Kingdom of God.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart sits down with guests Norman Horn and Cody Cook to delve into one of the most complex and nuanced discussions facing the modern church—whether undocumented immigrants can biblically serve as elders.Cody Cook explains how Christian theology provides a balanced view, acknowledging legitimate functions of government while urging respect for authority within reasonable boundaries, much like Apostle Paul's approach.Pivoting to the specific issue of church leadership, Doug Stuart explores the criteria for evaluating pastoral candidates. Should undocumented status automatically disqualify someone, or does the context and community's understanding of the individual's circumstances matter more? Doug advocates for a nuanced approach that values wisdom and moral evaluation over rigid legality.Norman Horn emphasizes that decisions regarding church discipline and leadership must involve the community. He insists that wise elders, with the support and awareness of the congregation, should navigate these complex issues. The discussion broadens to encompass the church’s role in making decisions amidst uneasy societal frameworks. The speakers propose that even when laws appear unjust, decisions must align with a faithful interpretation of scripture and involve comprehensive community input. They reflect on practical scriptural interpretations, urging congregations not to adopt superficial readings but to seek genuine understanding and unity.The episode further traverses the intricacies of church governance, reflecting on different models from elder-led structures to other forms practiced in various denominations. The conversation acknowledges the historical context, drawing parallels to Dietrich Bonhoeffer and underground churches, suggesting practical solutions like lay leadership to navigate legal and ethical challenges.Disclaimer: The Libertarian Christian Institute does not provide legal advice. The discussion focuses on ethical and religious perspectives and aims to offer thoughtful considerations for congregational decision-making.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Covering from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this gathering under the banner "Rescue the Republic," brought together a remarkable coalition of individuals united by a common concern for the future of America.Doug Stuart, Jacob Winograd, and Matthew Bellis had the privilege of being on the ground to capture the electrifying atmosphere and engaging conversations.The event, orchestrated by founders Angela McArdle, Bret Weinstein, and Matt Tune, was a confluence of diverse voices including rock stars, comedians, actors, philosophers, and politicians from different backgrounds and political affiliations—Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents.Key figures like Russell Brand, John Cooper, Pete Parada, and Matt Taibbi shared their perspectives on issues ranging from civil liberties and freedom of speech to the impact of big tech and government transparency. A surprising thread woven throughout the rally was a focus on faith in God, highlighting a unique blend of social and spiritual concerns.In this episode, you'll hear powerful testimonials from attendees who traveled from afar to express their hopes and fears concerning the republic.We'll also delve into the complexities of unity among such varied ideologies and explore the critical question at hand: Should Christians be actively involved in political endeavors to preserve the republic?Join us as we reflect on the day's events, the inspiring messages from multiple stages, and the poignant interviews that echo the urgency of our times.Watch cut version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XnY1du1Y4A8Watch uncut version on Rumble: https://rumble.com/v5hjywl-uncut-should-christians-help-rescue-the-republic.htmlView full interviews here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcrgOPKyFx3afC56ZQRiqfZrCHAr9Mmhd ★ Support this podcast ★

Kurt Willems of the Theology Curator podcast joins us to talk about why Jesus was political, how Jesus did politics, and how the church today can follow in the footsteps of Jesus when living publicly. Kurt also gives us his feedback on LCI’s latest book, Faith Seeking Freedom.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart is joined by Amy Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College and Associate Rector at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, to delve into the rich and diverse perspectives of The New Testament in Color. This multi-ethnic Bible commentary, co-edited by Peeler, aims to encompass the voices and interpretations of a diverse group of contributors who bring their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds to the forefront of biblical exegesis.Peeler discusses the origins of the project, inspired by Esau McCauley's Reading While Black, and the collaborative process that made this inclusive volume possible. The episode explores the necessity and value of incorporating diverse perspectives in theological study, emphasizing how different cultural backgrounds can reveal unique insights that enhance our understanding of scripture.Doug and Amy also touch on the impact of one's lived experiences on scriptural interpretation, drawing analogies to multi-ethnic Bible studies and the importance of community and inclusivity in Christian faith. Amy shares her reflections on her academic work, including her dissertation on Hebrews and her book Women and the Gender of God, while also addressing the broader implications of ethnic diversity within church communities.Tune in as our speakers navigate the challenges and rewards of multi-ethnic collaboration in biblical commentary, the essence of maintaining scriptural authority, and the ongoing effort to foster unity within the church by embracing ethnic differences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and community.Key topics discussed:The genesis and goals of "The New Testament in Color"The importance of diverse perspectives in biblical interpretationReflections on Amy Peeler's academic work and its contribution to the projectChallenges and successes in creating a multi-ethnic commentaryThe role of inclusivity and community within the Christian faith.Join Doug Stuart and Amy Peeler for a profound discussion that seeks to expand the horizons of biblical understanding and encourage an inclusive approach to faith and theology.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Host Doug Stuart sits down with Miranda Zapor Cruz, a distinguished Professor of Historical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, to explore the intricate relationship between faith and politics. Miranda's new book, Faithful Politics: 10 Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters, lays the groundwork for a comprehensive discussion on how Christians can navigate their dual citizenship—as citizens of the Kingdom of God and participants in earthly political systems.Miranda articulates the historical and theological roots of various Christian political approaches, from the Social Gospel's left-leaning ambitions to Calvinist dominionist principles. The conversation also touches on the nuanced concepts of principled pluralism, separationist approaches, and the implications of defining Christian nationalism too broadly.Listeners will gain insightful perspectives on how different Christian traditions engage with political responsibilities—whether through fervent societal transformation or steadfast separation. Miranda also brings a global lens to the discussion, comparing American Christians' relative ease of practice with the severe challenges faced by believers in oppressive regimes.Join us for an engaging episode that not only critiques contemporary political discourse but also provides a pathway for Christians to think critically and faithfully about their political involvement. Don’t miss Miranda's thoughtful reflections on the importance of scripture's holistic narrative for guiding political engagement and the nuanced definitions of freedom in the Kingdom of God versus the United States.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by author Ryan McMaken to discuss his book Breaking Away: The Case for Secession, Radical Decentralization, and Smaller Politics. After exploring the roots and history of secessionist movements, the conversation moves to a more conceptual discussion where Ryan explains the meaning of decentralization, its associated benefits, and alternatives. Doug then asks Ryan to elaborate on the relationship between localism and federalism and how the tension impacts universal rights.Acknowledging the recent relevance of secession, Doug and Ryan turn to practical considerations, rounding out the episode with a discussion on nuclear weapons, national debt, and the potential role of blockchain technology.Ryan McMaken is a senior editor at the Mises Institute and co-hosts the Radio Rothbard podcast. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degree in public policy and international relations from the University of Colorado.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart is joined by guests Alex Bernardo and Cody Cook for an engaging conversation that spans the spectrum of libertarian electoral strategies, internal divides within the movement, and how libertarians can effectively communicate their message to diverse audiences.Alex Bernardo elucidates the reasoning behind libertarian support for specific candidates, drawing attention to the significance of state electoral votes and strategic voting. Using Kentucky as an example, he discusses why a vote for Thomas Massie may be more impactful than a throwaway presidential vote. He also touches on the potential of third-party candidates to reshape the political landscape. Drawing from Apostle Paul's approach to evangelism, Alex underscores the necessity of tailoring libertarian messaging to different groups. Cody Cook weighs in on the concept of voting for the "least painful" candidate and voices concerns about focusing too narrowly on individual platform aspects. The dialogue explores "respectability politics" and the importance of libertarians maintaining respectful yet substantive conversations across splits within the movement.A notable segment of the episode includes a discussion about Alex inviting Zach Weisszmuller and Jeremy Kaufman to voice their perspectives on the Mises Caucus and the broader libertarian movement. Alex and Cody engage in a candid back-and-forth about political, stylistic, and strategic differences, as well as the cultural divide.Race and ideology also come under the microscope, with Alex reading from Hans Hermann Hoppe to highlight right-libertarian views on egalitarianism versus left-libertarian policy focuses. Cody fears the implications of self-segregation and advocates for a color-blind philosophy rooted in individuality.This conversation covers contentious issues like open borders, the potential for the libertarian movement to align with traditional conservative figures, and the perils of anti-intellectual populism. The episode examines both radical and mainstream outreach strategies, analyzing their effectiveness in growing the libertarian base.Show Notes:Alex's interview with Zach WeissmullerAlex's interview with Jeremy Kauffman Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart speaks with Nilay Saiya, author of The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation. They discuss the two primary ways Christians approach politics and what those errors are. Nilay discusses these approach in juxtaposition to so-called "Christian Nationalism." He posits a third approach which he believes is aligned with historic Two Kingdoms theology and borrows from Catholic social teaching. He called this approach, Prophetic Witness. Nilay Saiya is assistant professor of public policy and global affairs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research concerns the influence of religion on global politics. He is author of the book Weapon of Peace: How Religious Liberty Combats Terrorism (2018). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart sits down with Jim Babka to dissect the allure of populist rhetoric and its impact on modern politics. The discussion covers Project 2025, a comprehensive policy document by the Heritage Foundation, and the misconceptions surrounding its recommendations. Listeners will gain insight into Jim Babka's extensive work, including his roles at Downsized DC, the Zero Aggression Project, and his podcast "Gracearchy with Jim Babka." The episode also touches on pressing issues such as the national debt, economic realities, and the often sensationalized conflict perpetuated by the political industrial complex. Jim shares his skepticism towards certain political claims and emphasizes the importance of economic over social issues in political discourse.They explore how figures like Trump and Obama have harnessed populist appeal, contrasting their legacies with those of Romney, Clinton, McCain, and Biden. Jim and Doug delve into the phenomenon of undecided voters, pondering the psychological and social factors that drive individuals to switch their political affiliations. From the impact of spin and tribal identification to the emotional investment and loss of individuality in aligning with political parties, the conversation sheds light on the complexities of voter behavior.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Former Libertarian Party Vice-Presidential candidate, Spike Cohen joins Doug Stuart for a discussion about politics, faith, and libertarian activism. Cohen, raised as a Messianic Jew, recounts some of his personal journey in and out of faith. Cohen explains how he became a libertarian and some significant moments in America's recent history where the left and right were very close to unifying on common cause. He then describes how he's come to understand the single most important issue that affects all others is the monopolization of the monetary system through the Federal Reserve. Responsibility for nearly ever grievance against societal problems and government can be laid squarely at the feet at the central bankers. Spike Cohen goes on to address some key issues with the broader freedom movement, including the ongoing divide between pragmatists and idealists. He describes this as "our own duopoly" explaining that both sides need each other and maintaining the divide is handicapping our ultimate goal. He's organized a non-profit called You are the Power, dedicated to grassroots municipal level activism with an effective approach. Cohen highlights one story about Pastor Moses and the city of Gastonia, NC that shutdown his homeless shelter, apparently, to secure tax dollars to finance government homeless programs. Finally, he answers the toughest question about how can possibly have a perfect relationship with his wife, Tasha.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In June 2024, Dr. Norman Horn participated in a Theology by the Pint event, where the topics of discussion were on whether a Christian can be patriotic, a nationalist, or are these things idolatry? Three participants gave opening statements, and a panel discussion with audience Q&A followed. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart talks with Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute, about both Nationalism and immigration. Nowrasteh recently debated The National Review's Rich Lowry on the topic of Nationalism, with Nowrasteh taking the opposing view. This conversation lends well to arguments against so-called "Christian" nationalism as well. Though Nowrasteh is not himself religious, he makes compelling points about the destructive nature of nationalism to religious belief. Since religious belief is generally good for society, the last thing we should want to do is destroy it through state-sanctioned compulsion. Immigration turns out to be a issue related to nationalism, given the motivations for stricter immigration rules stem from nationalistic tendencies.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart sits down with Ed Uszynski, a seasoned ministry consultant, to navigate the complex waters of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its impact on race relations within the church and broader society. Ed shares his unique insights stemming from over three decades of ministry experience with college and professional athletes, marriage ministry, and consulting on diversity for church organizations.The conversation kicks off with Ed expressing his concern about the limited options in American politics and the historical use of the Bible to endorse slavery, emphasizing the church’s responsibility in addressing racial issues. Doug and Ed delve into the differing perspectives and experiences of black Christians versus white evangelicals, shedding light on the often-dismissed conversations about racial injustice within the church.Ed is concerned about the defensiveness of white Christians and the radical reactions from those feeling unheard. He highlights the importance of approaching these discussions with empathy and understanding rather than being dismissive. Throughout the episode, Ed shares his experiences from a secular PhD program, which offered an in-depth perspective on critical theory, Marxism. Ed then talks about their intersection with a Christian worldview. Doug and Ed discuss the challenge of colorblindness, the concept of white privilege, and the necessity for cross-cultural competence among white Christians.The podcast does not shy away from addressing the backlash against CRT and the accusations of "wokeism" often leveled against those discussing racial issues. Ed and Doug critique the oversimplification and weaponization of these terms, advocating for more civil discourse and open communication within the church.Key Points Discussed:Limited political representation and historical misuse of the Bible in endorsing slaveryDiffering views of black Christians and white evangelicals on racial issuesCriticism of white Christians' defensiveness and the radical reactions from marginalized groupsExperiences in secular academia and critical theory's intersection with ChristianityThe concepts of colorblindness and white privilege and challenges within church inclusivityBacklash against CRT and "wokeism," advocating for civil discourseIntroduction of Ed’s book and website for further engagement on CRT discussionsEnjoy this quite candid and critical look at how we can better address race relations within our communities and our faith.Additional Resources:https://untanglingcrt.comFollow Ed on X: https://x.com/uszynski32Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart sits down with Caleb E. Campbell, pastor and author of the provocative book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. Together, they delve into the heart of political tension within Christian congregations and explore the complex landscape of American Christian nationalism.Caleb shares his personal journey of witnessing unexpected political shifts in his community and religious events colored by political overtones, leading him to write his book. Through their conversation, they address the challenge of loving those with differing political and religious beliefs, recognizing Christian nationalism as a form of spiritual idolatry and toxic tribalism that offers a sense of safety, belonging, and purpose.The episode explores the nuances of identifying Christian nationalists, the anxiety driving their beliefs, and the problematic merging of American civil religion with Christianity—a process known as syncretism. Caleb stresses the fundamental flaw of labeling any state as "Christian," revealing the categorical error and missiological consequences of such a designation.Listeners will learn about Caleb's practical strategies for engaging in constructive dialogues, as he shares a field guide from his book designed to facilitate heart-to-heart conversations on contentious topics, such as the notion of America being a Christian nation and the impact of immigration. He emphasizes the importance of not merely winning arguments but fostering deeper understanding and connection.Through thought-provoking examples, including heartfelt interactions with family members holding differing views, Caleb advocates for hospitality and curiosity as tools to bridge divides. The episode underscores the significance of bearing one another's burdens and seeking restoration despite differing opinions.Additional Resources:Buy the book on AmazonAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

How do we as Christians and libertarians view the era of the American Revolution? Mike Maharrey of the 10th Amendment Center and the Godarchy podcast, and our own Matthew Bellis discuss their patriotic upbringing and how they square their heartfelt love for American principles, but disdain for the war, slavery, colonialism, etc. Can we properly judge Americans of the past with a 21st conception of morality? These questions (and more) are discussed by Mike, Matthew, and Doug with the hope of offering some clarity to how we as libertarians and Christians think about the American Revolution. Additional Resources:Wendy McElroy on Just War and American IndependenceChristian Theology of Public Policy: Highlighting the American Experience“Were the American Revolutionaries Wrong to Revolt?”Episode 256: America’s Revolutionary Mind(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart speaks with Dr. Paul D. Miller about Christian nationalism. Dr. Paul D. Miller is a Professor in the Practice of International Affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. See his profile here. Miller published the book, The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism. Stuart and Miller begin with the general sentiment about “love of country” and conclude with why this means we should oppose Christian nationalism. But, of course, Christian nationalism in America raises important question about racism.Miller gives reasoned, incisive response without the typical polemics that tend to go along such a controversial topic. He helps listeners think about the difference between personal sentiment of racism, and the backdrop of racialized issues and language, without appealing to woke ideology. Was race really a motivator for electing Barak Obama? Why CN is more culturally motivated than politically motivated, and why the crossover from culture to politics is happening none-the-less.Christians against Christian nationalism should be the sentiment shared by Bible-believing liberty-lovers. Ideas about American equivalence to Israel is simply bad doctrine. Desires to resurrect so-called “Christendom” is also based on an arguably unbiblical ideology of establishmentarianism. If you’ve been looking for an honest and rational conversation about Christian nationalism, then please listen to this episode and considering purchasing Miller’s excellent book.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Join Doug Stuart and guest Jim Babka as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion ranging from exploring the theological implications of the Trinity and the Imago Dei to analyzing the moral and practical considerations of borders and property rights, offering deep insights into how faith and liberty intersect in various aspects of life. Discover Jim Babka's unique perspective on the importance of voluntary interactions, freedom of association, and the transformative power of serving others, even amidst differing beliefs. Dive into engaging conversations on the complexities of Christian faith and libertarian principles, and gain new perspectives on liberty, service, and the enduring pursuit of truth. Subscribe now to hear more enlightening discussions on the Libertarian Christian Podcast.Links:Zero-Aggression ProjectGracearchyAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart welcomes a distinguished guest, Mark Skousen, renowned investment expert, economist, university professor, author, and founder of FreedomFest. Skousen shares insights into his journey towards libertarianism, shaped by his upbringing in a conservative Democratic and Mormon family, and underscores the significance of individual liberty and maximum choice in both personal and business spheres, inspired by Adam Smith's principles.Skousen provides an in-depth look into the origins and evolution of FreedomFest, conceived during his tenure as president and CEO of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in 2001. Despite fundraising challenges that curtailed his time at FEE, Skousen’s vision of an annual gathering of freedom enthusiasts persisted, culminating in the creation of FreedomFest in 2007. This vibrant event, held annually in Las Vegas, offers attendees an eclectic mix of entertainment, keynote speeches, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, media coverage, and lively debates.Drawing notable figures from various fields, FreedomFest boasts a diverse lineup of speakers, including celebrities like William Shatner and George Foreman, and this year expects appearances from Rob Schneider and Ice T. The event also features full presidential debates and a focus on pressing topics such as bitcoin. Skousen highlights the upcoming event's theme, "Brave New World," aimed at addressing current global issues with an optimistic perspective, and mentions key speakers like Javier Millay, Steven Pinker, and Lord Matt Ridley.This July, LCI will be joining thousands of passionate defenders of liberty in Las Vegas for FreedomFest, “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” Just like last year and the years before that, it will be a rewarding four-day conference like no other, with big debates, world-class speakers, film/music/comedy/arts festivals, social events, the “Tradeshow for Liberty” exhibit hall, and so much more.LCI will be there with hundreds of other premier speakers and top-level experts in a wide range of topics. Don’t miss yours truly, along with Javier Milei, Ice-T, Kennedy, Steven Pinker, Emily Compagno, Steve Forbes, Justin Amash, and many others.New signups save $50 off the current “Attendee” rate! Use our special code: CHRISTIAN50Learn more about what’s included in your conference pass, who you’ll meet, and the life-changing experience you’ll have at FreedomFest Vegas: “Brave New World?” July 10-13, 2024 at CAESARS FORUM conference center.Register now with our code: CHRISTIAN50!FreedomFest is for the independent mind and spirit who chooses to be alive. We detest authoritarianism in all of its forms and seek unequivocal liberty for all. We believe in the pursuit of knowledge, diversity of ideas, human flourishing for all, fraternity with all, toleration for those we disagree with, and aspire for a life well and fully lived, a life of meaning and purpose in the service of goals, ends, and values worth serving. FreedomFest, at its core, is the embodiment of the Liberty Lifestyle. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

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Dr. Michael Rectenwald is a former Marxist joining Doug Stuart to explain The Great Reset. Dr. Rectenwald is the author of twelve books, including The Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty: Unraveling the Global Agenda (Jan. 2023), Thought Criminal (Dec. 2020); Beyond Woke (May 2020); Google Archipelago: The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom (Sept. 2019); Springtime for Snowflakes: “Social Justice” and Its Postmodern Parentage (an academic’s memoir, 2018); Nineteenth-Century British Secularism: Science, Religion and Literature (2016); Academic Writing, Real World Topics (2015, Concise Edition 2016); Global Secularisms in a Post-Secular Age (2015); Breach (Collected Poems, 2013); The Thief and Other Stories (2013); and The Eros of the Baby-Boom Eras (1991). (See the Books page.)In this episode Dr. Rectenwald fleshes out questions explaining the connection between Marxism and woke ideology, and that connection to Klaus Schwab’s, The Great Reset, a plan with the World Economic Forum to monopolize the world economy. The discussion highlights some key point including the seemingly innocuous nature of the gateway ideologies to Marxism – namely, social justice, anti-racism, etc. If you’ve been interested in understanding more about the Great Reset, listen to this episode and consider purchasing Dr. Revtenwald’s book.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Special guests Sarah Stone and Evan McClanahan join us to disucss their innovative initiative, Theology by the Pint. This exciting forum has transformed the traditional setting of theological discussions by incorporating a casual atmosphere where young professionals can gather, pint in hand, to delve into deep and sometimes controversial topics.Sarah and Evan share their experiences of hosting these events, emphasizing the importance of creating a warm and charitable environment even when discussing contentious issues such as LGBTQ matters within the church. Their approach to include diverse viewpoints, like an affirming pastor, showcases their commitment to love and charity in disagreements, and underscores the value of humor and respect in such dialogues. The episode also touches on making theological discussions accessible to a broad audience, from those well-versed in theology to individuals who might feel overwhelmed by complex jargon. Sarah shares her strategy of pausing to clarify terms and encouraging explanatory parenthetical statements to ensure everyone is on the same page.The conversation further explores the organization's democratic process in choosing discussion topics, the types of government systems they tackle, the impact of political rhetoric on Christian beliefs, and the ever-present challenge of maintaining integrity while hosting diverse and sometimes conflicting views. Listeners will also get a preview of upcoming events, including a notable June 11, 2024, gathering with Norman Horn, founder of the Libertarian Christian Institute. Additionally, the episode highlights the community aspects of Theology by the Pint events, which feature social hours, charity spotlights, trivia, and open Q&A sessions allowing for real-time audience engagement.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Cody Cook joins us once again to delve deep into the complex relationship between Christianity, libertarianism, and the contentious issue of violence and military service. Cody Cook, informed by his Christian anarchist and Anabaptist perspective, presents a critical analysis of various biblical passages often cited in discussions about Christians taking up arms or serving in the military. Cook challenges traditional interpretations of the passage in Luke that suggests Jesus condoned his disciples buying swords, arguing instead for an understanding that aligns with fulfilling specific prophecies rather than advocating for self-defense. Backed by four solid reasons, including historical contexts and Tertullian's insights, Cook makes a compelling case for a nonviolent interpretation of Scripture.The discussion touches on the delicate balance between the Christian impulse for self-protection and the promotion of long-term peace, debating the impact of Romans 13 on the present-day Christian libertarian thought. Cook and Stuart unpack the nuances around the topics of Christian nationalism and the implications of self-defense within a libertarian framework, understanding that these views may diverge within the Christian community.Listeners will also get a glimpse into Cody Cook's literary contributions, including his books "What Belongs to Caesar," "Fight the Powers," and "Christian Nationalism," which provide further reading on these complex subjects and are available for LCI Insiders.The dialogue brings forward the universal question of whether a Christian can reconcile serving as a soldier with their faith, as exemplified by the New Testament figure Cornelius. With a dose of humor and earnest reflection, Doug and Cody invite listeners to reconsider the interpretations that underpin their beliefs regarding violence and nonviolence in the New Testament.Enrich your understanding of how libertarian principles mesh with Christian ethics and join our hosts as they navigate these critical issues with insight, reverence, and a willingness to challenge conventional viewpoints. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Cody Cook is back for a deep dive into the complexities of interpreting Romans 13. Cody challenges traditional readings of these passages, suggesting that the Apostle Paul may have employed irony or even sarcasm when discussing the role of magistrates and the obedience due to them. Are rulers always to be obeyed, and do they consistently execute good? Cody argues otherwise, referencing external literature and historical context to support his claim.Throughout the conversation, both Doug and Cody shed light on the responsibility of Christians to live a non-violent life, fueled by love that overshadows or catalyzes the judgment against oppressive rulers. They explore the nuanced Greek language and bring to the forefront the scholarly perspectives of T.L. Carter, along with thoughts from NT Wright and Michael Bird, suggesting a more ironic take on Paul's words.Listeners will be invited to reconsider what it means to honor the magistrate and reflect on the broader implications of a duty-bound Christian conscience in the face of authority. This is a critical examination of libertarian and potentially anarchist views on governance, questioning if the state is indeed the sole model for societal order.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this thought-provoking episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, our host Doug Stuart and special guest Cody Cook delve deep into the intricate balance between Christian duty and libertarian principles in the context of taxation. Drawing from the insights from Cody's book, we explore the controversial story in Matthew 17, where Jesus addresses the temple tax and lays the groundwork for a Christian understanding of fiscal obligations.Guided by the Gospel's wisdom, we unpack the statement "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's," and its relevance for libertarian Christians today. Cody Cook challenges the mainstream interpretation of divided allegiance between God and Caesar, arguing that the passage is not inherently contradictory for libertarians. As Jesus adeptly navigates the trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians, we learn the subtleties of non-confrontational tax compliance and the avoidance of unnecessary offense.The duo also tackles broader questions of ownership and property rights, dissecting passages like Psalm 24 and Job 41:11, to contrast divine and human claims. Cody and Doug offer different hermeneutical perspectives, cautioning against simplistic readings and highlighting the historical and economic contexts of the scriptures.This episode includes references to "Render unto Caesar," Psalm 24, Job 41:11, Matthew 17, and Matthew 22:15-22. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

How does the Economic Way of Thinking affect view of human flourishing? Can we really understand what it means for ourselves and our world by only thinking about economics? Russ Roberts joins us to talk about the ways in which economics can and cannot aide in our ability to pursue and achieve human flourishing.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Renowned theologian and biblical scholar Michael F. Bird joins us to explore the complex interplay between Jesus, Christianity, and the political powers that govern our world. His latest book, with N.T. Wright, is titled Jesus and the Powers, so this discussion delves deep into the foundations of political authority, the role of checks and balances in liberal democracy, and how Christians have historically engaged with—and at times transformed—political discourse.Bird discusses his and Wright's views on government, and examines what it means to govern wisely as a Christian in today's diverse political landscape. The episode doesn't shy away from tough questions and theological debates. Does Paul's gospel possess an anti-imperial lean, and how does this shape our understanding of Christian allegiance? What does it look like to be a Christian in politics without succumbing to the temptations of nationalism or authoritarianism? Bird provides insightful analyses into these questions, exploring the biblical perspective on government, justice, and the tricky balance between divine authority and human institutions.Can one be both a faithful Christian and a political leader in a predominantly secular government? How do we navigate the tension between Jesus' claim to lordship and the demands of earthly states? With Bird's scholarly perspective, we probe into the relationship between the kingship of God and concrete expressions of power in the world.Additional Resources:Michael's interview on religious freedomMichael Bird’s SubstackAmazon link to Jesus & the PowersRead Cody Cook's Review of Jesus and the PowersAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Randy England joins us to talk about his book, Free is Beautiful, a tremendous work on the foundations of libertarianism from a biblical and Church history perspective.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Doug Stuart sits down with liturgy scholar Drew Keane to delve into the ancient Christian practice of scripted worship through the lens of the Book of Common Prayer. As a co-editor of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer international edition and coauthor of How to Use the Book of Common Prayer, Keane brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal passion to the discussion.First they discuss liturgy and its role in the Church, examining the conservative nature of language in Christian liturgy, the theological depth found within traditional phrasing, and the transformative power of structured prayer. Keane shares his fascinating journey with the Book of Common Prayer, from his high school days to his extensive doctoral research, revealing the significance of this historical text in guiding public worship and personal devotions.Keane also sheds light on the historical context of the prayer book, dating back to the16th century, and how the 1552 edition brought new demands on laity participation, marked by a call to prayer via church bells.Listen in as Keane explains how the Book of Common Prayer is designed to help individuals humble themselves before God, engage with scripture, and pray expansively, following the scriptural mandates to pray even for one's enemies. We discuss the practical aspects of using the Book of Common Prayer for morning and evening prayer, enabling believers to read through the scriptures annually and expand their spiritual practices.Keane closes with heartfelt encouragement for listeners to discover the benefits of this ancient practice for themselves.Dive into the enduring legacy of the Book of Common Prayer and how it continues to shape faithful lives today. For those interested in exploring this topic further, How to Use the Book of Common Prayer is available through various retailers, including IVP's website and Amazon, and will be coming soon to Logos Bible software. Visit drewkeane.com to learn more about Drew Keane's work.Whether you're looking to understand the basics of liturgical worship or seeking to enrich your current prayer life, this episode offers a compelling guide to integrating the wisdom of The Book of Common Prayer into your spiritual journey.Additional ResourcesDrew Keane's website: https://www.drewkeane.com/ 1662 Book of Common Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/1662-Book-Common-Prayer-International-ebook/dp/B08CQVKPCR/ How to Use the Book of Common Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Use-Book-Common-Prayer/dp/1514007479/Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Libertarians are known for their advocacy of free choice, free association, and free movement. But are there boundaries or limits to this openness? Dr. Jason Brennan of Georgetown University joins us to talk what it means to advocate for global justice, and why it means being open borders and free trade. In the book he makes a rigorous defense for positive-sum interactions because global justice demands it.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Doug Stuart sits down with Domenic Scarcella, author of Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen: Reflections on the Core Social Conflict Revealed by Jesus Christ's Way of the Cross, to dive into the complex relationship between faith, being a good neighbor, and the expectations of citizenship. Scarcella unpacks the provocative themes of his book, crafted to challenge and enrich the reader's spiritual journey in under an hour, making it an ideal companion for devotion or quiet contemplation during Passion Week.Throughout the episode, Scarcella discusses the significant shifts in Christian thought since Constantine’s era, highlighting how these changes have blurred the lines between ecclesiastical loyalty and civic duty. Citing the Good Samaritan parable, he emphasizes Jesus' teachings on the juxtaposition of societal roles and personal empathy, urging a return to the gospel's raw truths over societal impositions.Listeners will engage with Scarcella's critique of modern Christianity's approach to scripture, his advocacy for deep and cognitive consideration of the Bible, and the importance of "insourcing ethics" rather than outsourcing them. His insights into the cognitive empathy presented in biblical narratives, and the competing loyalties faced by believers navigating being a good neighbor against being a good citizen, furnish a thought-provoking discussion.Additional Resources:Amazon (paperback & Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/Good-Neighbor-Bad-Citizen-Reflections/dp/B0CL36FXWS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Barnes&Noble (paperback & Nook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144379266?ean=9798855665802Lulu (paperback): https://www.lulu.com/shop/domenic-scarcella/good-neighbor-bad-citizen/paperback/product-je56729.html?page=1&pageSize=4Domenic's Substack: https://GoodNeighborBadCitizen.substack.comConnect with Domenic on X: https://twitter.com/GoodNeighBadCitConnect with Domenic on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/domenicscarcella/Connect with Domenic on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dom.scarcella/ Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

What explains the wealth of the modern age? Was it capital? Institutions? Slave-holding? Why do some countries seem to have an economic advantage over others? Are the fears of progressives about wealth inequality worth paying attention to? Economist, historian, and prolific author Deirdre McCloskey joins us to talk about the key factor that precipitated the wild success of the modern world.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Show Notes:Deirdre's WebsiteBourgeois VirtuesThe Bourgeois DealAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Join us as host Doug Stuart welcomes Preston Sprinkle, accomplished author and president of Theology in the Raw. Together, they tackle the weighty topics of politics, allegiance, and the teachings of Jesus as explored in Sprinkle's latest book, Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire.Dive into a discussion that journeys through the political implications wrapped in Jesus' teachings and their connection to contemporary issues such as power dynamics, citizenship, and nonviolence. Sprinkle dissects the often misunderstood statement about "rendering unto Caesar," unpacking the rich historical and contextual background that reframes this passage far beyond a simple lesson on taxation.The episode further delves into the pressing question of what it means to give "allegiance" in a biblical sense. Listeners are invited to reflect on the concept of faith as not just intellectual assent, but a soul-deep commitment that challenges notions of political and national loyalty, especially within the American evangelical context.Sprinkle and Stuart wrestle with the deep-seated views often conflating patriotism with faith, tackling the complex issues of submitting to government authorities, engaging with empire mentality, and what repentance looked like in the 1st century.Prepare for a deep examination of the essence of being strangers and sojourners in God's kingdom as Preston provides a fresh understanding of Romans 13 and advocate for a life lived in the tension between respect for earthly governance and ultimate devotion to a higher King. This episode is essential listening for those seeking to unravel the interplay between their Christian faith and political surroundings, urging believers to consider their true allegiance and what it means to be a part of a global, multi-ethnic body of Christ.Additional Resources:Theology in the Rawcenterforfaith.comLCP interview with Nilay Saiya: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/prophetic-witness-christian-nationalism-nilay-saiya/LCP Interview with Preston on LGBTQ: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/christianity-lgbtq-preston-sprinkle/ Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Brian Zahnd is a pastor from Saint Joseph, Missouri, whose own thought journey mirrors that of many libertarian Christians: away from neoconservatism and nationalism, and towards skepticism of empire and the pursuit of peace. Though he doesn’t self-identify as a libertarian and we have some differences, Zahnd's work does have substantial overlap with LCI's as it relates to militarism, nationalism, and how we view the kingdoms of the world.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Special guest Corey Nathan joins us to talk about the art of navigating contentious political conversations with grace and understanding.Corey Nathan shares personal stories and insights, including his own experiences with public figures and the importance of relational interactions over transactional debates in persuasion. He also discusses the challenges of discussing the Israel-Palestine conflict and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging complexity and having empathetic conversations.Throughout the episode, the conversation centers on engaging in civil dialogue, understanding the urgency people feel about political matters, and disarming contentiousness during conversations. The episode also covers Corey Nathan's personal journey of growing up in a Jewish family, becoming a Christian, and starting a podcast about discussing politics and religion without hostility.Join us as we explore the wisdom and strategies for having respectful and empathetic conversations about politics and religion in this engaging and enlightening episode.Additional Resources:politicsandreligion.ushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreysnathan/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talkin-politics-religion-without-killin-each-other/id1536169792 Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Beth Silvers from the Pantsuits Politics podcast joins us to talk about her book, I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations, where we discuss how to have healthy conflict in political discussions, why a sports metaphor doesn't work for politics, and whether or not this is the most important election of our lifetime.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Preston Sprinkle recently invited Doug Stuart to be on his podcast, Theology in the Raw. Doug discusses his journey from conservative political beliefs to libertarianism, which was influenced by his doubts about American foreign policy post-9/11 and his exploration of economics, particularly the Austrian School of Economics. He emphasizes the importance of free individuals and agency in creating a moral and just society.Doug and Preston discuss various topics, including the common misunderstandings of libertarianism and the range of views within the movement on issues like immigration and foreign policy. They agree on the need for a foreign policy that avoids war, the skepticism towards the military-industrial complex, and the benefits of free movement for immigrants.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Justin Tosi is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Texas Tech University. He works on moral, social, political, and legal philosophy. Brandon Warmke is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University. He writes about ethics and politics. Today we discuss their book, "Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk."(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Arnold Kling, author of The Three Languages of Politics, joins us to discuss the complexities of political discourse and the tribalism that often underpins our beliefs and interactions. Throughout the episode, Klings dissects the challenges of communicating within the political sphere and the underlying motivations that drive these discussions. Kling introduces a three-axes model of politics, shedding light on the beliefs and motivations behind the "oppressor-oppressed," "barbarism-civilization," and "coercion-liberty" axes. The conversation extends into the influence of education and the widening gap between different groups, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode explores the intricacies of using language and persuasion in political discourse, delving into the impact of motivated reasoning and the difficulty of applying the scientific method to political discussions. The hosts and guest also explore the evolving landscape of public discourse, where issues related to oppression and social justice activism take center stage. The complex nature of political discourse is a challenge to fostering genuine understanding and communication. With an emphasis on nuanced thinking and a keen recognition of the multi-faceted nature of political perspectives, this episode promises to be an engaging exploration into the heart of political discourse. Additional Resources: Buy The Three Languages of Politics Here: https://www.libertarianism.org/books/three-languages-politics http://arnoldkling.com https://arnoldkling.substack.com/ Martin Guri: Revolt of the Public Rauch: Constitution of Knowledge Jeffrey Friedman: libertarian who is constantly questioning libertarianism Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Concern for social justice has become one of the most effective ways for Christians to signal that they care about the world's poor, yet below the surface of this virtue signaling are some important issues about justice itself – of social well-being – and understanding how to be a Christian concerned with the common good. It is important to understand just how the message of the gospel applies to the well-being of the world. Jason Jewell joins us to talk about why a libertarian view of the state, society, and human action are critical concepts to understand before one arrives at a viable pursuit of social justice. (Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Chelsea Follett, author of Centers of Progress, 40 Cities That Changed the World, joins us to discuss the topic of human progress and how cities emerged as centers of progress for humanity. Chelsea's book takes listeners on an intellectual and historical tour of cities' golden ages, providing a fascinating exploration of the rise and fall of different cities, and their profound impact on progress and freedom. From lesser-known places to globally renowned metropolises, the conversation delves into the surprising innovations and achievements that have shaped our world. The discussion also uncovers the universal conditions for progress, challenging preconceived notions about the drivers of societal advancement. Through thought-provoking insights and engaging anecdotes, they shed light on the undeniable link between urbanization, autonomy, and the human experience. Join us as we embark on a journey through history, unraveling the intricate connection between cities, freedom, and progress, and uncovering the enduring influence of urban environments on the pursuit of prosperity and liberty. Chelsea Follett is the managing editor of HumanProgress.org, a project of the Cato Institute that seeks to educate the public on the global improvements in well‐being by providing free empirical data on long‐term developments. Additional Resources HumanProgress.org Centers of Progress Follow Chelsea on X Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com   

On this episode, the always insightful (and frequently controversial) biblical scholar Dr. Peter Enns joins the show to talk to us about the journey of faith, trusting God, how to disagree with other Christians, pitfalls in biblical interpretation, and much more. Those familiar with Enns’ work typically have a strong opinion either for or against him. The listener is of course free to reach his or her own conclusions, though we will say that a number of us at the Libertarian Christian Institute — even those who strongly differ from Enns on some points — have greatly appreciated and benefited from his material over the years. Sooner or later, we all go through uncertain times in the Christian life. Who among us hasn’t felt scared, uncertain, or confused, and unable to voice our thoughts from fear of being made into a church pariah? One permeating theme of Enns’ work is that biblical faith is about trusting in God and moving forward even during these times; another is that being faithful to the Scripture requires us to come to it on its own terms, not ours. And all of this has tremendous relevance for how we relate to other believers in a way that honors Christ and unifies the Church, rather than furthers division. If you feel compelled to deconstruct this episode, please consider doing a grammatical-historical word study of the transcript first.  

This week's episode features Kelly Weinersmith, part of the wife-and-husband research team who are authors of A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought this Through? In the episode Doug and Kelly discuss what common misconceptions are about traveling to the moon, Mars, and space settlement in general. Most people's visions of space are given to us by Hollywood or sci-fi writers, so we have an unrealistic picture of what actual Mars colonization would even look like, let alone function as a species. Kelly explains how she and her husband Zach went into the project with enthusiasm for settling space, but during the project came away with a much more realistic frame of reference for what it would take to get there. Kelly also explains how much we really don't understand, how little we have researched, and how ambitious getting to space in the next decade would actually be. Explored at the end are the legal norms and international treaties regarding space resources and land, and Kelly reveals her favorite sci-fi series. Additional Resources: Buy A City on Mars on Amazon Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Brandon Warmke joins us again to talk about his new book (with Justin Tosi), "Why It's Okay to Mind Your Own Business." Together, they delve into thought-provoking topics ranging from the societal pressure to make a big impact and change the world, to the importance of creating a good home and finding meaning in smaller, everyday activities. Brandon discusses the prevalence and attraction of Commencement Speech Morality and contrasts it with Ordinary Morality. The conversation also touches on the rise of online activism, the psychological need for recognition, the concept of "rootedness," and the defense of traditional roles and institutions. With engaging insights, book recommendations, this episode promises to challenge and inspire listeners to consider the value of minding their own business in today's culture dominated by moral talk and public activism. Additional Resources: Buy Why It's OK to Mind Your Own Business Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Doug and Norman talk about the birth stories of Christ and how Matthew and Luke both use language and employ storytelling techniques that provide a clear anti-Roman and anti-empire story. This is good news for all because the message of liberation is not only about our personal liberation from the captivity of sin, but the cosmic liberation of captivity from slavery and oppression. (Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Doug Stuart discusses the enduring relevance of the five Core Values of a libertarian Christian. Doug delves into the first core value, emphasizing the role of Christian political philosophy in shaping a holistic view of scripture, reason, and historical theology. He scrutinizes the current political climate and the debate around Christian influence in politics, firmly highlighting the need to maintain the distinction between the kingdom of God and the state. He explores the importance of separating Christian values from nationalist ideologies, with an emphasis on the nonaggression principle and the compatibility of individual liberty with the common good. Doug provides a thought-provoking analysis of how Christian theology supports free market economics and values cooperation and service, encouraging listeners to engage further with these crucial topics in the libertarian Christian discourse. Additional Resources: Core Values Part 1 Core Values Part 2 Core Values Part 3 Core Values Part 4 Core Values Part 5 Core Values Part 6 Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Why do people think the world is getting worse, when the opposite is true? In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Marian Tupy, the editor of humanprogress.org and a senior policy analyst at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity. Marian shares insights on the progress that has been made in various aspects of human development and the role that economic and political freedoms have played in this progress. From the decline in absolute poverty to advancements in medical science, Marian dispels common misconceptions and provides data-driven evidence of a better world. While not all indicators of human progress are excellent, as a species we are getting better, and we need to celebrate this. (Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com   

Lee C. Camp is professor of Theology & Ethics at Lipscomb University in Nashville. He is the author of "Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World" and "Scandalous Witness" and is co-author of "Resisting Babel". He is also the host of the Tokens Show, the world’s only long-running theological variety show. Lee joins Doug Stuart and Norman Horn to discuss the interplay of Christianity, politics, and culture in America, and in particular, the many contradictions therein for many Christians. (Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

It seems that people are no longer able to have a decent conversation with each other about politics or other controversial topics. Social media exacerbates our tribal tendencies and often we get entrenched in our own beliefs. It often takes the wisdom of one who has had years of experience talking to and discussing hot button topics. There’s no better person for to talk to about this than EconTalk host, Russ Roberts. Russ Roberts joins us for this episode to discuss what it takes to maintain a civil discussion during the holiday season (or any season!). With insight and wisdom from Adam Smith to his experience as host of EconTalk and a professor, Russ shares with us some very important things about life, both in the personal sphere and the social sphere. (Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

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This is an episode from The Protestant Libertarian Podcast, where Alex Bernardo talks with Dr. Anne Perez about her brand-new book, Understanding Zionism (Fortress Press, 2023), which is a history of the modern Zionist movement and those who support and oppose it. In this conversation Dr. Perez explains the history and diversity of the Zionist movement, why Israel as a nation has always struggled to maintain a balance between democracy and Jewish identity, Christian support for Zionism, the many groups that oppose Zionist ideas, and where the Zionist movement and the state of Israel are headed in the future. This was recorded two days before the October 2023 outbreak of violence between Israel and the Palestinians and provides critical historical context for understanding contemporary Middle Eastern politics. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Why would a politician change his or her position on a policy? How do we account for views that "shift" in one direction or another, especially when it appears to be out of political expediency? Eric Schansberg joins us to talk about this, as well as his book, "Turn Neither to the Right Nor to the Left", a must-read book for Christian Libertarians! Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Doug welcomes Alex Voss of the Free Cities Foundation to discuss how they are currently working to create free private cities with a libertarian private property legal order. Don't miss this exciting episode that brings hope for a brighter future amid our dark current times. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

If you were approached on the street and asked what libertarians believe, what would you say? Would it be succinct? Or would it take a few minutes? Doug and Norman discuss some of the basics of libertarianism, providing both succinct and elaborate answers to common questions about the non-aggression principle, property rights, justice, and more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of contemporary critical theory with the authors of the newly released book, Critical Dilemma, Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer. This is part one of a two-part conversation, which explores what the authors call Contemporary Critical Theory, which comprises an approximation of the most recent trends in thinking around critical theory, critical race theory, queer theory, and more. Shenvi and Sawyer believe it is highly important for Christians to be aware of what this ideology is doing to our society and culture. They shed light on the influence of queer theory, which challenges societal norms related to sexuality and gender. We discuss controversial topics such as the sexualization of children and the drag queen story hour, examining them through the lens of queer theory. Our guests provide an overview of the history, subdisciplines, and key concepts within critical theory. We also address misconceptions around the term "cultural Marxism" and the complex nature of Marxist ideas. The conversation takes us deeper into the impact of racism and oppression in American history, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these issues in society today. From peaceful protesting against systemic racism to the need for a comprehensive understanding of critical race theory, our guests share their perspectives on addressing social injustices. Finally, we explore critical social theory as a comprehensive worldview that shapes individuals' understanding of the world around them. We delve into the influence of critical theory on issues of justice, law, morality, and epistemology, discussing how it functions as more than just an academic theory, but a deeply felt belief system for some. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this enlightening discussion, where we dive further into engaging with contemporary critical theory as Christians. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this influential and complex field. Additional Resources Buy Critical Dilemma Shenvi Apologetics Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

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Alex Bernardo joins Doug again to discuss the books they've got in hand and on the shelf!  Alex's book list includes a book by Lori Calhoun, known for her thought-provoking writing on the military industrial complex and the philosophy of war. They explore her book War and Delusion and her newest release, Questioning the COVID Company Line, which challenges the government and mainstream media's narrative surrounding the pandemic. Doug has been diving into biblical studies a bit more, particularly the works of Scott McKnight and N.T. Wright on situating the language of the gospel in the first century. They explore how Paul utilizes the term "evangelion" in his letters and discuss the importance of understanding Paul's use of language for faithful scriptural interpretation. Alex then discusses Brian Rosner's book Paul and the Law, which tackles the intriguing relationship between Paul and the Jewish law.  Along with a window into Alex's reading routine, they also share some exciting book recommendations covering a range of topics, from politics and economics to medieval history and philosophy of science. Near the end, they discuss Carol Roth's new book, You Will Own Nothing, exposing the importance of ownership for wealth and freedom, and how various forces are aiming to undermine this fundamental concept. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, we interview Hanna Henrikson, the President of Respect America, an organization dedicated to sharing the stories of individuals who have been affected by government coercion. Through these stories, they aim to foster connection and understanding among people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Hannah talks about their partnership with the Institute for Justice and Pacific Legal Foundation, as well as the power of storytelling in bridging political divides. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Doug Stuart is joined by the renowned Justin Brierley, former host of the popular podcast and radio show, "Unbelievable" and "Ask NT Wright Anything." Today's discussion centers around the fascinating topic of the New Atheist movement and the emergent church movement. We'll explore the concept of deconstruction, where individuals in the speaker's generation felt a need to critically examine their faith. Some found a way to reconstruct and return to their Christian roots, while others ventured onto different paths or transformed their beliefs altogether. Also discussed is the secularization of our culture and the rise of a more postmodern approach to reality. We'll delve into the disconnect between the modern worldview and its Christian heritage, shedding light on how beliefs in justice, morality, equality, and freedom are often deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, whether people realize it or not. Justin shares fascinating anecdotes, surprising revelations, and the exploration of influential figures like Jordan Peterson, whose impact cannot be ignored in the conversation of faith, politics, and Christianity. We also delve deep into the complexities of modern faith, the cultural shifts that shape our beliefs, and the unexpected intersections of philosophy, reason, and religion.  Additional Resources Buy Justin's book Justin's Conversation with Douglas Murray and NT Wright Justin's Interview on Libertarian Christian Podcast Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart sits down with Patrick Carroll, a writer and editor at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) and a Libertarian Christian. They engage in a thought-provoking conversation at the Libertarian Christian Institute booth at Freedom Fest in Memphis 2023. Patrick shares his experiences at FEE, his passion for teaching the freedom philosophy to Gen Z, and his approach to writing on various topics. They also explore Patrick's journey to libertarianism, the influences that led him to embrace the philosophy, and his perspective on Christian anarchism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart sits down with special guest Connor Boyack, a well-known and loved figure in the libertarian community. They discuss Boyack's latest ventures, including his Tuttle Twins series, which aims to educate children about history and philosophy in an engaging and imaginative way. The conversation dives into the importance of learning from the past, the power of historical narratives, and the battle over shaping our understanding of history. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this FreedomFest Interviews episode, we discuss a serious and controversial topic: the death penalty. Doug interviews Demetrius Minor, the national manager for Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty. They discuss Demetrius' personal journey and how a conversation with his pastor led him to change his stance on the death penalty. They also explore the moral, cultural, and political implications of capital punishment, as well as the challenges faced by those advocating for its abolition. Next, Doug interviews Crystal Martin, who shares with us a harrowing story about her family's death and her thoughts on restorative justice. Additionally, they shed light on the current state of the death penalty in the United States and the shifting perspectives within the conservative movement. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Doug Bandow, a senior fellow at the renowned Cato Institute, joined Dr. Norman Horn for his unique perspective on foreign policy, particularly when it comes to the complex relationship between China and the United States. They delve into the myths and realities surrounding China, its economic hegemony, human rights issues, and the impact on both social and economic interactions. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

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During this breakout session from Freedom Fest 2023, our panelists aim to provide an antidote to the growing influence of Christian nationalism by presenting comprehensive theological and libertarian perspectives. Drawing from Reformed, Catholic, and Protestant theological viewpoints, Jacob Winograd moderates the panel comprised of Dr. Norman Horn, Ryan McMaken, and Kerry Baldwin, with a special video contribution from Alex Bernardo. Throughout the session, the panel explores the various definitions and ambiguities surrounding Christian nationalism, examining different opinions ranging from proud embrace to outright dismissal of the term. They critique the Christian nationalist program as an activist movement masquerading as a philosophy and question its compatibility with principles of civil justice. Also discussed are nationalism and patriotism and the identity Christians have in Christ. The panelists challenge the idea of using legal coercion to enforce nonaggressive immorality and caution against viewing the Old Testament theocracy as a political blueprint for modern governance. Additional Resources: Watch on YouTube Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Connor Murnane of FIRE (the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) sat down with Doug Stuart at Freedom Fest to discuss how his organization is fighting to preserve and advance free speech rights across the United States. They also rebutted several common attacks on freedom of speech and arguments for regulating speech and expression. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, we are airing an interview Jacob Winograd of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast did at the 2023 Freedom Fest convention with Atheists for Liberty President Thomas Sheedy. He and Jacob had never spoken before but were both excited to sit down and talk, to explore what they had in common, and to explore where they disagreed as well. They found that many of the criticisms they had about each other's worldview were at least understood or partially shared by the other, and they explored the potential ways - as individuals and also on an organizational level - that they might be able to work together to use their different worldviews as an advantage to advancing libertarian principles into the public arena. They walked away optimistic about the potential for libertarianism to be an uniting force that helps promote peace between all groups of people, including the religious and non-religious. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Watch this on YouTube https://youtu.be/do82bE-ueE0 This session was recorded at FreedomFest in Memphis, TN, on July 15, 2023 and was sponsored by the Libertarian Christian Institute. The panel was moderated by Reason's Nick Gillespie, and the panelists were Norman Horn, Rich Lowry, and Bryan Caplan. The panel explores the various facets of nationalism, examining its historical context and current resurgence around the world. They question whether nationalism poses any threat to human flourishing and international peace, or if it is simply a natural expression of personal preferences. The panelists also explore the relationship between nationalism and identity politics, discussing the role of loyalty to one's country and the pursuit of human flourishing. Also discussed are key moments in history where nationalism has played a significant role, shedding light on both positive and negative outcomes. They also examine the impact of nationalism on immigration policies, corporate culture, and the notion of self-governance. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

This episode was recorded at FreedomFest 2023 in Memphis, TN. It's a brief but thought-provoking conversation with a renowned economist and author, Bryan Caplan. In this episode, we dive into the role of activists in instigating change, the perils of war, and the mythos surrounding the American Revolution. Drawing from history, Caplan raises crucial questions about the American Revolution and its broader effects, contrasting the ideals of libertarians with the realities of war. We discussed into the importance of representation, the horrors of conflicts, and the desire for cultural liberty. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In today's episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, we have an exciting interview with Jim Babka, the host of the Gracearchy Podcast. Jim opens up about his experiences in politics, his spiritual awakening, and the importance of recognizing each other as beings made in the image of God. We'll explore topics like the golden rule, a Christ-centered anthropology, and the changing landscape of the libertarian movement. Stay tuned for an enlightening and engaging discussion that will challenge your perspective and inspire your faith. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Doug Stuart joins host Jacob Winograd on the LPMC-PA Podcast to talk about what LCI is up to, including their new book by Art Carden, Strangers with Candy: Observations from the Ordinary Business of Life. Carden's book is a collection of essays offering a unique economist's perspective on various topics such as scarcity, choice, and people's response to incentives. Discover why this book is more than just a textbook and is suitable for readers at a high school level or higher. The conversation explores Doug's beliefs about allegiance, non-violence, and serving others in the way of Christ Jesus. He shares how Christians should be libertarians because the core message of Christianity is that Jesus is king and no other human should control someone's life. This is why libertarianism is seen as the most consistent expression of Christian political thought. Finally, Doug discusses the importance of presenting libertarianism in a way that is compatible with the Christian faith and to demonstrate to non-Christian libertarians the importance of reaching Christians with the message of liberty. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart interviews Jon Carlson, the lead pastor of Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They discuss Carlson's recent class on Christian nationalism, which was part of a larger effort by his church to engage in thoughtful and deliberative conversations about politics and faith.  Carlson begins by defining Christian nationalism as "the belief that the United States is a Christian nation and that Christian values should be the foundation of our government." He then goes on to discuss the history of Christian nationalism in the United States, as well as its current manifestations. Carlson provided a taxonomy that he finds helpful and memorable when evaluating the different manifestations of nationalism: Classic Christian nationalism is the belief that Christian faith is central to American identity and that public policy should be shaped exclusively by Christian leaders' interpretation of biblical ideals. Diet Christian nationalism is similar to classic Christian nationalism, but it recognizes that not everyone in the United States is Christian and that the government should be pluralistic. Original Recipe Christian nationalism is the most extreme form of Christian nationalism. It is characterized by violence, white supremacy, and a willingness to use any means necessary to control state power. In the second half of the episode, Carlson discusses how Christians can respond to Christian nationalism. He argues that Christians should resist the temptation to see themselves as "insiders" or "patriots" and should instead embrace their role as "strangers" and "aliens" in this world. He also encourages Christians to work for justice and peace, regardless of their political beliefs. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the threat of Christian nationalism and how Christians can respond to it.  Additional Resources YouTube link to Jon's first class on Christian Nationalism Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Imagine a world where consent, innovation, and community drive progress, where we respect diverse beliefs and embrace self-determination. It’s time for a Jeffersonian Revolution, building a future based on living, serving, and lifting one another up. #Underthrow Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Economist and author Art Carden is certainly no stranger to the Libertarian Christian Podcast, with this episode marking his seventh appearance on the show. This time, he joins Doug Stuart to discuss his latest book, Strangers With Candy: Observations from the Ordinary Business of Life, in which Art highlights a simple economic fact: buying candy from strangers is commonplace in any modern economy. Before diving into the book, Art and Doug spend some time discussing economics more broadly. Art walks us through the story of how he first became interested in economics, going on to explain and clarify a number of misconceptions surrounding the discipline. Drawing from his book, Art suggests that economists are to blame for many of these misconceptions, as they often do a bad job explaining the economics of how the world works. In Strangers With Candy, Art intends to rectify this issue, offering an accessible and easily digestible analysis of how economics impacts and shapes our day-to-day lives. This episode gives listeners a taste of Art’s analysis, as well as discussion on a variety of related and intriguing topics, such as municipal development policy, economic growth vs economic progress, and Art’s argument for why business is a public service. If you’re interested in anything mentioned above, tune in now! Art Carden is a professor of economics at Samford University’s Brock School of Business. He has worked with and contributed to a number of other organizations, including the American Institute for Economic Research, the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, the Beacon Center of Tennessee, the Independent Institute, and the Foundation for Economic Education. He received his PhD from Washington University in Saint Louis. More information can be found in the additional resources section below. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     02:13    How did Art get into economics?     05:14    Misconceptions about economists     15:05    Christians for Liberty Network     15:47    Why do economists struggle to explain the world?     19:15    Explaining the title “Strangers With Candy”      23:20    Economic growth vs economic progress     27:15    How not to help strangers     28:37    Municipal development: what are the tradeoffs?     34:05    Is business a public service?     41:46    Lightning round with Art Additional Resources: - Buy Stranger's With Candy today: ---  https://strangerswithcandybook.com/ --- https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Candy-Observations-Ordinary-Business-ebook/dp/B0C7RG5CXX  - Art's website: https://artcarden.com/ - Follow Art on Twitter: @ArtCarden - More from Art: --- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=508839  --- https://www.aier.org/people/art-carden/  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, our guest is Matt Whitman, who hosts the 10-Minute Bible Hour and the Ironwood Rhino podcasts. He is a classical liberal, an ordained minister, and a committed husband and father. He's a student of History and the Humanities. He's also the co-host of No Dumb Questions, where he and Destin Sanlon, the other host and creator of the Smarter Every Day YouTube channel, discuss their different views on a wide range of topics, from science and engineering to our current connection with history. They begin by discussing the history of the relationship between the individual and the collective in different nations. Matt talks about how ancient civilizations built upon one another but ultimately had oppressive regimes, while the Persians realized that citizens’ devotion was expedient for the service of the great king and therefore stressed the importance of tolerance. The Romans introduced a legal standard to ensure tolerance where they thought possible and the authority of the state where desired to keep control. However, Whitman argues that Persia has been misunderstood as an Eastern power when it was a forward-thinking culture that had a significant impact when it came into contact with Greece. The two then address the Bible's passages, such as Romans 13, that seem to advocate for submitting to the government's authority, arguing that a negative hermeneutic should be used to understand these passages in context with the rest of the Bible. They also discuss Paul's letter to the Roman church and how he cleverly wrote about the ideal government. The idea of Christian nationalism is discussed, as well as the dangers of mingling state power with faith. Both Matts believe in a more voluntary role for the state in promoting justice. They also discuss the dangers of using authoritarian tactics to combat authoritarianism, citing historical and biblical lessons. Whitman shares his personal journey from Christianity to atheism and back to Christianity, explaining that it was based on philosophical and epistemological reasons, rather than anger towards God or others. He then emphasizes the importance of patience and tolerance in one's personal life and in politics as a libertarian. The discussion concludes with a discussion of Whitman's work visiting churches and attempting to bring people together. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart welcomes Jack Lloyd onto the show to talk about his recent book “A Vision for a Libertarian Future.” Drawing from his book, Jack provides an outline for how a libertarian voluntaryist society might operate. Before diving into the details of specific policy choices, Doug and Jack speak to the role of incrementalism. Despite its controversial status in libertarian circles, incrementalism, according to Jack, is necessary to ensure a stable and realistic transition towards a libertarian future. Given this, Doug and Jack dedicate a great deal of time discussing how incrementalism applies to specific political topics, such as taxation, federal asset holdings, national parks, prisons, and borders. As Jack explains, each of these issues can be addressed incrementally by emphasizing the importance of voluntarism—when choices are voluntary, the government becomes more accountable to the people. Whether you’re already on board with libertarianism or if you think it’s too unrealistic, this episode will have you walking away with a lot to think about. Jack Lloyd is a multimedia content producer for liberty. His work spans both fiction and nonfiction with educational videos, music, music videos, skits, a comic book series, and his nonfiction books. His ongoing production projects include Voluntaryist – The Comic Series, The Pholosopher, The Honest Teacher, and Red Flag Reality. Before he became a producer full time, he worked as a criminal defense lawyer, government school teacher, and tutoring company owner. He brings his insights from those roles to help people understand the importance of human freedom. Check the "additional resources" section for more information about Jack. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 01:50    What's Jack's book about? 03:15    Why incrementalism? 04:11    Jack's major influences 05:28    Research surprises 07:27    How have views on taxes shifted over time? 10:38    What is the role of entrepreneurship? 12:41    Jack's vision for taxation 15:44    Wouldn't people lose their jobs? 17:15    Privatizing federal asset holdings 20:00    What about Yosemite?!? 22:49    Jack's vision for justice 26:28    Private prisons 30:51 Jack's vision for borders (and citizenship) 38:40    How do we get there? Additional Resources: - Read A Vision for a Libertarian Future: https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Libertarian-Future-Voluntaryist-Philosophy/dp/B0C1J1XMQQ  - Read The Definitive Guide to Libertarian Voluntaryism: https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Guide-Libertarian-Voluntaryism/dp/B09S6NLGP9?ref_=ast_author_dp  - Jack's website: https://jackvlloyd.com/  - Ep 291: Jack Lloyd on Consent, Trauma, & Voluntaryism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/jack-lloyd-consent-trauma-voluntaryism/  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart welcomes Patrick Miller to the show to talk about his book Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant. As the subtitle would suggest, Truth Over Tribe has immense relevance to contemporary political discussions. Patrick believes that much of the polarization we see today can be attributed to tribalism, which we should reject by instead turning to the Kingdom of God and showing people love regardless of their political affiliations.  Unfortunately, polarization's saddening impact on the Church means many Christians are unwilling to abandon their tribal mentalities. As Patrick points out, however, this is not a modern phenomenon: dating back to (at least) the time of Paul, tribalism has long posed a significant roadblock towards church unification, but Christ's sacrifice tore down said roadblock. Just as the Gospel tore down the tribal wall between Jews and Gentiles, so too can it overpower the tribal divisions of today.  Outside the realm of politics and religion, Doug and Patrick discuss a number of other effects of tribalism, such as how it increases anxiety, how it corresponds with the "my truth" movement, and how it seems to diminish in the face of (free market) social justice initiatives. If you find any of these topics interesting, tune in to this episode today! Patrick Miller is a pastor and cultural commentator who writes about politics, culture, and technology. His writing contributions can be found in Christianity Today, Newsweek, The Gospel Coalition, and other publications. His podcast, "Truth Over Tribe," is one of Apple's top news commentary podcasts, featuring interviews with leading Christian thinkers, writers, and scholars. Patrick is the Co-Director of Digital Relationships and a pastor at his Church "The Crossing" in Columbia, Missouri, where he lives with his wife and two kids. He received a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theology Seminary. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     01:39    What is tribalism?     03:00    Is tribalism natural?     06:55    Can tribalism be good?     07:43    The origin of tribes     11:01    What warrants tribalism?     15:16    Does tribalism increase anxiety?     21:06    Tribalism & the "my truth" movement     29:56    Tribalism & the Gospel     32:55    What about those outside the church?     36:54    Practical applications     40:57    Tribalism vs social justice Additional Resources: - Patrick's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/patrickmiller  - Find him on Twitter: @PatrickKMiller_ - Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Over-Tribe-Pledging-Allegiance-ebook/dp/B09XWQQH5X/  - Study on oxytocin and ethnocentrism: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029708/  - Jonathan Haidt's "Elephant and the Rider" analogy: https://www.creativehuddle.co.uk/post/the-elephant-and-the-rider  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart sits down with Jeff Deist, welcoming him as he makes his first (but hopefully not last) appearance on the Libertarian Christian Podcast. Having served as president of the Mises Institute for ten years, Jeff Deist has grown to become one of the most well-known names of the modern liberty movement, and today he's here to talk to Doug about decentralization. In his recent book "A Strange Liberty: Politics Drops Its Pretenses," Jeff claims that a "relentless pursuit of decentralization" is the best—and perhaps only—way to fight back against the tyranny resulting from federalism and democracy. After clarifying his skeptical outlook on democracy, Jeff begins his pitch for decentralization through an analysis of localism; what exactly is it? Is local policy truly better than central policy? Jeff believes that it absolutely is, arguing that centralized policy—wherein a single set of rules is universally applied to everyone—is unable to accommodate the wide array of policy preferences in the same way that local policy can. This notion of policy variance leads Doug and Jeff into a discussion on self-determination as well as liberalism, both of which are at odds with the universalist rhetoric that dominates politics today. Indeed, Jeff suggests that even libertarians fall into the trap of universalism when they advocate for their conception of freedom to be applied everywhere, because people don't always agree on what freedom even means. In line with this critique, Jeff brings up the topic of immigration and explains that decentralization, although it precludes the involvement of the Federal government, open borders are not necessarily the conclusion that libertarians should come to. According to Jeff, private property owners should be able to set their own immigration restrictions, but public ownership of land complicates this reality. To hear his solution and to get more insight into the previous topics, tune into this episode today! Jeff Deist is a writer, public speaker, and passionate advocate of libertarianism, having served as president of the Mises Institute from 2013 until 2023. After stepping down in April, Jeff now works as the general council for Monetary Metals, a company with a mission to "Unlock the Productivity of Gold®." Jeff has also worked as a private equity attorney, as well as on the congressional staff of Congressman Ron Paul. Links to his recent book "A Strange Liberty: Politics Drops Its Pretenses," can be found in the additional resources section below.  Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     01:17    What is the status of democracy in the U.S.?     03:28    Are the left and right equally bad?     08:07    Is more local better?     10:52    What is self-determination?     15:01    What is liberalism?     18:34    What's wrong with universalism?     22:49    Borders: who gets to decide? 26:35    Can immigration restrictions be consistent with free markets?     28:20    Should immigration be a state or federal issue?     31:09    Is immigration a threat to Christianity in the U.S.? Additional Resources: - Find Jeff on Twitter: @JeffDeist - Read Jeff's book "A Strange Liberty: Politics Drops Its Pretenses." - Mises Institute: https://mises.org/library/strange-liberty-politics-drops-its-pretenses  - Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Liberty-Politics-Drops-Pretenses/dp/1610167643  - Jeff's "Immigration Roundtable" series: https://mises.org/library/immigration-roundtable  - Learn more about Monetary Metals: https://monetary-metals.com/monetary-metals/the-monetary-metals-story/  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Should Christians use guns against other humans? Tune in to this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast and listen as Dick Clark and Jerry Robinson debate the ethics of violence and whether it's ever right for a Christian to own firearms. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

As both a devout Christian and Chair of the National Libertarian Party, Angela McArdle perfectly embodies the values of the Libertarian Christian Institute, existing at the intersection of Faith and politics. In this episode, Doug Stuart welcomes Angela as she walks us through her political and theological journey. Growing up in a Christian Missionary Alliance church, Angela shares how her upbringing not only shaped her spiritual beliefs but also her understanding of government and the state. Throughout her life, this Christian libertarian understanding persisted throughout Angela's life, informing her decisions as a litigator and as a political candidate. Today, they continue to inform her decisions in the Libertarian Party, which, as Angela explains, hasn't always been so welcoming to Christians. Following their discussion on Christianity in the LP, Doug and Angela move on to cover a range of topics, including Christian nationalism, the claim that "Jesus wasn't political," and the"remnant" from the book of Isaiah and its implications for modern Christians. Whether you're interested in any of these topics or just want more insight into the current state of the Libertarian Party, this episode is for you. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     02:26    Angela's libertarian youth     04:58    Church missions and government     07:58    Angela's journey from apologetics to partisan politics     13:42    The Libertarian Party & Christianity     20:04    Sharing the Gospel     23:22    Was Jesus political?     26:38    Angela's response to Christian nationalism     28:47    What is the remnant?     30:45    Lightning round: Secession, single-issue voting, Joe Exotic, & the LP Twitter account. Additional Resources: - Follow Angela on Twitter: @angela4LNCChair - Subscribe to Angela's Patreon Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

What if the book of Revelation wasn't just about predicting the future, but rather a guide for living faithfully in the present? In this episode, Doug sits down with acclaimed theologian Scott McKnight to discuss his intriguing new book, Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple. Together we explored how modern Christians misunderstand the book of Revelation. In our conversation, Scott and I delve into the dual critique of empire and Church presented in Revelation chapters two and three, exploring how 'Babylon creep' has influenced the Church and shifted its focus from living the way of the Lamb to living the way of Rome. We also discuss the importance of imagination in understanding Revelation's rich imagery and symbolism. Scot also reviews the 'Play Bill' of characters and events for readers to engage with. Most importantly, we examine the practical applications of Revelation using a 'Babylonian Hermeneutic,' identifying Babylon in our current world and its influence on the Church today. We discuss the dangers of partisanship, placing allegiance to America above Jesus, and the critique of economic exploitation. Don't miss this fascinating discussion as we explore the timely wisdom found in Scott McKnight's Revelation for the Rest of Us. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Though the Libertarian Christian Podcast may have a slight bias towards podcasts, we also love a good book. In this episode, host Doug Stuart and Alex Bernardo of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast sit down to talk about their reading habits and the books they've been enjoying recently, ranging from works of fiction like Harry Potter all the way to historical narratives about the Soviet Union. Whether you're looking for some quality book recommendations or just want to know more about the hosts and their approaches to reading, this is a delightful and laid-back episode you're not going to want to miss.  Alex Bernardo is part of the Christians for Liberty Network and is the host of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast. There, he explores the intersection between protestant Biblical studies and libertarian philosophy, addressing topics related to theology, history, culture, economics, philosophy, and current events from both protestant and libertarian perspectives.  More about Alex as well as links to all the books discussed in this episode can be found in the additional resources section below.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     01:45    Kindle, physical copies, & audiobooks     07:24    Highlighters or pens?     11:51    Doug and Alex's reading goals     19:25    Fiction books     32:24    Books that impacted Alex     38:40    What's Alex reading next?     40:14    Books that impacted Doug     44:11    What's Doug reading next?   Additional Resources: - The Protestant Libertarian Podcast: libertarianchristians.com/shows/protestant-libertarian-podcast/ - Follow Alex Bernardo on Twitter: @ProLibertyPod - Fiction books:         The Chronicles of Narnia series, by C.S. Lewis         The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling         Amon's Adventure, by Arnold Ytreeide         The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven, by Nathaniel Ian Miller         Space: A Novel, by James A. Michener - Impactful books          The Peril of Modernizing Jesus, by Henry J. Cadbury         The Artist, the Philosopher and the Warrior, by Paul Strathern         The White Pill, by Michael Malice - Next up:          The Case Against the Fed, by Murray Rothbard         Ideology and Insanity, by Thomas S. Szasz         The Individualists, by Matt Zwolinski and John Tomasi         Fossil Future, by Alex Epstein         The Viking Heart, by Arthur Herman         Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul, by John M. Barry         Biblical Critical Theory, by Christopher Watkin - Other:         Human Action, by Ludwig Von Mises         Surprised by Scripture, by N.T. Wright         Revelation for the Rest of Us, Scot McKnight         Paul and the Faithfulness of God, by N.T. Wright         The Crucifixion of the Warrior God, by Gregory A. Boyd         Cross Vision, by Gregory A. Boyd         The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, by The Free Press         The Quest of the Historical Jesus, by Albert Schweitzer   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart interviews John Odermatt, co-founder of the Lions of Liberty Network. John opens up about his journey towards becoming a leading advocate within the criminal justice reform movement, rooted in both personal experience and his Christian faith. His passion for the subject has been fueled by firsthand encounters with the injustices of the system, leading him to create and host the Felony Friday podcast, a platform that raises awareness about the issue and brings powerful stories of redemption from those affected. Odermatt's dedication towards reforming a broken system is a testament to the importance of addressing the consequences of crime in a restorative, compassionate manner. A major aspect of the conversation about criminal justice reform revolves around the necessity for compassion and grace. Whether discussing rehabilitation, reintegration, or individual struggles, understanding the importance of mercy and forgiveness is an integral part of any lasting solution. As Christians, this approach aligns with the core teachings of Jesus and underscores the value of treating others with respect, regardless of their past mistakes. For John Odermatt, compassion plays a significant role in his advocacy efforts. Through his podcast and personal interactions, he emphasizes that providing second chances and acknowledging the humanity of those who have been through the criminal justice system can open doors for healing and reintegration. Odermatt highlights that one's past should not dictate their future, and a system that embraces restorative justice can foster genuine growth and change. John Odermatt is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform and libertarianism. He began his journey in the world of podcasting nearly a decade ago, and has since become a co-founder of the Lions of Liberty Network. With years of experience under his belt, John now hosts the popular Finding Freedom Podcast, where he interviews individuals who have faced the injustices of the criminal justice system, as well as those who have overcome adversity and found success after incarceration. Raised in a conservative Christian household, John's personal experiences and background in law have shaped his compassionate approach to reform and liberty. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     05:57    Pivoting to Finding Freedom     06:26    Criminal Justice Reform     12:28    Compassion and Responsibility     13:18    Growing in Faith     15:13    Taking Command of Our Liberty     19:10    Choosing Your Suffering     22:20    Overcoming Hurdles     23:43    Education in America     28:47    Libertarians during COVID     32:53    Technology and Tyranny     36:10    Resisting Sin and Oppression     39:42    Lions of Liberty Network     40:52    Conclusion Additional Resources: - Lions of Liberty Network: https://lionsofliberty.com/  - Finding Freedom Podcast: https://www.lionsofliberty.com/episodes  - Interview with Jacob Winograd: https://www.lionsofliberty.com/episodes/christianity-and-liberty-with-jacob-winograd  - Connect with John Odermatt on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnOdermatt  - Lions of Liberty on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LionsofLiberty  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart discusses the topic of faith and violence with Jerry Robinson, founder of True Riches Academy and host of True Riches Radio. Raised a Jehovah's Witness, Robinson eventually found his way to the gospel and now challenges Christians to think critically about their faith and the associated ethical implications. Together, Doug and Jerry take on the topic of "gun culture" in America, which Jerry suggests is contradictory to Christ's teachings on radical nonviolence. In addition to the rich discussion on the ethics of gun ownership and gun use, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding God's character despite the pervasive interpretative pluralism and hermetical difficulties of today. Jerry Robinson is the founder and executive director of the True Riches Academy and host of True Riches Radio, a podcast dedicated to challenging believers to think and thinkers to believe. Through the True Riches ministries, Jerry and his team seek to “educate, equip, and empower” followers of Christ through the creation and distribution of educational materials in a variety of formats including: podcasts, video teachings, and e-books. Since 2002, Robinson has served in both pastoral and lay leadership in the local church, has taught and lectured in a variety of Bible colleges, universities, and churches, and has preached and lectured around the world, including Europe and the East. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Tulsa. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction     04:31    From Jehova to Jesus     7:19    Faith and hermeneutics     12:44    Why do Evangelicals go against Christ?     17:37    What is "gun culture?"     21:42    The book of Revelation and Jesus' return     24:45    Extrabiblical prohibitions and prescriptions     30:38    Christians for Liberty Network plug     31:09    Romans 13: State sovereignty vs God's sovereignty     32:32    Good vs. evil     37:18    The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun...      43:52    Can guns be used as a last resort?     46:39    WWJD? Additional Resources: - TrueRichesRadio.com  - https://www.youtube.com/@TrueRichesAcademy  - Related episodes: --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/does-the-conquest-of-canaan-conflict-with-anarchism/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ot-case-non-violence-matthew-curtis-fleischer/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/cross-vision-greg-boyd/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/jesus-bible-politics-brian-zahnd/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/loving-enemies-age-of-violence-ron-sider/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/pacifism-self-defense-christian-ethics/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/christian-pacifism-explained-ted-grimsrud/  --- https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/pacifism-prophecy-praxis-todd-lewis/  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart welcomes professor Art Carden to the show to discuss his book "Leave Me Alone and I'll Make You Rich: How the Bourgeois Deal Enriched the World." Co-authored by author Deidre McCloskey, the book looks at the history of the bourgeoisie and details the economic impact on global wealth. Art picks up on these concepts in his conversation with Doug, explaining in detail topics like "the Bourgeois Deal", "The Great Enrichment," "innovism," and many more. With roots in history, philosophy, economics, politics, culture, etc, this episode truly has something for everyone, so you won't want to miss it. Art Carden is a professor of economics at Samford University's Brock School of Business. He has worked with and contributed to a number of other organizations, including the American Institute for Economic Research, the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, the Beacon Center of Tennessee, the Independent Institute, and the Foundation for Economic Education. He received his PhD from Washington University in Saint Louis. More information can be found in the "additional resources" section below. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 03:15    Writing style analysis 04:55    What does "bourgeois" actually mean?  08:22    The Great Enrichment 10:43    Economic growth and the rule of 70 12:34    What about the poor?  14:49    Global wealth distribution 15:50    What is liberalism? 19:20    Christians for Liberty Network Plug 20:02    Capitalism vs "innovism"  23:02    The finer things in life 28:42    Billionaires and special interests 31:15    Salvation from sin: strategies for preaching the gospel 32:17    What is the "Bourgeois deal" and how does it benefit us? 38:02    Art's upcoming book "Strangers with Candy" Additional Resources: - Leave Me Alone and I'll Make You Rich: How the Bourgeois Deal Enriched the World - https://www.amazon.com/Leave-Alone-Ill-Make-Rich/dp/022673966X  - https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/L/bo61545999.html  - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51941581  - Art's website: https://artcarden.com/  - Follow Art on Twitter: @ArtCarden - More from Art:  -- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=508839  -- https://www.aier.org/people/art-carden/  - Our World In Data Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Like everyone else, we here at LCI enjoy a good crossover episode. Tune in to this installment of the Libertarian Christian Podcast to hear Doug Stuart talk with Protestant Libertarian Podcast host Alex Bernardo about Christianity, libertarianism, and the relationship between the two. Doug and Alex speak to the fundamental compatibility between Christianity and libertarianism, explaining how they came to be libertarian Christians and what kind of impact that's had on their lives. The two move on to contemporary strategies on how to sell libertarianism to Christians, as well as how to effectively evangelize to libertarians. Whether you're interested in these strategies or want to know more about Doug, critical theory, or the behind-the-scenes of this podcast, tune in today! Alex Bernardo is part of the Christians for Liberty Network and is the host of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast. There, he explores the intersection between protestant Biblical studies and libertarian philosophy, addressing topics related to theology, history, culture, economics, philosophy, and current events from both protestant and libertarian perspectives. More information can be found in the additional resources section below. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 07:10    Doug's spiritual journey 14:10    The influence of academia 19:16    Doug's libertarian journey 22:18    Joining LCI 24:05    How to name your podcast 25:40    What's the process for picking guests? 32:04    What is the relationship between Christianity and libertarianism? 38:44    Strategies for explaining libertarianism to Christians 40:35    Strategies for evangelizing to libertarians 42:46    Christians for Liberty Network plug 43:35    Freedom Fest and Christianity 47:46    Influential libertarians 50:18    Critical theory (in a nutshell) 57:43    Cultural implications of critical theory Additional Resources: - The Protestant Libertarian Podcast - Follow Alex Bernardo on Twitter: @prolibertypod - Turn Neither to the Right Nor to the Left, by Eric Schansberg - Missional Theology, by John Franke - The Third Temptation, by Austin Rogers Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by the hosts of the Silver Screen Biases podcast, Jeff and Nelson. After explaining their process for picking which movies to cover and how they deal with spoiler alerts, the hosts of SSB move on to discuss a number of fascinating film topics with Doug: what is the difference between film and entertainment? Is there such a thing as a libertarian movie? How has the rise of streaming services impacted cinema and storytelling more broadly? For answers to these questions and many others, tune in to this exciting episode today. In their own podcast, Jeff and Nelson sit down every two weeks to discuss a critically acclaimed movie and the truth claims made within it, as well as to wrestle with their own biases and analyze those of Hollywood. See additional resources if you want more from Silver Screen Biases. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, author Connor Boyack joins Doug Stuart to discuss the latest edition in the well-known Tuttle Twins book line. "The Tuttle Twins Guide to Modern Villains" highlights the nastiest villains throughout recent history, with notable figures including Adolf Hitler, Karl Marx, and Woodrow Wilson. If you're interested in knowing why Connor chose the villains he did or if you just want to know more about the background and writing process of the Tuttle Twins series, this is the episode for you! Connor Boyack is the founder of the Libertas Institute and has authored nearly 40 books, including the Tuttle Twins series, which has sold over 4.5 million copies. Connor graduated from Brigham Young University and has since been named one of Utah’s most politically influential people by The Salt Lake Tribune. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by author Ryan McMaken to discuss his book Breaking Away: The Case for Secession, Radical Decentralization, and Smaller Politics. After exploring the roots and history of secessionist movements, the conversation moves to a more conceptual discussion where Ryan explains the meaning of decentralization, its associated benefits, and alternatives. Doug then asks Ryan to elaborate on the relationship between localism and federalism and how the tension impacts universal rights. Acknowleding the recent relevance of secession, Doug and Ryan turn to practical considerations, rounding out the episode with a discussion on nuclear weapons, national debt, and the potential role of blockchain technology. Ryan McMaken is a senior editor at the Mises Institute and co-hosts the Radio Rothbard podcast. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and master's degree in public policy and international relations from the University of Colorado.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 06:20    Is secession an American or un-American idea? 08:44    What does it mean for the world to be “decentralized?” 10:50    Benefits of decentralization 14:19    Alternatives to secession 17:09    Was the original constitution secessionary? 19:05    Universal rights versus localism 22:13    Localism versus federalism 22:06    The case for secession 29:38    What are the common arguments against secession?  33:06    Christians for Liberty Network plug 33:35    Practical considerations: what about the nukes? 39:00    What happens to the debt?  41:44    Blockchain technology and it’s impact on geopolitical governance   Additional Resources: - https://mises.org/library/breaking-away-case-secession-radical-decentralization-and-smaller-polities  - https://twitter.com/ryanmcmaken Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart speaks with Nilay Saiya, author of The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation. They discuss the two primary ways Christians approach politics and what those errors are. Nilay discusses these approaches in juxtaposition to so-called "Christian Nationalism." He posits a third approach which he believes is aligned with historic Two Kingdoms theology and borrows from Catholic social teaching. He called this approach, Prophetic Witness. Nilay Saiya is assistant professor of public policy and global affairs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research concerns the influence of religion on global politics. He is author of the book Weapon of Peace: How Religious Liberty Combats Terrorism (2018). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 04:19    How is Christian nationalism distinct from Christians having a voice in governance? 05:56    Why can't much political theology cannot be reconciled with the teachings of Christ? 09:53    Is there a proper way to "take America back for God?" 14:00    How does the church see itself? Is it the new (nation) Israel? 15:43    Living as strangers and exiles; Christianism; political detachment 19:43    Two kingdoms theology - kingdom of the world and of the cross 26:46    Third approach: prophetic witness and faithful presence 29:07    The value of Catholic social teaching 29:45    When confusing prophetic witness with political activism (dual citizenship) 32:49    Godless people elected to power and the Christian response 36:37    Do we need elected officials who will listen to Christians? 39:40    Are the Sojourners Christian nationalists but on the left? 42:50    How do we live out the prophetic witness? 44:28    Closing thoughts   Additional Resources: - https://sites.google.com/site/nilayjsaiya/home?authuser=0  - The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation: https://amzn.to/3ZLxLrd  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Dr. Calvin Beisner is President of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, a network of Christian theologians, natural scientists, economists, and other scholars educating for Biblical earth stewardship, economic development for the poor, and the proclamation and defense of the good news of salvation by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 01:15    Who is Dr. Cal Beisner and what is the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation? 07:52    How combative was the correction of the dominion mandate? 11:50    The "green" study bible 13:05    Human centered approach to the environment 22:15    The conflict of goals between environmentalists and the poor 29:07    Kuznitz curve 31:33    If we could advise those who are negligent about the environment, what would we say? 37:47    Is there a cost of doing nothing? 44:20    Closing thoughts   Additional Resources: - https://cornwallalliance.org/  - https://www.facebook.com/CornwallAlliance  - https://reformedlibertarians.com/episode/climate-alarmism-cornwall-alliance/    Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

In this episode, Doug Stuart talks with Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute about both Nationalism and immigration. Nowrasteh recently debated The National Review's, Rich Lowry on the topic of Nationalism, with Nowrasteh taking the opposing view. This conversation lends well to arguments against so-called "Christian" nationalism as well. Though Nowrasteh is not himself religious, he makes compelling points about the destructive nature of nationalism to religious belief. Since religious belief is generally good for society, the last thing we should want to do is destroy it through state-sanctioned compulsion. Immigration turns out to be a issue related to nationalism, given the motivations for stricter immigration rules stem from nationalistic tendencies.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 01:20    How did Alex come to take on nationalism? 03:09    Nationalism has historically played out poorly - like the right-wing version of Socialism. 04:33    What is nationalism? A collectivist ideology based on tribe, ethnicity - America is not a nation 08:58     Nationalism is horseshoe theory in action 11:30    Can't our nationalism be based on libertarian principles and a culture founded on free society 14:30    Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. 15:35    What are Nationalism advocates accomplishing with their advocacy of nationalism? The right has no ideology. 19:30    What's wrong with Americans identifying as a group, being that we're not a proper nation? 23:49    The problem with certain natural instincts is the problem of state involvement. 24:47    The best way to ruin a religion, like Christianity, is to make it state-sanctioned. 26:17    Is Nationalism a bulwark against globalism? 29:25    Hopes for electing Trump against global agenda 30:44    Is there a growing threat from immigration? Perceptions of chaos 34:40    Why don't conservatives seem to understand the state is part of the problem with immigration? 41:52    Is the United States "full" and cannot take more immigrants? 44:40    Closing comments   Additional Resources: - https://www.cato.org/people/alex-nowrasteh - https://twitter.com/AlexNowrasteh - https://reason.com/video/2022/12/16/american-nationalism-rich-lowry-vs-alex-nowrasteh/ - https://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Refuse-Political-Immigration-Institutions/dp/1108702457/ Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com 

Jacob Winograd of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast joins us again, this time to talk about his journey from being a hardcore Bernie Bro leftist to embracing biblical anarchy nearly overnight! Learn how Jacob grew to become the advocate for liberty he is today! Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In today's episode, Doug Stuart discusses "woke antisemitism" with David L. Bernstein. Bernstein is the author of the book, Woke Antistemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews. Bernstein describes himself a left-of-center, civil libertarian who has concerns about the woke progressive ideology infiltrating every facet of American life. His book aims to explain "a firsthand account from a top Jewish leader about how woke ideology shuts down discourse, corrupts Jewish values, and spawns a virulent new strain of antisemitism." This is another great conversation from a non-conservative critic of woke ideology. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00     Introduction 01:38     About David L. Bernstein 03:06     How the progressive left abandoned liberal values 05:14     Bernsteins' approach to disagreeing with the woke left 06:50     What does it mean to be ‘woke'? 08:55     How did you come to write this book? 11:07     Marxist/Hegelian undercurrent in woke ideology? 13:05     "Jewish privilege" and the question of Jewish (so-called) "whiteness" 17:14     Whiteness as a property – not about your appearance, but your philosophy or worldview 20:07     Critical race theory taught in public schools and pedagogy to demagogy 23:11     Woke progressives in the Jewish community 26:47     The "McWhorter test" 30:52     Afraid to speak up – "double think" – encouraging people to disagree 36:16     Rebuilding the Center strategy 39:07     Closing comments   Additional Resources: - Woke Antisemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews, by David L. Bernstein - Jewish Institute for Liberal Values  - Email David L Bernstein - @davidlbernstein

How do we as Christians and libertarians view the era of the American Revolution? Mike Maharrey of the 10th Amendment Center and the Godarchy podcast, and our own Matthew Bellis discuss their patriotic upbringing and how they square their heartfelt love for American principles, but disdain for the war, slavery, colonialism, etc. Can we properly judge Americans of the past with a 21st conception of morality? These questions (and more) are discussed by Mike, Matthew, and Doug with the hope of offering some clarity to how we as libertarians and Christians think about the American Revolution.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 02:55 How do you understand and process the American Revolution? (The distinction between the Revolution and the Revolutionary War). 08:40 Matthew Bellis on the above question: challenging slavery and the root of liberty from the Reformation 13:16 Was it a defensive war or war of aggression against the crown? 19:15 Where and how is proper authority vested? The office, Romans 13, the Constitution? 22:55 What would you do if your family was threatened in such a way that violence was unavoidable? 25:10 How many colonists favored the Revolutionary War? 28:22 Should Christians break fellowship over decisions to join the military/war? 31:48 How would you persuade someone like Thomas Paine based on what you know now? 37:48 Closing thoughts   Additional Resources: - Wendy McElroy on Just War and American Independence - Christian Theology of Public Policy: Highlighting the American Experience - "Were the American Revolutionaries Wrong to Revolt?" - Episode 256: America's Revolutionary Mind Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this episode, Doug Stuart talks to Alex Bernardo of the Protestant Libertarian podcast about the knowledge problem in theology and philosophy. The Protestant Libertarian Podcast explores the intersection between protestant Biblical studies and libertarian philosophy, discussing the Bible, history, culture, economics, philosophy, and current events from both protestant and libertarian perspectives.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction - About Alex Bernardo 07:34 What kind of Protestant are you? 10:20 How do you tie together being libertarian and Protestant? 12:20 Favorite topics covered 15:39 Biggest influences theologically and politically 20:51 How do you approach interpretation of Scripture? How is it authoritative? 26:22 How do we decide to apply the Old Testament? 31:28 What about the Ascension? 33:50 How do you decide what's important to get right? 45:04 Why don't you speak disfavorably of postmodernism? What is knowledge? 56:20 How woke culture leverages postmodernism and language? 59:11 Current reading list 1:07:25 Closing Remarks Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Dr. Michael Rectenwald is a former Marxist joining Doug Stuart to explain The Great Reset. Dr. Rectenwald is the author of twelve books, including The Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty: Unraveling the Global Agenda (Jan. 2023), Thought Criminal (Dec. 2020); Beyond Woke (May 2020); Google Archipelago: The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom (Sept. 2019); Springtime for Snowflakes: “Social Justice” and Its Postmodern Parentage (an academic’s memoir, 2018); Nineteenth-Century British Secularism: Science, Religion and Literature (2016); Academic Writing, Real World Topics (2015, Concise Edition 2016); Global Secularisms in a Post-Secular Age (2015); Breach (Collected Poems, 2013); The Thief and Other Stories (2013); and The Eros of the Baby-Boom Eras (1991). (See the Books page.) In this episode Dr. Rectenwald fleshes out questions explaining the connection between Marxism and woke ideology, and that connection to Klaus Schwab's Great Reset, a plan with the World Economic Forum to monopolize the world economy. The discussion highlights some key point including the seemingly innocuous nature of the gateway ideologies to Marxism - namely, social justice, anti-racism, etc. If you've been interested in understanding more about the Great Reset, listen to this episode and consider purchasing Dr. Revtenwald's book.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:03 How did you come to reject Marxism and embrace libertarianism? 04:00 Connection between Marxism and "Wokism" 06:03 Can exploitation explain certain kinds of oppression? Was Marx 100% wrong? 10:30 Why can't a Marxist see the state as an oppressive institution?  12:56 Is there a kind of social justice that isn't 'woke' or Marxist? 16:11 Woke Capitalism? The Long March - the Socialist takeover of the economy. 24:43 The Great Reset: What is it?  29:20 The coordination of propaganda shrouded under the cloak of inevitability. 34:43 How to respond to the charge the Great Reset is a conspiracy theory?  40:43 Conspiracy Theorists echoing an anti-Semitic trope? 42:00 Are you optimistic? What's your proposed solution? 44:03 Please buy the book directly from Michael - get a signed copy   Resources Mentioned: https://www.michaelrectenwald.com/ Buy directly from his bookstore here: https://www.michaelrectenwald.com/apogee-bookstore Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Dr. Norman Horn speaks with Stephen Kent, author of the book, “How The Force Can Fix The World." Kent's book explores the libertarian themes, and the relevance Star Wars has to Christianity. The guys then break into spoilers about the new series, Andor.   Main Points of Discussion 00:00    Introduction 01:35    About Stephen Kent 03:16    Christian influences on Kent (and Star Wars?) 04:56    Purpose in producing the book - political polarization and enmity 07:26    Inserting your opponents as being The Empire or The Rebellion 10:14    Chapter on humility and common values 17:20    Matthew 18 - childlike faith 22:06    The Death Star and Luke Skywalker 24:57    SPOILER ALERT! Talking about new Star Wars productions: Andor   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this episode, Doug Stuart speaks with Dr. Paul D. Miller about Christian nationalism. Dr. Paul D. Miller is a Professor in the Practice of International Affairs at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. See his profile here. Miller published the book, The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism. Stuart and Miller begin with the general sentiment about "love of country" and conclude with why this means we should oppose Christian nationalism. But, of course, Christian nationalism in America raises important question about racism. Miller gives reasoned, incisive response without the typical polemics that tend to go along such a controversial topic. He helps listeners think about the difference between personal sentiment of racism, and the backdrop of racialized issues and language, without appealing to woke ideology. Was race really a motivator for electing Barak Obama? Why CN is more culturally motivated than politically motivated, and why the crossover from culture to politics is happening none-the-less. Christians against Christian nationalism should be the sentiment shared by Bible-believing liberty-lovers. Ideas about American equivalence to Israel is simply bad doctrine. Desires to resurrect so-called "Christendom" is also based on an arguably unbiblical ideology of establishmentarianism. If you've been looking for an honest and rational conversation about Christian nationalism, then please listen to this episode and considering purchasing Miller's excellent book.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 02:28 The complexity behind the question, "do you love your country?" 03:36 Guarding against love of country becomes idolatry 05:57 Why this book now? The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism 08:10 Nationalism as a reactionary response to rapid socio-economic change 09:29 Is "our first black President" really about race? 12:15 "Sublimated" racism - racialized vs racism 15:05 Info about the book and main thesis - trilogy of Christian political theory 16:44 The belief that our nation has a specific fixed cultural identity - Anglo-protestant 18:10 Who are the major intellectuals advocating for Christian nationalism? What are their strongest arguments? 19:42 How much of this depends on the idea the Founders wanted to found a Christian nation? 20:50 Why would Christians want to defend nationalism beyond the cultural element? 21:54 The desire to resurrect "Christendom." 22:35 Invokes sexual revolution, but this isn't really about our national identity 23:18 Biblical theology of nations - kinship vs political entity 25:02 Israel is not a template for what a nation should be 26:48 Critique of Stephen Wolfe's book 27:57 Tribalism vs personal identity - what similarities qualify for the tribe? 30:10 Is it fair for the media to caricature all discussion on CN as race-baiting, or a dog whistle for white nationalism? 32:21 Effectively opposing nationalism - be a patriot (against nationalism) 33:51 Is Trump a nationalist? American greatness, not liberty 35:52 "America's Heritage" has a lot of baggage for different people - rhetorical vagueness is the tool of every politicians; weaponizing the past 37:08 Concluding thoughts Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In today's episode, Doug Stuart and Norman Horn are grilled by Matthew Bellis in a game of "Would You Rather ...?" From pancakes vs waffles, to Tom Woods vs Bob Murphy, to Matthew's meager attempt to ferret out Norm's and Doug's heretical tendencies, you'll find out more about these guys than you ever cared to. Enjoy our last episode of 2022 before we get back to the serious stuff in the New Year.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 02:24    ... be painted red or blue for the rest of your life? 03:02    ... dogs or cats? 04:09    ... pancakes or waffles? 04:43    ... triskets or saltines? 05:14    ... coffee or tea? 06:47    ... Wonder Woman or Captain Marvel? 08:25    ... lose your sight or lose you memories? 10:00    ... give up air conditioning or internet? 11:03    ... have a full time maid or a full time chef? 12:01    ... 11ft tall or 1ft tall? 13:26    ... royalty 1000 years ago or middle class Canadian today? 14:32    ... nothing but Hallmark movies or nothing but Horror movies? 16:42    ... rat or snake hiding in your room? 18:23    ... a year at war or a year in prison? 18:44    ... get rid of taxes or get rid of world hunger? 19:55    .. for your dad ... Tom Woods or Bob Murphy? 21:48    ... Joe Rogan or Dave Smith? 22:20    ... John Stossel or Dave Rubin? 23:58    ... Matt Walsh or Ben Shapiro? 25:12    ... Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh? 26:10    ... Saint Augustine of Hippo or Pelagius? 27:03    ... Saint Nicholas or Arius 27:56    ... SBC or PCUSA? 29:01    ... Methodist or Annabaptist 30:03    ... dinner with Al Mohler or play ping-pong with Benny Hinn   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In today's episode, Doug Stuart chats with Neil Shenvi, a PhD in Theoretical Chemistry, about his work in Christian apologetics. If you think there's a disconnect between his education and his work, he explains a bit about that in the opening to the episode, as well as the basis for new found expertise in critical theory. Shenvi's concerns about the influence of critical theory rests in the influence (and resultant damage) to orthodox Christian doctrine by ideas developed by critical theorists. He offers a history of the philosophical discipline; many ways to discern the mechanics of it, how to think through and address the moving target certain nomenclature creates, and much more. If you know very little about the topic, or believe it's not as bad some say it is, this episode gives a great bird's eye view making connections you might not have previous thought to consider. Shenvi has a very gracious demeanor and way about speaking on this topic; he's sensitive to certain topics of valid concern (racism, abuse, etc), while recognizing the necessary distinctions and why this particular ideology is such a poison. Shenvi is apolitical in his approach. He comes at this with no agenda about politics or political theory.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:15 About Neil Shenvi 03:12 How Christians begin expressing wokism and the common trajectory 07:03 What is critical theory? 09:04 How culture effects economics - the connection to Marxism 11:15 How does post-modernism relate to critical theory? 14:11 The convergence of critical theory and post-modernism (and the significance of this) 16:31 Robin DeAngelo is critical race theorist?? 18:07 Academics and activists 20:10 Difference between critical theory and critical race theory? 22:18 James Lindsey's connection of critical theory to neo-Marxism? 25:49 Christians going woke are "just trying to deal with the poor and oppressed" 29:55 How lived experience can be wrongly interpreted 32:48 The woke have a "double consciousness" - lived experience is only valid for those liberated from their (white) blindness. 35:32 Wokeness is internally coherent even if it's realistically incoherent 37:48 Are there any ideas that are redeemable about crt? 42:00 there are some isolated ideas that are valid truth claims 42:43 Error in identifying problems, or just a matter of solutions? 46:55 Interest convergence theory? 50:39 CRT's biggest enemy is liberalism 52:00 Shenvi's book reviews and his professional writing 54:51 Concluding thoughts   Resources Mentioned: https://shenviapologetics.com   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this episode, Doug gives us a glimpse of our sister podcast, Faith Seeking Freedom. This podcast is part of the Christians for Liberty Network and also the companion podcast to our book, Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions. LCI Founder, Dr. Norman Horn, is the host of the FSF podcast, and he answers some common questions we get about the differences between libertarianism and conservativism, progressivism, and liberalism. Check it out, and tell us what you think.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00      Introduction 02:36      How libertarianism is different from conservativism 05:49      How libertarianism is different from progressivism 09:52      How libertarianism is different from liberalism   Resources Mentioned: Christians for Liberty Network: christiansforliberty.net Faith Seeking Freedom Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/faith-seeking-freedom-podcast/   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

A literal fireside chat with Doug Stuart, Norman Horn, Jacob Winograd, and Matthew "I'm on fire!" Bellis. How the guys were influenced by popular personalities. How Jacob was converted to the Mises Caucus from "the left". Is democracy really all that bad? What is nationalism? Listen in as the guys let loose and catch fire... literally! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Standing in for Doug Stuart is LCI's founder, Dr. Norman Horn. With him today is professor David Rose from the University of Missouri. Dave Rose is a Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He has served as the Department Director of Graduate Studies and as the Department Chair. He received his Ph.D. in Economics in 1987 from the University of Virginia. His primary areas of research interest are behavioral economics, political economy, and organization theory. He has published scholarly articles in a wide range of areas. His work has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the HFL Foundation, the Earhart Foundation, and the John R. Templeton Foundation. He is currently in his second term on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. In 2008 he received the St. Louis Business Journal’s Economic Educator of the year award. You might have heard of ESGs (environmental social governance) from various climate change advocates. David Rose helps us understand what ESGs are and their relationship to stakeholder theory. Rose then contrasts the practice of ESGs (including their historical precedence) with business ethics illustrating for us some inherent problems. Rose explains the social benefits of maximizing profit, why this is a net good for society, and it proves to be a boon philanthropically. Another problem Rose highlights is in business ethics itself. Not only are few university students taking this course, but people who should not be in the position are the ones teaching the subject. (No surprise!) This episode is a great introduction to the topic of environmental social governance and why we should pay attention to these practices.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Environmental Social Governance - what is it? 04:43 History of "corporate responsibility" (stakeholder's theory) compared to ESG - how did we get here? 08:33 The evolution of business ethics and current problems 13:41 Is a business firm a moral agent? The personification problem; The evolutionary theory of firms 19:10 Why ESG proves to be a profound problem on the social effect of business firms 20:45 The effect of ESGs on pension funds 24:25 Why does the firm need to be philanthropic when people can do that on their own? (demonizing profit) 30:19 The "decades of greed" correlate with the most philanthropic time in American history; How can we understand that ESG will harm this? 35:17 There's no virtue in spending someone else's money 37:48 Profit is a signal you've served someone else well 39:27 Practical advice to build awareness for ESG and problems in society 41:48 Concluding thoughts   Resources Mentioned: Common Sense Society https://www.commonsensesociety.org Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Former Libertarian Party Vice-Presidential candidate, Spike Cohen joins Doug Stuart for a discussion about politics, faith, and libertarian activism. Cohen, raised as a Messianic Jew, recounts some of his personal journey in and out of faith. Cohen explains how he became a libertarian and some significant moments in America's recent history where the left and right were very close to unifying on common cause. He then describes how he's come to understand the single most important issue that affects all others is the monopolization of the monetary system through the Federal Reserve. Responsibility for nearly ever grievance against societal problems and government can be laid squarely at the feet at the central bankers.  Spike Cohen goes on to address some key issues with the broader freedom movement, including the ongoing divide between pragmatists and idealists. He describes this as "our own duopoly" explaining that both sides need each other and maintaining the divide is handicapping our ultimate goal. He's organized a non-profit called You are the Power, dedicated to grassroots municipal level activism with an effective approach. Cohen highlights one story about Pastor Moses and the city of Gastonia, NC that shutdown his homeless shelter, apparently, to secure tax dollars to finance government homeless programs. Finally, he answers the toughest question about how can possibly have a perfect relationship with his wife, Tasha.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 01:33    How Spike Cohen became a libertarian 04:16    Personal journey with faith and libertarianism 09:49    The brief moments where the left and right were unified in their prophetic voice against empire 16:29    The Federal Reserve and control of the money system as the single most important topic 22:20    How big is your libertarian tent? 25:58    Libertarian messaging post-pandemic 31:00    Advice to libertarians embarrassing themselves on social media 34:01    “You are the Power” - Grassroots activism 38:46    Pastor Moses in Gastonia, NC - Homeless shelter shutdown 42:14    How do we get people interested in activism? 45:55    How do you have a perfect relationship with your wife? 48:32    Concluding thoughts   Resources Mentioned: Spike Cohen: You Are the Power https://www.spikecohen.com/   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by Dick Clark, co-author of Faith Seeking Freedom, to discuss questions related to a Christian's employment or service to the state.Clark is an attorney who is employed by the Nebraska Legislature. He describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist, or radical libertarian, and so not a "beltway libertarian." Clark takes you through his thought process for what sorts of positions, jobs, offices, that someone can do in a particularly Christian way - that is, aligned with our calling as Christians. He also explains why some jobs should be considered off limits for the Christian.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 01:46    What does Dick Clark do in government? 05:25    What kind of libertarian are you? 07:55    What is the difference between governance and government (the state)? 12:15    Is local government closer to obtaining the consent of the governed? 15:26    What system do we have and is it good? bad? 19:23    How does our calling as Christians ground how we participate in government? 22:24    Is it Christian to repeal welfare programs? 28:20    Would you work for a rival politician? 31:28    Can Christians participate in law enforcement? 42:53    Concluding Thoughts   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

We're celebrating the 300th episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast! This episode was streamed live on Friday, November 11th, 2022. To commemorate this milestone, we announced a big new project: The Christians for Liberty Network (CFLN). This is a network of podcasts that share our mission of educating people about the intersection of faith and politics. Joining CFLN are Mike Maharrey of the Godarchy podcast, Jacob Winograd of the Biblical Anarchy (Daniel 3) podcast, and we've also launched a brand new podcast called the Reformed Libertarians podcast, with Kerry Baldwin and her co-host, Gregory Baus, who is new to LCI. In addition, LCI has re-launched Good News, Bad News, with Matthew Bellis, and the Faith Seeking Freedom podcast. We had a lot of fun with this announcement, as we also invited Doc Dixon back on as our special guest. And all the hosts took some friendly jabs at Doug Stuart, the host of our flagship show. Lots of roasting and good times were had, so enjoy the fun now if you didn't catch the livestream! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join Doug as he guest appears on Danial Winograd's Daniel 3 Biblical Anarchy Podcast to talk about how to read the Bible as a libertarian. Not only does Doug get into what he and LCI are up to, Doug and Jacob carry on an in-depth conversation about how many Christian libertarians misread the Bible, and how we can treat the Bible as authoritative without thinking of it like we do the constitution. Doug explains why Jesus wasn't a libertarian and how we can live in a world where the state keeps asking more from its citizens. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Deceiving others for a living - oh wait! That's politicians. Doug is on a comic kick! In this episode, comic magician Doc Dixon unwittingly exposes Doug's affinity for dark humor. Just kidding. This fun and lively interview takes us behind the scenes with the guy who fooled Penn and Teller (link below). And Doc even comedically corrects the idea that magic is deceiving others. Doc Dixon chats with Doug Stuart about being a (Reformed) Christian libertarian and comic magician. Dixon has been featured on Penn & Tell's Fool Us, and successfully fooled them. Like many of us, Dixon came to libertarianism during the Ron Paul Revolution and the libertarian view of economics and monetary policy. Dixon talks about the natural compatibility between Christianity and libertarianism. They shift topics to discuss Dixon's career choice as a magician. Dixon demystifies professional magic by pointing out that it's a learned skill like anything else. How do magicians decide to share their secrets? (And how much is already "out there" thanks to the Internet). What's the community of magicians like? Do they get together to learn from each other? and much more! Of course, the performance is personal and we get to hear how his personality comes out in his work. Do some Christians believe magic deceiving others and so off limits for us? Dixon has a perfect response for this - "there's an unintended hubris there." Not even Las Vegas, in Dixon's view, are the magic shows really superstitious or occult-like. (Though that's not to say everything in Vegas is that innocent.) Dixon and Stuart take a few (more than a few) friendly jabs at one another throughout. So sit back and enjoy this more lighthearted episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 02:36 How does Doc Dixon identify? Comedian or Magician 04:38 Doc Dixon's Christian background and how he came to faith 06:10 What led you to Ron Paul? 09:13 Do you believe Christianity and libertarianism is naturally compatible 11:42 Do you incorporate libertarianism into you shows? 16:25 How do you become a magician? 20:08 Magician cocktail parties? 23:16 Are Las Vegas magicians dabbling in the occult in their performances? 27:25 Workshopping magic with other magicians 30:35 Is incorporating humor a part of who you are? 34:26 Dark humor? 37:12 People in other fields you admire? 42:48 Magic over Zoom? How does that experience work? 45:18 Concluding thoughts, Libertarianmagician.com?   Resources Mentioned: Dox Dixon's website: https://docdixon.com Libertarianmagician.com Forthcoming Magician Doc Dixon FOOLS Penn & Teller on Penn&Teller: Fool Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDnY5q_mxg

In this episode, Doug Stuart chats with Lou Perez, speaking as a comedian, about his new book, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore: On the Death and Rebirth of Comedy. Perez offers a "behind-the-scenes" of the creative journey for his new book, as well as experiences in the life of professional comedy - especially in today's highly charged and political climate. Lou Perez was the Head Writer and Producer of the Webby Award-winning comedy channel, We the Internet TV. During his tenure at WTI, he made the kind of comedy that gets you put on lists and your words in the Wall Street Journal: "How I Became a 'Far-Right Radical.'" In addition to producing sketch comedy, stand-up, and opinion writing, he's also host The Lou Perez Podcast. Perez details some of the back story to his book. He remarks about how his publisher gave him complete creative freedom to "write the book you want." Perez saw this is a unique opportunity to write about things important to him and the problems he saw brewing about community. He also commented about his experience in 2020 and 2021 when several big names in comedy passed away and the effect that had on him. Don't miss all this and more in our latest episode.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Perez's intrigue with the connection between anarchism and Christianity 05:54 What was the purpose of writing That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore 09:35 Creative, Editing, and Publication process 14:25 The mutual respect and community among fellow comedians. 17:26 What's it like to "bomb" a show? 20:40 What's going wrong with comedy today? 23:46 At what point do you old back from? (Dark humor) 32:51 Is Donald Trump funny? 34:45 Do your kids understand your humor? 36:53 What other things have you done besides stand up? 39:11 The fight you had on Twitter 42:30 Concluding Remarks   Resources Mentioned: Lou's website: https://www.thelouperez.com/ Lou's Wallstreet Journal Article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-i-became-a-far-right-radical-11609370135 Buy the Book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637582455

In this episode, Doug Stuart was invited by Aaron Harris onto the Decentralized Revolution Podcast. Doug and Aaron spoke in depth about a number of topics relevant to libertarianism, Christianity, and speaking to the left about issues of concern to them. How do we present libertarianism to our leftist friends? They're concerned with things that are easy to write off, but to what end should write them off, and are we missing an opportunity? Stuart and Harris dive into some interesting topics including covid, love of neighbor, social sins (social justice), the Marxist tendency to weaponize people and ideas that actually need serious consideration, the destruction of the family, democracy, and so much more.   Main Points of Discussion 00:00 Introduction 05:55 On Covid restrictions from a Christian perspective 15:50 Supporting social justice while opposing the left's solutions 24:26 Define social justice 29:42 How do we talk about real solutions to real social problems? 37:46 Democracy as an impulse to control 41:50 How do we open the eyes of our leftist friends? 47:44 The destruction of the family 52:23 Why is the left disconnected from the systemic injustice of central banking and monetary policy? 53:45 What is the aversion to learning economics? 59:33 How are the different libertarian factions responding to issues of social justice? 1:05:51 What are good resources for understanding and evaluating social justice? 1:10:06 Fascination with Jordan Peterson and his non-theological analysis of Scripture 1:16:54 Closing   Resources Mentioned Is Social Justice Compatible with Christianity? https://libertarianchristians.com/2022/07/01/social-justice-christian-libertarianism/ What About Social Justice? https://libertarianchristians.com/2021/07/20/episode-232/ Critical Race Theory with Phil Magness https://libertarianchristians.com/2022/02/16/critical-race-theory-phil-magness/ Book Review: John McWhorter's Woke Racism https://libertarianchristians.com/2022/03/02/book-review-john-mcwhorters-woke-racism/ Ep 294: Awake, Not Woke: Noelle Mering Helps You Respond to Progressive Ideology https://libertarianchristians.com/2022/09/30/episode-294/

In this episode, Doug talks to Bonnie Kristian about her new book titled, Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community. She is concerned with the unhealthy skepticism corrupting culture. Bonnie Kristian (MA, Bethel Seminary) is a seasoned journalist who writes on foreign policy, religion, criminal justice, urbanism, civil liberties, electoral politics, and more. Her column, "The Lesser Kingdom," appears in print and online at Christianity Today, and she is the author of A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today. Her work has also been featured in other outlets, including The Week, USA Today, CNN, Politico, and Time. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and twin sons. Bonnie Kristian believes there is a crisis impacting the church that we are only just now becoming aware of. What is it? Not so much a "misinformation" problem as it is a combination of overwhelming information and few skills for processing through it. The constant bombardment of information is a relatively new phenomenon in human history. And it doesn't begin with the advent of the Internet, but with the advent of the television. For most of human history, information has been passed down actively through oral and written mediums. Since the television, it became something visual and passive. Kristian first noticed the problem when interviewing pastors about their concerns impacting the church. Pastors noted a discipleship problem wherein people were only exposed to preaching for one to two hours a week, verses the near constant news and commentary bombarding airwaves during the rest of the week. But it wasn't simply the passive receipt of information, but also a change in habits and behavior including unhealthy skepticism corrupting culture. Kristian notes specific characteristics that are particularly troubling including, time use/management, the mixed quality of available information, the inability to critically assess and evaluate that information, and also, the manner in which media and the news industry produced their content. People began trusting media less, but consuming it more. This shift away from trusting news sources comes from what Kristian believes is a myth. Namely, the idea the corporate media is consciously and maliciously lying to the audience to further a subversive agenda. Kristian, a journalist herself, raises the point that journalists are still trained to avoid writing to support political agendas and parties. (Though she doesn't deny this happens in some cases either). She believes are fair critiques to be made of journalism today, and she addresses those in her book. However, the main driver of news and commentary seems to rest in click bate. How do you get people to click on your link? Kristian points out the old model of advertising-financed news sources doesn't work anymore. But people are willing to pay for their news either. So in some sense, our own behavior of clicking on the most provocative titles, rather than search for and evaluating trustworthy content. Another contributing factor to this unhealthy skepticism is the "death of expertise." Kristian borrows this phrase from author Tom Nichols who points out a problem that expertise is closely tied to an ideal. Its the notion there is an ideal that has "died" and so expertise with it. While we have plenty of examples of misuse of expertise, Kristian wants to emphasize the alternative is untenable. That is, that being completely self-sufficient in our own knowledge of expertise is not possible. When purchase good or services, we're looking for the best quality. That requires expertise. When we drive across a bridge, we expect it won't collapse. That requires expertise. Kristian laments that subject-matter experts have a bad habit of not staying in their lane. But that problem also results from people not recognizing the lane they ought to be in.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Why is unhealthy skepticism corrupting culture? 06:19 Why should Christians be concerned with tribalism, misinformation, conspiracy theories, etc. 11:12 What characteristics are particularly troubling? 14:02 How does our online activity affect our offline behavior? 19:03 Why the shift away from trusting media 27:43 Is click-bait contributing to the problem? 30:42 What the death of expertise & democratized knowledge? 36:09 How do non experts navigate the information minefield? 39:59 Why do we love conspiracy theories? 47:42 Concluding thoughts   Resources Mentioned: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/untrustworthy/411490 https://www.bonniekristian.com/

How can Christians love their neighbors (especially members of family and church) who are falling into the progressive ideology of so-called wokism? Noelle Mering helps you respond to progressive ideology in her new book, Awake, Not Woke. Noelle Mering is a Fellow at Washington DC based think tank the Ethics and Public Policy Center where she co-directs the Theology of Home Project. She is an editor for Theology of Home, co-author of the Theology of Home book series, and the author of Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology. She studied philosophy and theatre at Westmont College in California and did graduate work in philosophy at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Noelle and her husband live in Southern California with their six children. Mering joins Doug Stuart to discuss her work in navigating the intricacies of and foundations for the social implications of woke / progressive ideology. They discuss the characteristics of the woke movement, what it means to be woke, the role of language and why the pronoun issue is so central to change. Mering also explains some of the more philosophical foundations including Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's influence on Karl Marx, and why it cannot be denied that wokism is a cultural twist on Marxism (ie. Cultural Marxism). Mering also explains why this isn't movement isn't actually new, but has been hidden in plain sight through a generational lag. The apparent ubiquity of woke ideology because the fruit of seeds planted decades ago. Mering also offers quite a bit of helpful perspective when interacting with well-intentioned people falling for this ideology vs the "militant true believers" of wokism, as well as the fact this really is, at its core, a deeper spiritual battle concerning our religious beliefs, meta narratives that inform our lives and provide meaning, and why capitulation is no longer an option. Mering brings some clarity of terms like "whiteness" and "white supremacy" and that these things have very little to do with skin color. If you've had questions about these ideas, this is a great episode which parses out the very Christian idea of love of neighbor and walking along the suffering, while not giving into the destructive ideologies that are attacking our society at its very roots.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:50 What does it mean to be “woke?” 03:08 What the characteristics of the woke movement? 05:52 The role of language and power dynamics in the woke movement 09:50 More than a culture war: Attack on truth and meaning 14:20 What are the philosophical origins of the woke movement? 16:17 How do we parse out working out knowledge from the danger of the philosophical foundations? 19:24 Are popular Marxists/Socialists not phased by mortality under communism because it’s “just progress?” 20:55 How does Hegel influence Karl Marx? 24:25 Generational lag and the ubiquity of the seeds of woke ideology 29:22 The difference between well-intentioned people and the militant true believers: how Christianity has fallen victim. 35:26 Tolerance is thrown out the window; it’s about division 39:08 Whiteness; white supremacy - doesn’t have to do with skin color 42:08 Is there a vantage point that “intersectionality” does provide? 47:23 Beyond the sexual revolution in the woke movement and “funneling” children into sexuality; “innocence perpetuate hierarchy.” 52:11 Is there hope in fighting against this? 53:38 Closing Resources Mentioned: https://www.noellemering.com/ https://theologyofhome.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Not-Woke-Christian-Progressive/dp/1505118425/

In this episode, Doug Stuart interviews former public school teacher, Angela Harders. Harders is author of the book, "Tales of a Toxic Teacher: Exposing the Cycles of Abuse Within Our Schools". Harders discusses her dreams and intentions when she first began teaching, and how quickly those dreams were squelched by the public school system. Many teachers like her share similar experiences, and Harders is calling out the public education, not as "broken" but as operating as it's designed. People who become teachers usually do so because they envision a better world for kids through their education. But reality soon rears its head "within the first 5 minutes" of starting a job as a teacher. Harders explains how the public education system churns out traumatized kids and pass them through to be "society's problems." Not only is the system abusive, but the impact of the abuse cultivates kids who become abusive themselves. Harders, a public school teacher for 12 years, even describes how the zeros she gave one continually absent student were mysteriously changed to 60% (just passing) without her knowledge or consent. Harders rebuffs the tired criticism that public education is "broken." It's not, she says, it operates as expected. Which is to say that it's intended to create submissive, compliant, factory-worker-type followers, ready for employment and trained to never question assigned authority. The complaints, however, that teachers are not given adequate supplies or leeway to be a creative teacher is all true. She had to get creative with her field trips so that students could make some tangible connection to otherwise foreign ideas that even we might take for granted. For example, she describes taking her students to a baseball game so they could understand the assigned reading which involved baseball. Hardships for students abound, but so also do hardships for teachers. As a Spanish teacher, one student asked her why he should care about learning Spanish when he was expected to die by the time he was 18. The public education system is also rife with structural problems, says Harder. The compulsory aspect coupled with the cultural tendency to think of school as glorified babysitting is traumatic. We've all heard the stories of the kids who cry for the parents on the first day (first week, really) of school. Being separated from their parents, at this age, is not normal, and shouldn't be normalized. And yet, it is. Harders challenges parents about the education paradigm by noting that the state usually spends about $15k per student. Would you pay $15k for an education experience like this? No, of course not. But Harders says, the cost is even higher than that. That cost being, the unravelling of the social structure designed for raising the next generation: the family. Harders, a divorce from an abusive marriage, also discovered the hallmarks of abusive relationships are all found within the public school system, and that system often creates what is known as a trauma bond. Where the abused ardently defends their abuser and excuses the abuse. So Harders left the public school system and now promotes unschooling, or what she calls Peaceful Worldschooling. She emphasizes the need to de-school, which means to take active steps to undo the damage done by the public education system. Peaceful worldschooling fits hand in glove with concepts like peaceful or gentle parenting, self-directed or interest-based learning, and using real life as a guiding "curriculum" to ignite the interests and passions of children. Indeed, making manifest the dream she and most teachers have going into this career field. Listen to all this and more right here.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 03:12 Tales of a Toxic Teacher by Angela Harders 04:47 How quickly did you come to realize were a toxic teacher? 09:22 Public education is not broken 10:34 How did you overcome the design of public education? 12:15 Hardships of students; hardships of teachers 18:03 Structural problems built into the system 23:52 Connections to abuse 28:25 Leave-school, De-school, Un-school (Peaceful Worldschool) 34:16 State education compliance 40:46 Ahhh! Won't my kid just play video games all day?! 44:10 Concluding Thoughts   Resources Mentioned: https://peacefulworldschoolers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PeacefulWorldSchoolers https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0XFHxKs6DSDHdQluUNgqg https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Toxic-Teacher-Exposing-Schools/dp/1733428550   Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode, Kerry Baldwin guest hosts and interviews Melissa Broudo. Broudo is the co-founder and co-director of the Sharmus Outlaw Advocacy and Rights (SOAR) Institute. She has been part of the sex-worker-rights and harm-reduction movements since the late 1990s, co-founding SOAR to further policy, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that support the rights of sex workers and survivors of human trafficking. Can Christians support decriminalizing prostitution? Our knee-jerk response may be an automatic, "no, of course not!". Yet, many (not all) reasons favoring decriminalizing prostitution are towards ends that Christians do desire, namely, mitigating human trafficking, focusing and improving civil governance on actual acts of aggression, and making it easy to leave the profession when someone wants to. Broudo highlights some key distinctions of terms including the differences between sex work, prostitution, and trafficking, as well as the important distinction between decriminalization and legalization. Many Christian organizations seeking to rescue victims of sex trafficking are enticed by something called the Nordic Model - where only the demand side of the sex trade criminalized. Meaning, only the purchase of sex legally prohibited, not the sale of it. Broudo touches on a number of problems stemming from actions taken by law enforcement in the name of "rescue." Other problems include government violations of personal data, encryption, freedom of Internet platforms, and the like that we discuss. Baldwin and Broudo also touch on concepts such as bodily autonomy and agency and even how our disagreements on abortion might be set aside on our more common ground related to the concerns raised about women and sex more generally. Portions of our interview were cut out for the sake of time, but included information about the successes of decriminalization in New Zealand and (formerly) in Rhode Island. Is there a connection between stigma of prostitution and purity culture? Baldwin and Broudo discuss the manner in which the state (both judicial and law enforcement) handle rape cases for women (prostitutes or not) the feminist mentality that all women are essentially victims, and finally the connection to some beliefs held by Evangelical purity culture types. Rape is the one violent crime in the United States where a judge will consider whether a woman "invited" the violence against her. Law enforcement has historically ignored crimes against prostitutes using the acronym NHI to indicate "no humans involved." Radical feminists, who oppose decriminalization or legalization, view all sex work as exploitative and disregard the possibility a woman would consciously and voluntarily do this kind of work as a profession. Christian teaching emphasizes that we not confuse or complicate our speech - that we let our ‘yes’ simply mean ‘yes’, and our ‘no’ mean ‘no’. (Matt 5:37) But are young girls and women taught how to say 'no' and is that 'no' honored by our culture? We close with a brief discussion on economics and why the Nordic model fails on that front. If you've had questions about issue and have wanted an honest response from a Christian perspective, you'll find this interview both informative and challenging. We also address some tough questions raised by thoughtful Christians against decriminalization. Disclaimer: As you can probably tell from the title, the following episode contains themes of a sexual nature. The Libertarian Christian Institute advocates and endorses a Christian sexual ethic, namely that sexual intimacy is a gift from God, to be enjoyed only within the bounds of heterosexual marriage. Our guest does not share this same view. However, this is an opportunity to discuss topics relevant to Christian libertarianism, that are also topics weighing heavy on minds of many Christians, to include sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and how our society and government treats women overall. As a consequence, this discussion may not suitable for everyone.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00     Disclaimer 02:23     Why should Christians care about decriminalizing sex work? 05:09     Definitions of terms: sex work, trafficking, prostitution 08:05     Why is it important to understand these distinctions? 10:15     Decriminalization vs legalization: what is the difference 13:47     EARN IT Act & SESTA/FOSTA 19:11     Do we know how many women/girls are trafficked vs how many voluntarily participate? 23:43     Legal-rights element from a libertarian perspective - self-ownership, non-aggression, bodily autonomy 32:49     Problems with the Nordic model 45:40     Tough questions from conservative Christians 1:02:07  Stigma: by the state, feminism, and purity culture (No humans involved) 1:19:47  Economics: why is it illegal to sell what a woman can give away for free? 1:29:30  Concluding thoughts   Resources Mentioned https://decriminalizesex.work/ https://decriminalizesex.work/why-decriminalization/ Case against the Nordic Model (criminalize demand only) https://decriminalizesex.work/equality-model/ Scandinavian Human Rights Lawyers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4j897YLVac Contact Melissa at [email protected]

Jack Lloyd, a libertarian voluntaryist who's been promoting the liberty message for over 15 years, speaks about his new book, The Definitive Guide to Libertarian Voluntaryism. He provides an introductory explanation to this and other terms including the anarcho-distinctives: anarcho-capitalism, anarcho-communism/socialism, and why he prefers the term libertarian voluntaryism. Like many libertarians, Lloyd grounds his views in the libertarian principles of self-ownership and non-aggression, but seeks to add an additional layer in the voluntaryist element, namely, answering the question of how we make manifest consent and account for what he calls ethical apartheid. Lloyd describes a more psychological understanding of how we got to this point with the state and civil governance. He identifies public schooling as a primary source of real, legitimate trauma in the lives of Americans, which results in very real problems in our decision making processes as we become adults. This underlying problem, Lloyd believes, explains why it usually takes a psychological shock to "wake people up" to the reality of what is happening with government and society today. Lloyd insists that we can't be "lukewarm" in our messaging; it's either the hot and energizing or cool and refreshing messaging that motives people to rethink things and take action toward different goals. In addition to these foundational principles, Lloyd touches on some other topics important to libertarians: animal rights, environmentalism, and children's rights. While many of us have emotional attachments to our pets and other animals for any given number of reasons, Lloyd explains how an ethical system concerning human justice cannot meaningful translate to one upholding a category of animal rights. Certainly, this isn't to say that animals should be treated poorly, but that it doesn't fit into a framework of justice in consistent way. More broadly, problems arising from environmental concerns are best handled in terms of specifying particular property rights, rather than painting in broad strokes. Lloyd also mentions children's rights. As a former juvenile defense attorney and government school teacher, Lloyd has a passion for children and the trauma, however unwittingly, they're put through as children and the impact that has on their adulthood. He's also sober-minded in approaching the relationship between parent's and children's rights, being careful to adhere consistently with the libertarian principles of self-ownership, non-aggression, and taking into account their developing capacity to meaningful consent. This includes regarding children as self-owners in their own right, not chattel property, but that their parents have the highest claim of guardianship, not the state. Finally, Lloyd doesn't want to leave people hanging with the answer to "how do we get there?" How do we achieve a voluntaryist form of civil governance? He briefly explains his idea of not-for-profit government, and taxation is not the proper way to fund it.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:22 What is Libertarian Voluntaryism? 06:44 What are the foundational axioms of Libertarian Voluntarism? 10:36 How do we maximize the reach of our liberty message? 14:36 How radical do we have to be in our messaging as libertarians? 19:28 What about animal rights and the NAP? 25:04 Can a libertarian voluntarist be an environmentalist? If so, how? 29:36 Do we owe a duty of non-aggression to other humans yet to be born? 33:38 What about the children? 38:34 What is the not-for-profit government model? 41:12 Concluding Thoughts   Resources Mentioned: - volcomic.com - thepholosopher.com (Jack's wife's site) - The Definitive Guide to Libertarian Voluntaryism

Scott Horton, director of the Libertarian Institute and editorial director of Antiwar.com, joins Dr. Norman Horn to discuss war and the U.S Government's failed foreign interventionism. They discuss several key current events, including ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and whether China is truly poised to be the next world power.   Horton illuminates the history behind the recent violence in the Gaza Strip that killed 44 people, including 15 children, and injuring 311. The history of the Israel-Palestine conflict is muddled with intentionally confusing narratives since the State of Israel was established in 1947. Horton makes clear that this involved a violent cleansing of about 750,000 Palestinians to maintain a 80/20 Israeli political majority. Palestine has been under Israeli control since 1967. Horton also references 2005 where then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon disengaged the Gaza Strip, but did so to prevent any further discussions of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.   Dr. Horn draws out the connection with Horton about how US foreign aid has contributed to the destruction of nations, both in Palestine and across the world in numerous conflicts, including the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Horton brings into focus the reality that Israel really keeps picking fights and then gets the US involved to do the dirty work. Israel's PR campaign in America involves continuing to persuade American evangelicals that God wants them to support poor Israel.   Let's not forget China! Many have wondered if the Communist Party in China is in a position to become the next world power. Scott Horton says no! He explains China's own military position and how it's ill-equipped to fulfill the monumental task of becoming a dominating global power militarily. Horton explains how America was only in position to become a global power after World War II due to our economic wealth. Other nations in the world had been pummeled (comparatively) by the war.   While America may have had some greater moral high ground at the end of WWII, they certainly exhausted it in the past several decades, turning it into a moral hazard. The US Government also had to paint perpetually new narratives to sell its foreign interventionism to the American people. They milked the post-WWII victory for all they could while simultaneously becoming the very monster they said they were fighting: global authoritarianism.   You can only "keep the peace" if you ignore all the violence. - Scott Horton   Listen to this episode especially if you haven't been in the loop on foreign affairs. It is an eye-opening episode that should leave you embracing an end to all entangling alliances, as founders like George Washington insisted.     Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 03:04 About the Libertarian Institute 05:14 Israeli bombing of Gaza Strip 14:24 Why foreign aid destroys nations 21:50 The history of the US Govt continually switching sides in the Middle East 27:09 Russian invasion of Ukraine and who really provoked it 30:20 Why were their no negotiations for peace? 36:56 What should we do about the war hawks? 41:05 Stopping the flow of aid and diplomatic support to Israel 45:50 Is China the next world power? 1:00:50 How the state drives wedges between peaceful people 1:06:45 Closing comments     Resources Mentioned: Libertarian Institute Anti-war Radio Antiwar.com ScottHorton.org Scott's Books: Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism The Great Ron Paul: The Scott Horton Show Interviews 2004–2019 Hotter Than the Sun: Time to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Scott Horton interviews Daniel Ellsberg, Seymour Hersh, Gar Alperovitz, Hans Kristensen, Joe Cirincione, and more.

Libertarian Christian Ben Lewis joins Doug Stuart to discuss a Christian view of Bitcoin and monetary policy. Lewis explains some fundamentals of Bitcoin technology and properties and characteristics of real money and how our fiat currency system not only fails us in a practical sense, but also in a moral sense. Bitcoin is a decentralized technology with a fixed supply, both very important to maintain both the value and prevent monopolization. It uses open source software which is a proven way of building trustworthy source code. Like gold (and precious metals) Bitcoin has the properties and characteristics of real money: scarcity, verifiability, transportability, durability, and fungibility. Lewis points out that Bitcoin does these things better than gold. Lewis also explains how goods become money, a process from being collectibles, to stores of value, to a medium of exchange and unit of account. Doug and Ben draw out moral implications of using fiat money versus real money, discussing how decentralized currencies are fundamental to Christian ethics. Lewis appeals to Scripture to make his case using passages like Leviticus 19:36 and Proverbs 11:1. He points out that inflation (debasement of currency) was a problem in the Roman empire and these passages are specifically referencing the value of mediums of exchange used through the ancient world. What's the time horizon for implementation of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange? It's hard to say, says Lewis, but gives several examples of Christians can use Bitcoin right now to support international Christian ministries. If you're new to Bitcoin or want compelling Christian reasons for adopting it, then please listen to our interview, Honest Scales and Balances: Ben Lewis and the Christian View of Bitcoin. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:28 What is Bitcoin? 03:57 Can you trust the code? 09:20 When does Bitcoin become money? 16:50 Money as a means of choosing what we value 19:35 Petrodollar as an international tool of manipulation 20:59 Why should Christians care about monetary policy and Christian life? 29:30 How long will it take for Bitcoin to replace fiat currency? 34:00 Real world funding of Christian ministries - Afghanistan 36:00 Where and when can you find Ben Lewis? 37:24 Closing thoughts - honest scales and balances Resources Mentioned: Find Ben Lewis on his new blog, lewisb.me Impoverished Afghan women are receiving emergency aid in crypto as the Taliban limits cash withdrawals and millions go hungry by Joshua Zitser, Business Insider Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money by Jimmy Song, et al Ep 225: Thank God for Bitcoin, with Jimmy Song Ep 242: A Conversation with Jimmy Song

Robby Soave is senior editor at Reason Magazine, where he writes about free speech, education and tech policy, criminal justice reform, and cancel culture, among other subjects. He's the author of Panic Attack: Young Radicals in the Age of Trump, and Tech Panic: Why We Shouldn't Fear Facebook and the Future. Robby and Doug discuss Big Tech censorship, the best way for libertarians to deal with it, whether or not libertarians should be just as concerned with Big Tech and other corporate hegemons as with government, and more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Jacob Daniel Winograd of the "Daniel 3 Biblical Anarchy Podcast" joins us to discuss his transition from Bernie Sanders leftism to Austro/Anarcho-libertarianism, including his approach to interpreting Romans 13 in light of Romans 12. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Max Borders, Executive Director of Social Evolution, joins us to talk about how decentralization is the way out of the social mess we're in, but also how praxis is critical to personally achieving meaning in an age of dying legacy systems and emerging decentralist systems. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

The Libertarian Christian team gathered in Las Vegas for FreedomFest and hosted a breakout session where FreedomFest attendees and vendors were able to join in a lively discussion about liberty, human flourishing, women’s rights, economics, and even Critical Race Theory! If you weren’t able to attend FreedomFest, you’ll at least be able to catch the best breakout session there (at least in our opinion!). Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We welcomed the Australian, liberty-leaning theologian/scholar Michael F. Bird, to discuss the motivators for writing his new book Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government. Michael shared his reflections on marriage equality in Australia, Trump's election, religious persecution, how progressive politics have become a religion, and the harm of white Christian nationalism. How do we move forward and bring about positive change in such a divided and polarized environment? Show Notes: Check out Michael, Religious Freedom in a Secular Age, and his other works! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Mike Maharrey of the 10th Amendment Center gives his perspective on the most significant cases before the Supreme Court in 2022. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin joined us for this week's episode to discuss the topic of abortion, the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, her recent debate regarding abortion hosted by John Stossel, and the LP's silence on the subject of abortion. The government has historically approached social issues such as these with authoritarian law enforcement; however, we delved deeper into how the restorative justice model could prevent or deal with unwanted pregnancies. Kerry challenges us to push for criminal justice reform to truly help the issue at hand. Show Notes Have you seen Kerry's debate with Avens O'Brien on John Stossel's channel? Our perspectives page has an entire collection of pertinent material on abortion and more! Faith Seeking Freedom is another great source for tough topics like these! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We had the privilege of getting the inside scoop with Michael Heise about some of the iconic moments in the Ron Paul presidential campaigns that converted so many to libertarianism, libertarian activism, what led Michael to establish the Mises Caucus, what it means to be a caucus, the effectiveness of grassroots movements to sway a political institution (such as the LP), and Michael's response to his interview with Nick Gillespie. Take human action and make the change you want to see! Show Notes Join the Mises Caucus and take human action! Follow Michael as he strives for liberty. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

With the recent events in Uvalde, Texas, many are disillusioned with policing as a way of maintaining "law and order." Is it wrong to distrust law enforcement? Sadly, the faults of the judicial branch are being exposed increasingly. Profiling, brutality, systemic oppression, and the culture of fear surrounding police creates a distrust among citizens. Are the police given too much power over individuals' lives? Such a position draws a state-subsidized fear and respect for cops, often leading a certain kind of individual to fill that role. How does the NAP address this issue? Show Notes We cover difficult topics like these in the FSF Podcast and our book Faith Seeking Freedom! Also, check out Rise of the Warrior Cop by Radley Balko Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

YouTuber Jose Galison, of the show "No Way, Jose!", recently brought onto his show Kerry Baldwin to discuss the difficult topic of abortion. They talked about why religion should not be the basis for the argument against abortion, Walter Block's differing views on abortion, the natural rights approach to pro-life, why Roe v. Wade is bad for women's interests and autonomy, and where/when a human gains its rights. Regardless, we should never rely upon the state to define when a person is a person or what one does with their own body. Show Notes Have you watched last week's episode on abortion? Check out Kerry Baldwin's work at MereLiberty! Our book Faith Seeking Freedom covers the topic of abortion, and more! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin was interviewed by Keith Knight of the Don't Tread on Anyone podcast to discuss the Christian libertarian views on women's ownership over their bodies, abortion, the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade. Show Notes Check out Keith Knight - Don't Tread on Anyone, and Kerry Baldwin's work at MereLiberty! The Documentary on Restorative Justice: How to Love Your Enemy We answer a lot of these questions, and more, in our book Faith Seeking Freedom. LCI has been vigilantly covering this topic, make sure to check it all out! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

It can be difficult to promote liberty to your social circle, which is why we decided to  give you some tips on how to discuss libertarianism, especially to your Christian friends or family. Thankfully LCI has been working tirelessly since its creation to produce and provide pertinent content on the topic of Christianity and a free society! Show Notes Still have questions? Our book Faith Seeking Freedom could be the answer!  Make sure to look at our Resources and Perspectives Pages.  Have you heard our Faith Seeking Freedom or Libertarian Christian Roundtable podcasts? The LCC team is going to Vegas for Freedom Fest 2022! We would love your support or to see you in person! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Ryan Ragozine from the Thinker Sensitive podcast joins us this week to talk about how he saw podcasting as a way to educate outside of a classroom, what it means to be ethical thinkers and communicators as Christians, and how sound thought and speech may help Christians diffuse society's current polarization.  Show Notes If you wish to learn more about sound thinking check out Thinker Sensitive Podcast! Also, check out wh at LCI has to say about critical thinking! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a hot topic in America, how should Christian libertarians view it? In some ways the narrative of CRT has some validity to it, and may be enlightening for what is going on in society; however, portions of CRT directly challenge people's rights and individual liberty. What are some takeaways, and what should we take with a grain of salt?  Show Notes: Have you listened to our recent conversation with Phil Magness on CRT yet? Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Kristopher Borer, the author of The Ethics of Anarcho-Capitalism, to talk about how he sought to redefine libertarianism, the unique voice used in his book, and his view of libertarianism as an ethical - rather than a political - system. With his background in engineering Kris has been gifted with a keen eye for the mechanisms that make a system, such as libertarianism, work or collapse. Show Notes: We highly recommend you give The Ethics of Anarcho-Capitalism a read! Check out Kris's website at Krisborer.com! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Much of what is being said on the news and social media about abortion by both pro-choice and pro-life activists is just plain wrong. In this episode, three pro-life libertarian women "take the mic" to discuss some of the most common myths about abortion and to present a new way of thinking for libertarians to value both the rights of women and the unborn. While certainly compatible with Christian theology, the arguments presented herein are based on science, embryology, ethics, libertarian political theory, and free market economics. Buckle up! (Re-mastered; originally released as Ep. 122 on June 10, 2019.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Vance Ginn, Ph.D. - the Chief Economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation - joined us to talk about how he found a passion for public policy, and how policy can be made in favor of a freer market. Vance also discussed his work with the White House under the Trump administration, as well as his current work in creating policy solutions for poverty relief with a focus on the private sector. Show Notes: Check out Vance, his research, commentaries, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Have you read through our Christian Theology of Public Policy series?  Learn more about Christian libertarianism and Public Policy!

Social media is a massive aspect of modern life. Like most anything else, it can be a platform for good, or it can be used for the opposite. We are forced to wonder the ways in which social media influences our lives - especially with Elon Musk's recent involvement in Twitter - and how people may use it as a tool to direct people's behavior. Regardless, social media allows people who may not have any physical-social outlet for what they believe, like libertarians, to communicate with like-minded individuals across the globe.   Show Notes: Speaking of social media, follow Olivia on Twitter @olilangarica! Kerry highly recommends Bob Murphy's Lessons for the Young Economist.

We were delighted to welcome back Jason Jewell, Ph.D., a previous guest on the podcast and new editor of our own journal the Christian Libertarian Review (CLR). Why is scholarship so important? Ideas that may be socio-politically irrelevant can be launched into the public eye through scholarly journals; therefore, libertarians should see the importance of such intellectual avenues - especially with peer-reviewed publications. Show Notes: CLR's 2020 Issue Our last episode with Jason  Submit at CLR or check out the Mises Scholarship Conference

We had the pleasure of inviting pastors Neal Karsten and Matt Schneider on to talk about what it means to be decentralized as a church or pastor, what challenges face the Church, and how they are prioritizing discipleship over building permanent churches. Show Notes: Learn more on how you can become a disciple at Pastor to Pioneer! Check out another great organization Neal and Matt work with, Biglife. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We were joined by Dr. Mary J. Ruwart to discuss how she found libertarianism when she realized the "philanthropy" of government services were actually impairing people, what she learned about the harmful nature of regulations while working in the medical industry - which lead to the writing of Death by Regulation, and why we should not trust everything we are told buy the powers that be when it comes to our own health. Show Notes: Make sure to check out Short Answers for Tough Questions, which heavily influenced our book Faith Seeking Freedom. We also highly recommend reading Dr. Ruwart's other books! Learn more about the scary truths behind the health industry at the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN). Follow Dr. Ruwart on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode, we are sharing our recent interview on the Tom Mullen Talks Freedom podcast where we discussed how libertarianism and Christianity meld as a belief system, and some questions from Faith Seeking Freedom. Some may argue that libertarianism is based upon selfishness or isolating-individualism; whereas Christianity demands selflessness. How can one be a follower of both? Sadly, many have misunderstood the actual nature of libertarianism, and what it means to strive for liberty.   Show Notes: If you haven't already, make sure to give Faith Seeking Freedom a read. Check out Tom Mullen Talks Freedom podcast! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We decided to react to a debate Dr. Norman Horn participated in with Dr. Allan Carlson back in 2013 on the topic of whether the state should define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. In the Bible, God defines marriage within Genesis; however, as our society shifts and changes the view of marital unions have changed. Many Christians would argue that based upon the way God intended the nuclear family to be there is a requirement for the state to uphold the integrity and morality of such an institution. But is coercion warranted to do so? Show Notes: Check out Norman's summary of the debate. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

For this week, we were joined by Kyle Mann, editor-in-chief and author at The Babylon Bee, to discuss The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness. We also talked about how The Babylon Bee utilizes comedy and satire as an effective way to expose hypocrisy found in "cancel" and/or "woke" culture. Though the content may make you chuckle, there are some sad truths found in the humor. Extreme movements and ideologies such as CRT and woke culture are slowly creeping into American culture, choking out our individual rights. Show Notes: Make sure to check out The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness. The Postmodern Pilgrim's Progress. The Babylon Bee Guide to Democracy. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We welcomed a previous guest on our podcast, Joshua Longbrook from Our Foundations, to catch up since we last spoke before the pandemic, how he began a group in his community in reaction to COVID-19, living out the principles of agorism and libertarianism, as well as what it means to be self-reliant within a community. Show Notes: Their local agorist group. The Our Foundations Podcast. Our previous episode with Joshua. Things Mentioned by Joshua:  The episode of the Tom Woods Show discussing Freedom Cells. Living Free in Tennessee. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We were joined by filmmaker, entrepreneur, creator of the Hayek rap battles, and co-founder/CEO of Emergent Order, John Papola. He shared how the core motivation behind his work has been his family, and what it means to be a father in a country that leads the world in fatherlessness; which ultimately led him to begin working on Dad Saves America - the topic of today's episode.   Show Notes: Emergent Order's Youtube See what they are doing over at Dad Saves America

Peter Rollo, founder of the website RIval Nations, joined us to discuss his growth as a believer, passion for theology, why he started RIval Nations, "Two-Kingdom Theology," Romans 13, voting as a form of violence, and what it means to be a citizen of a "rival nation." Followers of Jesus are indeed a part of a nation: The Kingdom of God.   Show Notes: Make sure to subscribe to RIval Nations to hear more of what Peter has to say. Peter's article on Romans 13. Give "Voting is Violence" a read! Across The Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology (mentioned by Peter as an influential read). Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

For this week's podcast we spoke with lawyer and author Dr. KrisAnne Hall of the Liberty First Society. We began our conversation by discussing Liberty First Society's recently-released documentary Non-Compliant. KrisAnne gives us a peak at the motivations and themes for the film; and how peaceful non-compliance can be an extremely powerful tool for societal change. It does not require a majority to shift history for the better, and defend our liberties. Show Notes:  Make sure to give Non-Compliant a watch! Check out the Liberty First Society. We recommend you also check out KrisAnne's books. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin joins us to discuss "thinking well," what that means, why it is so important to think well - especially in times of global instability, and the dynamics behind purposeful human action. Instinct - as Kerry points out - is not a form of thinking through a situation, it is merely the initial reaction to an issue. When groups or collectives of individuals begin to make instinctual decisions rather than reasoning before acting, they are not behaving in a purposeful way. How should we as actors in the world go about making decisions in a high-stake situation? Risk can make us panic, but at that moment the best thing we can do is critically analyze the situation before making a final decision; however, as we discuss, these skills are developed over time. This is why Kerry started Mere Liberty - to help individuals of any age create better thinking habits; and therefore thinking for themselves more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Today entrepreneur, Mississippi State Rep, and founder of the Bomgar corporation (now called BeyondTrust) Joel Bomgar discusses Prospera, a consulting firm establishing sustainable and profitable economic hubs in Honduras. Joel shows how good governance can be linked to prosperity, and why even liberty-minded people should not be scared of the word "governance." Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this week's episode, John Nantz joins us to learn more about his book, Rediscovering Republicanism: Renewing America with our Founding Vision and Values. We discuss the differences between uppercase and lowercase-r "republicanism," as well as the "American Republicanism" system, the foundational virtues that make up our country, and how intellectual-progressivism has harmed these virtues. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Dr. Phil Magness joins us to help us navigate the rather turbulent area that is Critical Race Theory (CRT). Phil is an economic historian; senior research fellow at AIER, as well as the Independent Institute; and author of multiple books concerning the intersection of race, political economy, international trade, higher education, and American history. We discuss if white individuals can be proponents or critics of CRT, if it is the only valid approach to understanding the problem of historical racial discrimination, the state's role in institutional prejudice, what a critical theory even is, post-modernism, the flawed NY Times' 1619 Project, and the downfalls of CRT in resolving modern racial issues in America. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In today's episode we talk to advertising guru and creator of the Tuttle Twins television show, Daniel Harmon. Daniel is one of the founders of the Harmon Brothers ad agency, which has been the brains behind multiple viral ad campaigns; such as the Squatty Potty, Poo-Pourri, Purple beds, and many more. We discuss how Daniel Harmon found his love for freedom as a child in a small community in Idaho, why the Harmon Brothers saw the Tuttle Twins book collection as a great platform to show children the importance of liberty, how the show/books are not "indoctrination," and the creation process for the television series - including their groundbreaking crowd-funding that allows them to make the show. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this week's episode, Doug Stuart talks with Dr. C. Bradley Thompson; a professor at the University of Clemson, and author of America's Revolutionary Mind, which happens to be the topic of this week's podcast episode. They discuss the moral history of the American Revolution, the principles the Revolution was founded upon, how to approach the challenges of a post-truth world, and how homeschooling gives hope for the future. In this new year, are we facing a similar call to action as the founding fathers? Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode, LCI is joined by the liberty movement's favorite podcaster — historian and entrepreneur Tom Woods — as we dive into constitutional history and try to answer the question, "Is the Constitution any good?" Has it actually been effective at limiting government? Is the government it creates even capable of being limited by a document? What about the heavy emphasis in U.S. politics on the Supreme Court? Would we be better off under the Articles of Confederation? Listen in as we discuss all this and more. (Re-mastered; originally released as Ep. 73 on July 2, 2018.) Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug Stuart and Dr. Norman Horn joined Buck Johnson on his Counterflow Podcast to talk about Faith Seeking Freedom and field some tough, interesting questions from Buck. If you didn't already catch this great episode on Buck's podcast feed, then you'll definitely want to listen to it now! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Whether or not Christians give credence to evolutionary biology, psychologist Justin Barrett believes that the sub-field of evolutionary psychology has a lot to offer us when we it comes to thinking about human thriving. In this conversation, Justin and Doug discuss the lessons Christians can learn from this sub-field as it relates to theology and the Scriptures. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Today Jacob Daniel Winograd joins Doug to talk about the various approaches to politics within the libertarian movement, in particular the strategy of the Mises Caucus and why its emphases are likely to have better results for the sake of liberty. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

How you respond when you know the mainstream media is selling you lies and deception? What is the appropriate amount of skepticism and rejection of the narrative for a libertarian Christian? Jason Rink joins us to talk about his experience and understanding of the way the corporate press has its audience thinking in a way that supports the state and threatens the wellbeing of a properly-informed populace. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kick off the Christmas season with a cheerful short ebook by Tom Mullen, author of An Anti-State Christmas. Not only will you learn why Tom Mullen believes Jesus was the greatest libertarian, you'll get to read his hilarious poem about Christmas Eve during an era of government control during a pandemic. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Crypto-currency expert Vijay Boyapati, who left his job with Google to support the Ron Paul 2008 presidential campaign, joins Dr. Norman Horn to discuss his excellent new book, The Bullish Case for Bitcoin, and field common questions and objections to crypto-currency in general and Bitcoin specifically. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

How do you process and apply history? What do you really know about history in the first place? ...just trivia, or deep understanding that impacts your beliefs and actions? What's the purpose of government? ...and how does your understanding of history impact how you answer that question? Historian Jeff Nichols, of the History Comes Alive podcast, joins Doug Stuart to answer these questions and more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin joins Doug Stuart to answer the Christian version of, "But who would build the roads?" Spoiler: No, the fact that God created and hence "owns" everything does not mean that we cannot also own ourselves. Join Kerry and Doug as they bury this old chestnut and discuss various other angles of the discussion around self-ownership and personhood. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Chris Williams of Podsworth Media joins Doug Stuart to discuss how the actions of govt, big tech, and the corporate press in the COVID era have impacted the liberty movement. They discuss the varying reactions to mask and vaccine mandates among different camps of libertarians, the red-pilled vs. blue-pilled paradigm, the growth of new factions in the liberty movement, the abandonment of libertarian principles by many self-proclaimed libertarians, and the abandonment of the libertarian name by many who still hold libertarian principles. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Most libertarians defend their politics with a simple starting point: self-ownership and the non-aggression principle. Christians have often raised issues with the concept of self-ownership, since as the Creator of the universe, isn't God really the owner of everything? Todd Lewis, a recent guest on the podcast, joins Doug and Norman for a long-form civil discussion on whether or not these principles are compatible with Christian thinking. You can find Todd Lewis on Twitter @Tertullian225 Check out the video version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJTCI6I7QSc Audio Production by Podsworth Media

Doug Stuart and Dick Clark joined Bob Murphy to talk about Faith Seeking Freedom, and Bob hurled some extra-tough questions their way. If you didn't already catch this great episode on Bob's podcast feed, then you'll definitely want to listen to it now! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 13: Christian Misconceptions of Libertarianism. Norman Horn joins Doug Stuart to discuss the book's final chapter and more! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

David Forsyth recently welcomed Doug Stuart onto his Freedom Adventure podcast to discuss the Christian case for compassionate border policy. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Jimmy Song recently welcomed Doug Stuart onto his podcast, Bitcoin Fixes This, for a wide-ranging conversation. Today, we are sharing that conversation with you. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 12: What About the Environment and Creation? Dick Clark joins Norman Horn to discuss how pollution control and stewardship of the earth and scarce natural resources would be better ensured in a free society with libertarian property rights. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

How are libertarians different from conservatives? What should I do about getting a vaccine? How do we deal with social media being hostile to free market ideals? In this episode, Doug and Norman tackle these questions and more from listeners. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Abolitionist Nathan Weisser joins Kerry Baldwin and Doug Stuart for a discussion of the different sub-sects of the pro-life movement, their differing strategies, where and why they disagree, and where all people who consider themselves pro-life should be able to come together. Special Bonus: You can watch the discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhVcGH06pcU&feature=youtu.be  Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 11: What About Abortion? Kerry Baldwin joins Norman Horn to discuss what both pro-choicers and pro-lifers get wrong on this issue and the unique perspective on it which libertarian Christians can offer. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Entrepreneur and author Luke Burgis joins us to talk about mimetic desire in everyday life. In this discussion, Luke talks about the importance of understanding mimetic desire, how Scripture demonstrates mimetic desire, and how we as humans can use this understanding of ourselves, others, and the culture to comprehend the world around us in a deeper way. Luke Burgis teaches principled entrepreneurship and business at The Catholic University of America, and he speaks regularly about the education of desire. He studied business at NYU Stern and philosophy and theology at a pontifical university in Rome. He's the author of the book, Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug Stuart joins the Steel on Steel podcast to discuss with conservative host John Loeffler what the Christian libertarian view on immigration should be. Doug advocates a more open borders policy, but as John points out, this is not without its concerns, and certainly not without its opponents. Listen to find out how Doug answers these questions! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 10: What About Immigration? Dick Clark joins Doug Stuart to discuss God's call for His people to take care of immigrants, how He punished nations who abused immigrants, what exactly caring for immigrants entails, the economics of immigration, and more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

This episode features LCI’s Libertarian Christian Roundtable, where you get a Libertarian Christian reaction and assessment of the latest news. In this episode, we welcome David Gay of Liberty Memes to discuss the latest incredible happenings in Cuba, and the misinformation coming from the Federal Government surrounding it as well. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Does Romans 13 mean that we, as Christians, should just submit to the state? Or is there perhaps a better, more nuanced way to understand Romans 13, and therefore what a Christian's relationship to the state should be? Join Doug and guest Matt Bellis (who is also the narrator for the intro of the podcast), as they discuss a recent speech that Matt gave to Reopen Pennsylvania, discussing Romans 13 in the context of God's intentions for human government, and also in light of Old Testament passages, specifically from the books of Exodus and 1st Samuel. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 9: What About Social Justice? Dick Clark joins Doug Stuart to discuss how we should think of the concept of social justice, why private charity is morally superior to and more effective than government programs, the role of the church in taking care of the needy, both within and outside one's congregation, and more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Todd Lewis joins us to discuss pacifism and why libertarian Christians should especially be interested in understanding this position further. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

What is the connection between worship on Sunday and work on Monday? Why do ministers and worship leaders struggle to connect what they do on Sunday service with the lives of workers in the pews? Join Doug and guest host, Kerry Baldwin, as they interview Matthew Kaemingk on his book, Work and Worship: Reconnecting our Labor and Liturgy. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 8: What About Nationalism, the Nation State, & Patriotism? Dr. Norman Horn and Doug discuss the dangers of nationalism, how it is possible to be patriotic and love one's country without having a superiority complex or being hostile to foreigners, whether or not Christians should serve in the military, and much more! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Lee C. Camp is professor of Theology & Ethics at Lipscomb University in Nashville. He is the author of "Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World" and "Scandalous Witness" and is co-author of "Resisting Babel". He is also the host of the Tokens Show, the world's only long-running theological variety show. Lee joins Doug Stuart and Norman Horn to discuss the interplay of Christianity, politics, and culture in America, and in particular, the many contradictions therein for many Christians. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Dr. Michael Lewis joins us to talk about the Christian’s duty to non-resistance to the state. Not only did Jesus want his followers to be non-violent as part of our witness, but also the Bible and the early church testify to this ethic. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 7: What About Public Goods and Services? Dick Clark joins Norman Horn to discuss "Who Would Build the Roads?" and how other common government functions would be performed better without aggression in a free society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Jimmy Song, co-author of Thank God for Bitcoin, joins us to discuss the importance of sound money, and why bitcoin is an ideal money that exceeds even gold in its ability to thwart against tyranny, stabilize an economy, and become a foundation for humans to live more moral lives. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Is tipping a pastime that should be abandoned? Why do waiters and waitresses prefer a tipping economy to a fixed wage economy? Anthony Gill, who has become world renown for his research on gratuities, joins us to discuss why tipping solves a handful of economic problems, and also serves as an indicator of whether a society is living the Golden Rule. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 6: What About Christian Morals and Ethics? Kerry Baldwin joins Doug to discuss why non-libertarians don't have to fear a life in a free society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

When we live in a culture of fear, how should Christians follow Jesus in such a way that lives in hope and trust in God’s providence? Scott Bader-Saye, author of Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear, joins us to discuss the topic of fear in society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin is back on the show to discuss what critical thinking really is, why it's important, how to do it properly, why so many people seem to lack the ability to think critically, and how to conduct conversations with people using the Socratic method, in order to help them start thinking critically. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 5: Is Capitalism Problematic? Kerry Baldwin joins Doug to discuss why non-libertarians don't have to fear a life in a free society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Mike Maharrey of the Godarchy podcast & the 10th Amendment Center joins Doug for an unscripted discussion on what's on their minds lately, from Bitcoin and sound money, to the deleterious effects of fiat currency on society, to free speech and the right to bear arms, and more! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

James Whitford of TrueCharity.us joins us to discuss his passion for serving the poor without the state and how Christians can join the efforts of others to love those in need by offering them a way out of poverty. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 4: Does A Free Society Have Limits? Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug Stuart and Dr. Norman Horn discuss two of the biggest issues non-libertarian Christians should repent and embrace a libertarian view on: the drug war and free movement of people. Libertarians have long been on the right side of the divide, and Doug and Norman believe that the church is long overdue to embrace the moral choice to end the war on drugs and welcome the foreigner to our land with open arms. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

The humanity of Jesus is an important doctrine to Christians, and recognizing its importance has real significance to our daily lives. Kurt Willems joins us to talk about his new book, Echoing Hope: How the Humanity of Jesus Redeems Our Pain, which is a theologically rich yet deeply personal manifesto on the life and humanity of Jesus of Nazareth. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 3: What is Government? Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

While the future is uncertain, there are trends that point toward potential threats to our financial future and well-being. Chuck Bentley of Crown Financial Ministries has identified seven potential threats to our economic well-being in his new book, Seven Gray Swans. He joins us to talk about a few of them and how Christians should respond to the growing threats of poor and unbiblical thinking. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

How did Donald Trump and the Republican Party become the default party of rural America? How does small town politics relate to the polarization at the national level? Ross Benes, author of Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold, joins us to discuss his insightful memoir/analysis of Nebraskan politics, which in many ways reflects the political shifts in the past several decades across the United States. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 2: The Libertarian Basics. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Recently, Doug and Norman joined Josh Murtagh on his podcast, The Two Things You Shouldn't Talk About, and talked about religion and politics, in particular, what a libertarian Christian perspective on social life is.

Recently all four authors of Faith Seeking Freedom joined Chris Arnzen on Iron Sharpens Iron Radio to discuss the intersection between faith and politics. They also took listener questions sent in while they were on the air. Enjoy this extended episode!

Join the co-authors of Faith Seeking Freedom to get a "behind the scenes" look at the the book's creation and the content of Chapter 1: Why Should I Care About Politics? Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kurt Willems of the Theology Curator podcast joins us to talk about why Jesus was political, how Jesus did politics, and how the church today can follow in the footsteps of Jesus when living publicly. Kurt also gives us his feedback on LCI’s latest book, Faith Seeking Freedom. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

The Libertarian Christian Roundtable, featuring Jason Rink who was at the Stop the Steal rally in Washington, D.C., discusses the experience of the January 6 protest/riot/insurrection/kerfuffle (nobody knows what to call it!), as well as the mindset behind those at the rally, and the truth about what really happened. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin & Dick Clark recently appeared on the Decentralized Revolution podcast of the Libertarian Party Mises Caucus to discuss LCI's new book, "Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions". In this interview, they get into a lot of interesting details and nuances not discussed in other interviews about the book so far, and it's a lot of fun. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug welcomes to the show Mike Maharrey of the Tenth Amendment Center and his friend Colby to discuss the topic of Federalism: What is it ideally? How is it supposed to work? How does it work in reality? How does the US model compare to other representative governments? How should libertarians value Federalism? ....and much more! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In the final episode of 2020, Norman, Matthew, and Kerry join Doug for an extended episode with a heartfelt discussion about 2020. They reflect on their own experience with the pandemic, how it affected their church and families, as well as what pleasant surprises came about during the year. And don’t forget to stay tuned after the credits to hear the battle between Matt and Kerry over patriarchalism and feminism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode, Doug and Norman talk Church history with Prof. John Mark Hicks of Lipscomb University. Dr. Hicks's recent book Resisting Babel discusses the life and thought of David Lipscomb, an important historical figure in the American Churches of Christ in the 19th century. Living in Tennessee through the Civil War, his experience of the war greatly shaped his views on the state, and many people he influenced took a stand against violence entirely and refused to fight either for the Confederacy or the Union army during their conscription acts. Lipscomb's influence on the Churches of Christ as a "peace church" lasted until the mid-20th century. Resisting Babel was edited by Dr. Hicks and had contributions from multiple scholars from Church of Christ universities. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Ronald Bailey from Reason.com joins us to talk about his new book (co-authored with Marian Tupy), Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know. We discuss why people are unaware of the global trends, why some data doesn’t tell the whole story, and what humanity can do to keep the progress going. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Austin Rogers joins us to talk about his new book, The Third Temptation: Rethinking the Role of the Church in Politics. Austin believes that many in the church today have succumbed to the temptation to make political power their authority rather than Jesus Christ, and that there’s a better way to think about the role of the church and the role of the state in society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode, Doug Stuart and Kerry Baldwin are interviewed by Mike Maharrey of the GodArchy Podcast and the Tenth Amendment Center about LCI's new book, Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions, a Q&A book designed to help libertarian Christians answer common objections to libertarianism from a Christian perspective. Doug and Kerry discuss why they decided to write the book, the challenges they faced, and a few of the tough questions themselves. They also take a couple of rabbit-trails along the way that lead to further interesting discussion. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Learning history can be boring and tedious, and not knowing how to connect events, characters, and movements can be frustrating. Jeff Nichols joins us to discuss how to do history and to share with us how he approaches history on his new podcast, History Comes Alive. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Fr. Robert Sirico, president of the Acton Institute, joins us today to discuss his journey from Marxist to free marketeer, and how he makes the moral case for a free economy. He also discusses why he is not fond of the term "libertarian" or "capitalism", as well as how his Catholic faith informs how he advocates for human freedom. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kevin Vallier is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University. He works primarily in political philosophy, ethics, Political Economy, and the philosophy of religion. He is the author of over forty peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, four edited volumes, and three book, including "Must Politics Be War? Restoring Our Trust in the Open Society". His followup book, and the topic of today's conversation, is "Trust in a Polarized Age". Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

LCI announces a new book called Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions, a Q&A book designed to help libertarian Christians answer common objections to libertarianism from a Christian perspective. Join the authors for a discussion on the book’s development, why we wrote it, and how you can get a copy! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode, Dr. Norman Horn is interviewed by Mike Maharrey of the GodArchy Podcast and the Tenth Amendment Center. They discuss how libertarian philosophy meshes with Christian theology, as well as Norman's spiritual/political journey and the work of LCI. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Our very own Dr. Norman Horn talks about how Christians and non-Christians alike abuse science. Whether through sloppy thinking or simply being mistaken about the origins of the scientific method, Dr. Horn elucidates how Christians and libertarians should think about science public policy, and our faith. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Beth Silvers from the Pantsuits Politics podcast joins us to talk about her book, "I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations", where we discuss how to have healthy conflict in political discussions, why a sports metaphor doesn't work for politics, and whether or not this is the most important election of our lifetime. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

In this episode of the LCI Roundtable, we discuss the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and whether she deserves all the attention she's getting from both sides of the aisle. What were her contributions? Is she at all responsible for legal abortion in America? To evaluate this, we discuss several Supreme Court cases related to abortion, why they were significant, just who were rendering those decision. And close it off by calling out a very prominent pastor and theologian who believes the libertarians have a problematic view of abortion. You don't want to miss this episode; it's not what you're expecting. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Why should Christians, conservatives, and libertarians reject the death penalty? Hannah Cox from Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty joins us to talk about why she believes those who believe in limited government and justice should advocate for ending the death penalty. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Jared Byas of the popular podcast The Bible for Normal People joins us to talk about his new book, Love Matters More: How Fighting to be Right Keeps us from Loving like Jesus. Jared and Doug discuss the nature of truth and the relationship between truth and love. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Can a Christian parent use libertarian principles? Does property rights help us disciple our children better? Does spanking violate the non-aggression principle? In this episode, Doug is joined by Matthew Bellis and Kerry Baldwin to discuss the intersection of libertarianism and Christian parenting. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Author Gen LaGreca joins us to discuss her new political thriller, Just the Truth, where a journalist doggedly pursues the truth in a scandal to cover up election fraud at the highest levels of government. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Curious about bitcoin? Join a conversation with our friends Brian Harrington and Josh Humphrey as we discuss what bitcoin is (and isn't) and why it is important to the future of liberty. Brian Harrington is a marketing consultant, freedom fighter, and Bitcoiner from Anaheim, CA. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University and has been following Jesus since he was 6 years old. Josh Humphrey is a nurse by day, a tech enthusiast, and host of the podcast Bottomshelf Bitcoin where he puts Bitcoin in layman's terms and interviews people involved in various aspects of the space. By the end of the episode, you won't be an expert but you'll know more than when you started! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Jason Szeftel is and author and podcaster with a background in international development, law, and economics. He's spent considerable time in China and was recently on our podcast to talk about China's influence in the world. He's back to talk about the history of Christianity in China. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug and Norman welcome to the show Erik Lindborg of The Gamertarians to discuss recent popular media that should be of interest to libertarians and Christians. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug and Norman answer questions submitted by YOU the listeners on topics ranging from the NAP, self-defense, and military defense to Marxism, the media, and the culture wars. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

On today's episode, Doug is joined by Lawrence Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education and the author of many fantastic books, to discuss his newest book, "Was Jesus a Socialist? Why this Question is being Asked Again, and Why the Answer is Almost always Wrong". Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Justin Tosi is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Texas Tech University. He works on moral, social, political, and legal philosophy. Brandon Warmke is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Bowling Green State University. He writes about ethics and politics. Today we discuss their book, "Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk". Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We pride ourselves at LCI on providing great "evergreen" content for Christian libertarians across the world. Nonetheless, addressing what is happening in the world right now is important as well, and to that end, we are starting up a new video series to do just that. We're calling it "Good News Bad News", and you'll be able to find it every few weeks on our Youtube channel. Each episode, our roundtable will talk frankly about 4 to 8 topics that we think are interesting, notable, and in some cases even fun in world events. To make it even more easily shareable, we’ll carve up shorter segments from the whole on single topics as well. We will rotate around with new people from time to time, and for this episode, we've got Doug Stuart, Kerry Baldwin, Matt Bellis, and me discussing cancel culture, a cashless society, Hamilton (the musical!), and civil disobedience – should Christians ever disobey their government? Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

The history of the rise of China did not begin decades ago, but millennia. Myths about China persist, but how do we assess what’s going on inside the country, and why? Podcaster Jason Szeftel joins us to introduce us to his podcast, China Unraveled, where he gives listeners a long history and introduction to China. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Listen to Doug give answers on the new Freedom Adventure Podcast to a variety of questions about politics, theology, and why he's a libertarian Christian! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

John Deangelo of AntiWarWarVet.com joins us to talk about his experience in the Marines in Afghanistan, and how he became a Christian and a libertarian. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

It's no secret the rich are hated, but why? Is it pure envy? Is it malice? Misunderstanding? Dr. Rainer Zitelmann did the research to know why people hold opinions of the rich, and he joins us to talk about his book, The Rich in Public Opinion. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

We welcome Michael Hardin for the first time to the podcast. Michael Hardin is an independent scholar residing in Pennsylvania. In our conversation, we talk about mimetic theory (or should we say, mimetic realism!) in the current context of COVID-19, protests, riots, and the upcoming election. We also get into some of the pertinent theological implications of mimetic theory and draw out some applications from them. The conversation proceeds in a lot of interesting directions, so stay alert! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Dr. Norman Horn discusses Ayn Rand's controversies and contributions to libertarianism with Stephen Rose of the AnarchoChristian Podcast. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug and Norman talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and critique the state response to it and the response of the general public, including libertarians. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Kerry Baldwin of MereLiberty.com joins us to announce her upcoming liberty courses! If you or a child you know needs to learn critical thinking, develop reasoning skills, and gain practice and guided experience in honing their argumentation skills, find out how Kerry is helping to make that happen! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Dr. Norman Horn joins the OurFoundations podcast to talk about politics and theology. In this second half of the interview, they get into political power shifts, the future of tech and State, other ties to Christianity, and more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Dr. Norman Horn joins the OurFoundations podcast to talk about politics and theology. In this first half of the interview, they discuss most of the theology related topics and then begin to get into the political theory. This includes why some choose to believe in God, how different people interpret political theory from the Bible, some effects of the Reformation, the concept of distributed knowledge, the dangers and issues with centralization in both religion and in government, and much more. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Do kids belong to their parents or the government? Who should have the say where kids go to school? Why is “government schools” more accurate than calling them “public schools”? Corey DeAngelis of the Cato Institute and Reason Foundation joins us to answer these questions, and many more, demolishing the anti-choice arguments often made against charter schools, vouchers, educational savings accounts, and homeschooling. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Joy Buchanan from Samford University’s Brock School of Business joins us to talk about why capitalism benefits everyone, how wealth creation through free trade isn’t obvious, and some biblical support for free market capitalism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Most libertarians would claim to be ready for a new society, but that sounds like fantasy to most of us. Joe McKinney from the Startup Societies Foundation shares with us how we can begin to create new societies that overlap existing ones. A one-size-fits-all approach is not the goal, and McKinney's new book is a step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs and social innovators to accomplish their visions. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Mike Maharrey, author of "Constitution Owner's Manual", joins us to clean up some sloppy thinking most people, including libertarians, have about the Constitution. In this second part of our two-week series, Mike talks about the Bill of Rights, what people get wrong about it, and how libertarians go astray when they misuse what the purpose and scope of the constitution is. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Mike Maharrey, author of "Constitution Owner's Manual", joins us to clean up some sloppy thinking most people, including libertarians, have about the Constitution. In this part of a two-week series, Mike talks about the constitutional convention and the debates and controversies surrounding it, tackling some myths about the federalists and antifederalists. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Reason's Editor-in-Chief joins us to discuss how to do journalism from a libertarian perspective, some of the unique advantages of that bias in reporting, and why it's important to be properly informed. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

The case against the drug war is pretty strong for libertarians, but many conservatives are just waking up to the harm drug prohibition and criminalization have brought onto millions of lives. Christina Dent joins us to share her story from being a Christian political conservative against drug legalization to a Christian political conservative in favor of drug legalization. Her organization, End It For Good, is an education and advocacy organization working to end our criminal approach to drugs and shift to a health-centered one. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

How important is equality for democracy, for social well-being, and for human flourishing? How do we evaluate the economic misinformation spread around regarding labor, billionaires, and economic growth? Antony Davies joins us to discuss the economics and morality we must consider when we attempt to “fix” a problem that might not be a real problem. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

How does the Economic Way of Thinking affect view of human flourishing? Can we really understand what it means for ourselves and our world by only thinking about economics? Russ Roberts joins us to talk about the ways in which economics can and cannot aide in our ability to pursue and achieve human flourishing. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Anthony Flood joins us to talk about his polemic against Christopher Ferrara, a prominent anti-libertarian Catholic social thinker. Flood also talks about Doug about human flourishing and whether or not we should be optimistic about the future of human progress. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Do ordinary libertarians have something to learn from Christian social teaching? Are all of the Popes wrong about economics? Why is conservative nationalism on the rise? Stephanie Slade from Reason joins us to talk about how Christians can be enlightening libertarians on the importance of culture, not just the role of the regulatory state. She also discusses a concerning phenomenon within conservatism that libertarians should pay attention to. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Joshua Longbrook of the Our Foundations Podcast joins Doug to talk about his podcast, why it's extremely relevant to listener's of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, the sort of topics they cover, how he became a libertarian, his influences (including fantasy and sci-fi), the interplay between church and state, blockchain technology, and more! Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Can love be expressed through economics? Sarah Estelle from econisforlovers.com joins us to talk about the Economic Way of Loving and how being equipped with economic knowledge will help us avoid harming our neighbors as well as how to love them better. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

If open immigration would vastly improve the lot of most of the world, why would anybody oppose it? What objections might a libertarian have against open borders? To answer that, Bryan Caplan, author of Open Borders, joins us to discuss what open border means and answers some of the more prominent objections to it, including why Friedman was wrong and why cultural fears are understandable but unfounded. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

What if you just stayed home on voting day? Why would this be a better moral choice? Is there anything lost personally or socially if you choose not to vote? Chris Freiman joins us to talk about why it’s okay to not engage in politics, and why it might be the right moral choice. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Doug welcomes to the show Stephen of the AnarchoChristian Podcast to discuss how he became an anarcho-capitalist, the evolution of his ideas, and how to walk the line between supporting imperfect solutions that somewhat slow the advance of tyranny and acting consistently with an-cap and Christian principles. Audio Production by Podsworth Media

Why do people think the world is getting worse, when the opposite is true? Marian Tupy of HumanProgress.org joins us to talk about global data and why we need to spread the good news. While not all indicators of human progress are excellent, as a species we are getting better, and we need to celebrate this. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

Should libertarian Christians only be known for what we are against? Why not be known for what we promote? Doug Stuart makes the argument that advocating for human flourishing is the best way to resonate with those we hope to convince. Audio Production by Podsworth Media.

What should be done about doxxing? How does libertarianism differ between various beliefs in human free will? Should we elect Tulsi Gabbard in 2020? All these and more are answered by Doug and Norman in this end-of-2019 Q&R! Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Why would a politician change his or her position on a policy? How do we account for views that "shift" in one direction or another, especially when it appears to be out of political expediency? Eric Schansberg joins us to talk about this, as well as his book, "Turn Neither to the Right Nor to the Left", a must-read book for Christian Libertarians! Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Richard Beck joins us again to discuss his new book on Johnny Cash. Why was Johnny Cash so popular? How did he bring together gospel and murder songs? Was he an American patriot and how was he a subversive activist? Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

One of the most common questions we get at LCI is “how do I find a church community where I can belong as a libertarian?” Chuck Gutenson joins us to talk about the values, characteristics, and qualities every Christ follower should look for in a church. How important is doctrine? Does right practice rule over right doctrine? What about “church shopping”? How important is it to be in a diverse church? And of course, what do you do if you’re a libertarian and disagree strongly with somebody else in your church? Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

If you're not a button-pusher (to end the state tomorrow), then what smaller "buttons" would you push, and in what order, to end the tyranny of the state? Doug and Norman discuss their list of priorities if they were in charge of dismantling the state. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Should anarchists make a minarchist argument to win statists over? Does being a minarchist make you unlibertarian? WHat would disqualify you from not being a libertarian? And would you push the button to end the state tomorrow?   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Did Jesus really say that his followers could never use violence? Are there circumstances whereby a person should reluctantly use violence because the situation permits it? If a Christian decides to be completely nonviolent, what options do they have to fight against injustice? Ron Sider joins us to talk about these questions, which he addresses in his book, "If Jesus is Lord: Loving Our Enemies in an Age of Violence". Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Brian Zahnd joins us again to discuss the themes in his book, "Postcards from Babylon". The American Church is trending toward idolatry, and the Scriptures have a lot to say about what it means to live as exiles in empire rather than embracing the beast itself. With passion and eloquence, Zahnd helps us understand how Christians ought to live in the world but not be "of the world". Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

How do you unmake violence in parts of the world that are at war? How do you see those in need as friends and not just part of some aggregate situation? What does it look like to love anyway, despite the appearance, beliefs, or history of those in need? Jeremy Courtney, founder and CEO of Preemptive Love, joins us to talk about his new book, "Love Anyway", and the work his organization is doing to imagine the more beautiful world. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Should libertarians make concessions in the political arena in order to advance a better liberty? How the current American political atmosphere made us more trusting of each other? Is a liberal political order amenable to Christianity, and is such an order even possible? Philosopher Kevin Vallier joins us to discuss these things and the contents of his newest book, Must Politics Be War? Restoring Our Trust in the Open Society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Justin Brierley joins us to talk about his experience bringing atheists and Christian apologists together on his show, as well as his book, "Unbelievable?" where he makes the case for believing in God, and how the Christian story makes the best sense out of life, the universe, and everything. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Economists like competition because competitive markets create what the economist Tim Harford calls "a world of truth": we produce, as he puts it, the right things the right way and in the right proportions, with prices guiding them into the hands of the right people. This "world of truth" makes no assumptions about people's preferences, however, and it is entirely possible that people buy and sell things that corrupt their souls--that they exchange the truth of God for a lie, as it were. But this does not mean forsaking competition will make things better. In this episode, Art Carden explores the unintended consequences of government intervention to prevent or promote competition as well as implications of the Imago Dei for exchange and the institutions thereof. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Religious liberty is sometimes described as "America's first freedom," but it was only achieved after more than a century of painful experience and with the development of careful arguments in colonial and early republican America. To many people then, the free exercise of one’s religion was not a self-evident right or something that was desirable for any social purpose. Today the rights of conscience are again coming under attack, and Christians need to recover the intellectual framework that makes arguments for religious freedom compelling. This episode examines foundational documents that early Americans relied on and produced to win the battle for religious liberty. It also provides resources for Christian libertarians who want to engage in the renewed battle for this precious freedom we dare not take for granted. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

David Gornoski uses mimetic theory to explain how the Gospel is the antidote to the problems that ail our world, including the myths that prevail in our politically correct climate. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Many Christians believe that the Bible establishes human political authority as a means of ensuring social order. Passages such as Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:17, and Christ's statement to "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's" are commonly referred to in the Christian argument for legitimizing human political authority. However, there is good reason to be highly skeptical of human political authority and its perceived legitimacy on biblical grounds. Jason Hughey takes us on a deeper dive into the context of these passages (and more) to discover that they may not be as convincing when used for the purposes of divinely legitimizing human political authority or demanding our allegiance to such authority.

Norman discusses the fundamentals of Christian libertarianism in the context of LCI’s recently released mission, vision, and core values, with an additional emphasis on the kind of character we should build to be effective “truth-tellers” to our communities today. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

If you had to let the state do one thing only, what would it be? Roads? Libraries? Primary Schooling? Why or why not? In this episode, Doug and Norman answer this question, as well as discuss the ways in which we can expand our imaginations and offer legit alternatives to state-run goods and services. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Do Christians need to be pacifists? What would that even mean or look like? Is it wrong to use a gun in self-defense? Ted Grimsrud, Senior Professor of Peace Theology at EMU, joins us to talk about the biblical roots of pacifism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Does capitalism encourage excessive consumption and greed? Why do anti-capitalists seem to have a zero-sum view of global economic resources? Should we be wary of advertising because it causes us to lose our true freedom to choose? Edd Noell, professor of Economics and Business at Westmont College and President of the Association of Christian Economists joins us to sever the connection between consumerism and capitalism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Doug and Norman discuss the issue of social justice. What is social justice? Why do many people have different notions of it? Is there a “libertarian Christian” way to conceive of social justice? Is there such a thing as a “social gospel”? And can the state rightly participate in enabling the common good? Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

With the death of the VW Beetle and the arrival of the self-checkout, the world is coming to an end. Or is it? Art Carden, an economist to his core, joins us to alleviate our fears about the end of the world as we know it. After it, you’ll feel fine. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

This episode was originally recorded for the Bob Murphy show, where Bob and Norman Horn have a provocative conversation that will enlighten both believers and skeptics alike. They critically analyze the tendency of American Christians to support war, in its domestic and foreign applications. Norman gives Bob the best, succinct analysis of Romans 13 he has ever encountered. Bob ends (playing devil’s advocate) by challenging Norman to explain why the Church isn’t just as exploitative as the State. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

NT Wright answers our questions about how the Church is to relate to the state and how Christians are to be followers of Jesus in our time and place. What does Church-State politics look like in the United States or in Great Britain? Are they the same? Wright answers our questions in this uniquely recorded episode. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Do religious people in the United States need to be on alert for violations of their religious freedom? What recent issues have taken place that threaten our individual liberty? Daniel Ortner joins us to talk about the Pacific Legal Foundation and how individual and religious liberty are key fights in the preservation of a just society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Troy Frasier and Joel Bourdess join us to talk about how sermons preached before the advent of audio recording can now be heard in modern language through their podcast. They share stories about the preachers, their research on the sermons, and the context in which these sermons were preached. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

If talking about politics is tough for you, our guest Hunter Baker has some helpful advice and insights about how best to approach the topics of freedom, liberty, justice, and peace. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Isaac Morehouse is more interested in creating freedom for himself and enabling others to get over obstacles to their own freedom and human flourishing, and it is always worth hearing what he has to say about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Daniel Griswold of the Mercatus Center joins us to talk about how Christians can make the case for free trade by employing moral, economic, and historical arguments. How does free trade enable us to "love thy neighbor" or raise the costs of war or improve the livelihood of the destitute? Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

We don't usually publish two episodes in a row on the same topic, but when we do, you can be sure it's really important! This week's episode features a unique audio documentary created a few years ago by our audio engineer for this podcast, Chris Williams. He succinctly presents a strong factual and logical case against abortion and then interviews two women with powerful pro-life testimonies. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Much of what is being said on the news and social media about abortion by both pro-choice and pro-life activists is just plain wrong. In this episode, three pro-life libertarian women "take the mic" to discuss some of the most common myths about abortion and to present a new way of thinking for libertarians to value both the rights of women and the unborn. While certainly compatible with Christian theology, the arguments presented herein are based on science, embryology, ethics, libertarian political theory, and free market economics. Buckle up! Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Jamin Andreas Hübner joins us to analyze the claims of democratic socialism and whether or not libertarians should take them seriously. Audio Production by Podsworth Media

Doug Stuart was a guest on Larry Reed’s "Reed Hour" on the Loving Liberty radio network, and joined Larry to discuss his journey to Christian libertarianism, what LCI is all about, and why democratic socialists are wrong about how to get what they want out of society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media

In this episode, Norman is joined by Dr. RC Sproul Jr to discuss his new book Growing Up With RC. Dr. Sproul's father, RC Sr., was an acclaimed theologian who passed away in late 2017. RC Jr.'s book honors his faithful gospel legacy, and in the show we pass on some Sproul-inspired lessons and memories that influence our thoughts on both theology and politics today. Audio Production by Podsworth Media

Cody Cook, host of the Cantus Firmus Podcast and a theology and film buff, joins us to talk about his new book, Fight the Powers: What the Bible Says about the Relationship between Spiritual Forces and Human Governments. Learn about how the government and the Kingdom of God are at odds and how Christians ought to relate to society and the state.   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Alison Morrow of GoodSchooling.net joins us to talk about homeschooling – her own journey, myths people believe about homeschooling, and how her business exists to serve homeschooling parents to achieve the educational goals for their children.   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Jacqueline Isaacs, co-author of the book, "Called to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian and Libertarian", joins us to announce a forthcoming audiobook edition of her book. Jacque shares the story behind the book, the audiobook, and some behind-the-scenes stories about their creation.   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Alex Salter joins us to talk about his co-authored piece in the Christian LIbertarian Review on Distributism.    Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Hunter Hastings of the Center for Individualism joins us to talk about his book, The Interconnected Individual, and why we should look forward to the exciting new economic realities of the future.

Capitalism has gotten a bad rap, and has many undeserved criticisms of it. Doug and Norman discuss what capitalism really is, down to its fundamentals, and answer some critical questions many have about it.

Gene Epstein of The Soho Forum joins us to equip free market proponents with information on how to combat against misunderstandings about wealth, inequality, and other talking points the anti-capitalists are espousing.

Randy England joins us to talk about his book, Free is Beautiful, a tremendous work on the foundations of libertarianism from a biblical and Church history perspective.

If you were approached on the street and asked what libertarians believe, what would you say? Would it be succinct? Or would it take a few minutes? Doug and Norman discuss some of the basics of libertarianism, providing both succinct and elaborate answers to common questions about the non-aggression principle, property rights, justice, and more.

In this joint episode with Godarchy host Mike Maharrey, we discuss a recent article from Sojourners on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's so-called biblical values of democratic socialism. The author supports the idea that AOC's politics could be derived from the Bible. Mike and Doug discuss the article in-depth using humor, sarcasm, and an economic and theological analysis. 

Sean Malone, Director of Media at FEE, joins us to talk about media bias, misinformation, and manipulation, as well as how to promote liberty with media in an oversaturated market for attention.   Sean Malone is the Director of Media at the Foundation for Economic Education. Sean studied music performance and composition for film and multimedia at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and New York University, and has worked in various creative and producing roles in New York and Los Angeles. Sean's films have been featured in the mainstream media and throughout the free-market educational community.

Elijah Thompson of Dank Pro-Life Memes and TheFetalPosition.comjoins us to talk about elevating the conversation about abortion and help bolster the arguments pro-life advocates make.

Brent Waters, author of Just Capitalism, joins us to discuss globalization, its effects on poverty, the good of affluence, and how Christians should consider capitalism in an ever-growing economy.

Roger McKinney, author of God is a Capitalist: Markets from Moses to Marx, joins us to talk about his book, and we dive into the topic of envy and why Christianity's emphasis on the individual enabled society to think about the world differently, suppressing envy of those around us, and participating in enabling the wealth we enjoy in the 21st century.

Jamin Andreas Hübner joins us to discuss how libertarian Christians can deal with the problem of being misrepresented by conservatives, progressives, or just about anybody. 

Judge Andrew Napolitano joins us for a quick discussion on why he's a Christian AND a libertarian, what threatens our liberties in America today, and his “report card” for the Trump presidency so far.

The Cato Institute's Michael Tanner joins me to discuss his book, The Inclusive Economy, and what Americans need to consider if we want to seriously make the world a better place for the poor instead of just throwing money at the problem. 

Mike Munger from Duke University joins me to talk about the Third Economic Revolution that is currently underway. Most people think of it as the sharing economy, but it's far more than that, and Munger's analysis on it helps us think better as economists and libertarians. We also briefly discuss a Basic Income Guarantee and whether or not it's a good idea.

On Monday, January 7, LCI hosted its first live episode online, where he and Dr. Norman Horn discussed the origins of LCC, Norman's success at converting his family to be libertarians, our superfast incorporation story, and the journey starting as a blog about faith and liberty to an institute dedicated to equipping Christians to make the case for a free society.    Also, view Larry Reed's video (which we had planned for the episode, but couldn't air due to technical difficulties) here: https://youtu.be/3dFlsliuB9k

John Schneider, author of the book The Good of Affluence, joins us to talk about a biblical theology of wealth. How can we know that God wants us to flourish and be prosperous in a truly biblical sense? John rejects the label “prosperity gospel” because there is no guarantees of wealth, but the desire of God is for us to flourish together. Listen to find out how!

Musician Zama Rripa joins us to talk about becoming a musician, writing libertarian songs, and some of his favorite topics around liberty such as honest money, problems with the Federal Reserve, and more! We also feature some of Zama Rripa's music, including titles like “Live and Let Live” and “Blowback.” Talked about in this episode: Honest Money by Gary North https://www.garynorth.com/HonestMoney.pdf https://mises.org/library/honest-money Ethics of Money Production Jorg guido Hulsmann https://mises.org/library/ethics-money-production Foundations of Private Property Society https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Private-Property-Society-Theory/dp/1387615173 End the Fed https://www.amazon.com/End-Fed-Ron-Paul/dp/0446549193 Keynes Quote https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/shared/minitext/ess_inflation.html

Jason Rink talks to Max Borders about his book, The Social Singularity, where they discuss the promise of a decentralized world. 

Is there a “Christian” view of economics? How does economic understanding relate to how we approach ethics, sociology, and policy, particularly through a Christian lens? In this episode, economics professor Shawn Ritenour joins us to discuss these questions and more, while also providing insights from his personal journey as both a Christian and an economist.

Libertarians are known for their advocacy of free choice, free association, and free movement. But are there boundaries or limits to this openness? Dr. Jason Brennan of Georgetown University joins us to talk what it means to advocate for global justice, and why it means being open borders and free trade. In the book he makes a rigorous defense for positive-sum interactions because global justice demands it.

TOMORROW (Nov 27, 2018) is Giving Tuesday, and Facebook is matching donations up to $7 million, and as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, LCI qualifies to receive the matched donation.  Doug and Norman talk about this important development, as well as why our LCI Facebook group is a great place to join.  Oh, and we talk about C.S. Lewis and Jacque Ellul.  And other stuff! 

LCI's Norman Horn and Doug Stuart discuss over a few drinks everything form hymns, church denominations, and the recent election. 

On the day of the 2018 midterm elections, Dr. Art Carden joins Doug Stuart to talk about the elections, how to improve the world after the election (no matter who won), and how to be a better proponent of economics and liberty. 

The popularity of the Christian Left has grown in the past decade, and its message is attracting many Christians far and wide. But many are not familiar with some of the origins of those who have led the movement from its inception in the 1970s and earlier. Bill Anderson joins us to recount his experience with and analysis of the Christian Left.

What explains the wealth of the modern age? Was it capital? Institutions? Slave-holding? Why do some countries seem to have an economic advantage over others? Are the fears of progressives about wealth inequality worth paying attention to? Economist, historian, and prolific author Deirdre McCloskey joins us to talk about the key factor that precipitated the wild success of the modern world. 

Does a libertopia exist? Is such an idea even possible? What would happen if thousands (or tens of thousands) of freedom lovers all move to the same place? Varrin Swearingen from the Free State Project, joins us to talk about his experience of moving to a place with so many libertarians. He also discusses some challenges of the Free State Project, as well as what he's experienced as a Christian living among libertarians.

Jeremy Jackson, associate professor at North Dakota State University, joins us to talk about happiness research and social capital. He also tells us what got allured him about economics.

Whether it comes from Pope Francis or another person who wants to virtue signal about the kind of society they advocate, the “caring society” sounds like a great idea. But what does it actually mean? Can we even achieve such a thing, and would capitalism be a part of it? Robert Whaples, editor of the book “Pope Francis and the Caring Society” discusses with us some of the important lessons economists have, as well as some helpful social critique that is offered by those who aren't necessarily attuned to economic issues. If you care about anything, you'll care to listen to this episode!

In the summer of 2018 Jason Rink participated in a panel discussion at the Texas Marijuana Policy Conference in Austin, TX. Jason joins us to discuss the conference and share further thoughts on how Christians can think about the issue of cannabis use. 

Lawrence W. Reed is president of the Foundation for Economic Education, and has a long history of promoting liberty in the classroom and in think tanks. In this episode he tells us how he became a libertarian, how he has worked in and for the liberty movement over the decades, and discusses with us some of the problems in today's society. 

Nullification is the idea that, in these United States, the individual states have the power the supercede and “make null” federal law that goes beyond the powers given to the federal government by the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are two of the Founding Fathers most associated with these principles, but nullification has been largely absent from national discussion from the Civil War up until the late 1990s and 2000s. Now, with the government spiraling out of control in its grasping for power, nullification is more relevant than ever. In this episode, we're joined by Michael Maharrey, Communications Director of the Tenth Amendment Center, to learn more about nullification and its importance for the progress of liberty. He proudly resides in the original home of the Principles of '98 - Kentucky. He is the author of the book, Our Last Hope: Rediscovering the Lost Path to Liberty. He has been a contributor to the LCI website and runs his own site on politics at michaelmaharrey.com, and another site specifically about Christianity and liberty at GodArchy.org.

In this "Extended Edition" of our podcast, we talk with Armond Boudreaux and Corey Latta, authors of the book Titans: How Superheroes Can Help us Make Sense of a Polarized World! about the real-world insights that superhero stories give us. More than mere entertainment, the genre of superhero comics and movies allow us to wrestle with the ethical and philosophical puzzles humanity has been wrestling with for millennia. They are a mythos for our era, and as such have important insights into the political and ethical problems our society faces today. 

If libertarianism is neither of the left nor the right, then why do libertarians still get cornered as “conservative” or “right-wing” on a regular basis? Furthermore, for Christians especially the conflation of political conservatism with theological conservatism is confusing at best, grossly problematic at worst. Many Christian libertarians start off as conservatives, so understanding the key changes in thought on the pathway to liberty is useful in a variety of ways. Norman and Nick discuss key points in the “libertarianism vs. conservatism” debate and explain why they believe libertarianism provides better answers to conservatism's big questions about ethics, political order, and economics.

Dr. Eric Larson is an anesthesiologist in private practice in Grand Rapids, MI, and host of the podcast Paradocs. He joins us to talk about his experience with immigration, and he also shares some helpful information on what non-physicians need to know about the medical industry. 

Trump told his supporters that they would get tired of all the winning America would be doing if he were president. Now Trump has worked tirelessly to impose tariffs, which cause a lot of economic woes upon many in the United States. Dr. Art Carden of Samford University joins us to talk about the reason why tariffs are a bad idea and why trade deficits don't matter (unless it's with Waffle House). 

Futurists warn humans that our ability to stay competitive will be dramatically reduced because robots and artificial intelligence will make our work obsolete. While Jay Richards does not believe A.I. poses a threat the way some do, he does believe that humans working in a new economy will demand the kinds of virtues that amplify the human advantage over automated labor.

Join us for our second episode where we answer questions you have submitted, as well as popular topics from our Facebook group. We talk about pacifism, pledging allegiance, prayer in public schools, what would happen if Adam and Eve never sinned, and more!

Join us for our third episode where we answer questions you have submitted, as well as popular topics from our Facebook group. Nationalism, idolatry, voting, and how would the rights of the unborn be protected in a stateless society.

Christians know about Jesus from the Bible, but can we really know Jesuswithout it? What is the difference between “the Word of God” and “the word of God”? Where does the Bible fit into Christian discipleship and habits of spiritual formation? We discuss all this and more with the author of Jesus Unbound, Keith Giles.

Libertarianism is the political philosophy of compassion, says Mary Ruwart, longtime libertarian and author of Healing Our World.Mary joins us to talk about a variety of issues that every libertarian has to defend or confront, including regulation, welfare, and the health industry.

Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute joins us to talk about foreign policy from the standpoint of a Christian libertarian. We talk about North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and of course, Israel. 

In this episode, LCI is joined by the liberty movement's favorite podcaster — historian and entrepreneur Tom Woods — as we dive into constitutional history and try to answer the question, “Is the Constitution any good?” Has it actually been effective at limiting government? Is the government it creates even capable of being limited by a document? What about the heavy emphasis in U.S. politics on the Supreme Court? Would we be better off under the Articles of Confederation? Listen in as we discuss all this and more.

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY AFFIRMS THE ESSENTIAL TENETS OF FREE MARKET ECONOMICS Respect for private property, voluntary exchange, condemnation of theft, and the value of cooperation and service towards achieving common goals flow naturally from Christian thought and habit. This is what defines “capitalism” in the libertarian view. Wealth is a tool given by God, and all who possess such wealth are expected to utilize it for God’s Kingdom and the good of our neighbor. Taxation and regulation tend to destroy wealth, discourage innovation, and centralize power, and therefore hamper our ability to fulfill the calling of God. Where free markets are allowed to flourish, human beings will prosper both materially and spiritually. Additionally, Christian ethics helps equip our economies for service toward God and neighbor. Emphasis on private property from a biblical perspective

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS MATTER FOR HUMAN FLOURISHING Humans are created to be social beings, and God’s design is that we work together to develop institutions which promote human flourishing. Insofar as these institutions are voluntary, peaceful, and non-coercive, human beings possess the God-given capacity to solve the worst of problems in the best of ways. Social institutions founded upon mutual cooperation — such as marriage, family, church, organizations, and businesses — are vital for authentic humanity.

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture.   INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY AND THE COMMON GOOD ARE NOT AT ODDS As God is intrinsically relational within the Trinity, so also human beings are created to live in community. Sin has marred the communal relationships for which we were created by pitting individuals against God, against one another, and against the earth for which we are called to be wise stewards. Affirming the dignity, worth, and rights of the individual as an image-bearer of God is a first step toward restoring authentic, Christ-centered community among diverse individuals. Because society is comprised of individuals, a healthy society requires healthy individuals. Through voluntary cooperation and respect for freedom, people can join together to trade, innovate, create, collaborate, share, and build a world that simultaneously respects the individual and betters our neighbor.

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. Core Value #2: A Free and Civil Society Depends Upon Respect for the Non-Aggression Principle

This episode is second in a series covering our Mission, Vision, and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This episode focuses on why Christian political philosophy should be informed by a holistic view of Scripture, reason, and historical theology.

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture.

Intellectual property affects us daily, but is hardly understood by the average individual. Is it something libertarians need to be concerned about? Is it legitimate “property” in the first place? Stephan Kinsella joins us to discuss the important of IP.

Capitalism has gotten a bad rap, unfortunately because most people are unaware of what it truly means. Marxism beliefs are creeping into the public's view of economics, causing people to question the morality of a free market. Even Christians are unwittingly accepting Marxist dogma as economic fact. Dr. Jay Richards from the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America joins us to talk about his book, Money, Greed, & God, which takes aim at the faulty beliefs many Christians have about economics and capitalism.

The issue of abortion is of great concern to pro-lifers, yet even libertarians debate the political issues with as much disagreement as the left and the right. Is there a Christian libertarian view? How would it differ from the typical pro-life position? What does it mean to say one is pro-life or anti-abortion? Does it change how we discuss electoral politics? Philosopher and Christian libertarian Kerry Baldwin joins us to discuss this issue.

Is there a Christian view of economics? If so, what makes The Economic Way of Thinking different for the Christian? Why do people easily believe economic fallacies? Today Dr. Victor Claar joins us to talk about a Christian economic perspective.

The left frequently criticizes free market capitalism with inaccurate caricatures and economic fallacies. However, in recent years, many business leaders and academics have been revisiting the philosophical foundations of capitalism and asking: "Is there more to this than just making a profit?" LCI board member and CEO of Conscious Capitalism, Alexander McCobin, joins us to discuss this shift in modern business, respond to criticisms of the conscious capitalist movement, and advance a case for a holistic view of business as a powerful engine for societal good which lifts up employees, vendors, and communities alongside shareholders.

It's still true even if it's a cliche: “kids are our future.” That's why reaching children with the message of liberty is important. Joining us today is author of the Tuttle Twins book series, Connor Boyack, who has not only created a way for kids to learn about liberty, they are excitedto learn about liberty. Boyack tells us a bit of the backstory on the Tuttle Twins, as well as how he as a dad solved a problem for many parents: reaching our children with the message of liberty.

Tired of hearing bad arguments about why the state is good, but need a better way to respond? Author Zack Rofer (pseudonym) has you covered with his free e-book, Busting Myths About the State. His concise, well-argued book counters some common myths raised in defense of big government. In this episode, we discuss some of the myths and how to answer them.

Regardless of your denomination, many American Christians have the sense that something is wrong in the Church today. Have we forgotten our mission and values, and if so, what can we do about it? Joining us to discuss these questions is entertainment industry professional and Christian media expert Jonathan Bock, co-author of the new book, The Way Back.

Human flourishing depends on individuals who have an entrepreneurial spirit. In the past several decades, world poverty has plummeted in part due to capitalism and entrepreneurial endeavors. Chris Horst of HOPE International joins us today to talk about the importance of entrepreneurship for human flourishing.

The gun control debate in the United States has raged on for decades, and in many ways has escalated in recent years. Every time there is a mass shooting, calls for more gun control as the “obvious solution” engulf social media and public policy discussions. Furthermore, faulty statistics and bad arguments tend to run rampant in any discussion. In this episode, legal scholar Trevor Burrus of the Cato Institute joins us to unravel some myths surrounding the gun control debate.

Join us for our second episode where we answer questions you have submitted, as well as popular topics from our Facebook group. We talk about cannabis, whether libertarianism can become an idol, why it's difficult to get people to see taxation as aggression, who our favorite theologians are, and much more!

Concern for social justice has become one of the most effective ways for Christians to signal that they care about the world's poor, yet below the surface of this virtue signaling are some important issues about justice itself – of social well-being – and understanding how to be a Christian concerned with the common good. It is important to understand just how the message of the gospel applies to the well-being of the world. Jason Jewell joins us to talk about why a libertarian view of the state, society, and human action are critical concepts to understand before one arrives at a viable pursuit of social justice.

What distinguishes Christian libertarianism from secular (or other) forms of libertarianism? Is it mostly a question of motivation, or are there also differences in policy application? Do Christian libertarians sometimes even disagree with one another on policy? In this round table discussion, we explore these and other questions pertaining to what may be considered unique about a Christian perspective on libertarianism.

LCI recommends a lot of books for libertarians. Many of our regular readers or listeners may already be familiar with some of the most influential books amongst libertarian Christians, but in this episode, we're going to discuss some other, perhaps lesser-known books (as well as some of the obvious ones), and explain what relevance they have for understanding political and economic theory in light of Christianity. Books covered in this episode: Called to Freedom, ed. Elise Daniels and Jacqueline Isaacs For a New Liberty by Murray Rothbard Libertarian Theology of Freedom by Edmund Opitz Religion and Capitalism: Allies not Enemies by Edmund Opitz Bible and Government by John Cobin Anarchy and Christianity by Jacque Ellul Healing Our World by Mary Ruwart Democracy, the God that Failed by Hans Herman Hoppe The Quest for Community by Robert Nisbet The Powers Trilogy by Walter Wink

It's not the Old Testament that a Christian often goes to for their theological defense of non-violence. Our guest, Matthew Curtis Fleischer, believes that the Old Testament not only sets the stage for a non-violent Jesus, but also believes Christians will find in its pages the foundations for an ethic of non-violence. A lawyer and a libertarian, Fleischer's approach will feel familiar to a libertarian audience as he explores the Scriptures with attention to important clues as to what God was doing with his people.

You don't have to become a radical Christian to begin changing the world. Our guest, psychologist Richard Beck, has written Stranger God to deal directly with what a Christian is to do when they know they should reach out to strangers – those on the margins. In an effort to get away from mere academic discussions of hospitality and overcoming our personal barriers, Beck sought out ministry opportunities that put him directly in the presence of those on the margins. In this episode, Beck discusses how important it is to take personal responsibility for one's own actions regarding others and how understanding the main principle of comedy improv helped him say yes to strangers in his midst. He even talks with LCI about how we can relate to those who are our “political enemies” (ideologically speaking).

Constitutions are a divisive topic even amongst libertarians, with the debate often centered on the anarchism v. minarchism issue. But as stateless projects like the Seasteading Institute and others gain more traction, even anarchists and voluntaryists are asking: is there a place for “constitutions” in a fully privatized society? Joining us to discuss is political commentator and author Trey Goff, who recently wrote a model constitution intended for a privatized, stateless society. We cover some of the various strengths and weaknesses of the concept, how it may be improved or altered, and what role it may have in the developing landscape of stateless society projects.

About a year and a half in the making, the Libertarian Christian Institute is now blessed to present our inaugural volume of Christian Libertarian Review: our new scholarly journal dedicated to the intersection of Christianity and libertarian thought. On this episode, General Editor Jamin Hübner and Assistant Editor Ruth Ryder join us to discuss the mission and vision of the journal, what readers can expect to find in Volume 1, and some plans for the journal's future.

Most people, including most libertarians, have a very negative perception of lobbyists, often because lobbyists seem to represent those who loot the rest of us on behalf of special interests. While this is often the case, there are also some lobbyists who represent liberty. How does someone go about lobbying for more freedom in a formal political capacity, and what does it look like as a career? In this episode, libertarian Christian lobbyist Aaron Day joins us to discuss his take, as well as other potential career paths for those who want to work full-time in the liberty movement. 

One year ago, it was widely acknowledged and discussed that for good or bad, 2016 had been truly extraordinary. As we now reflect on 2017, what are we to make of it? In this episode, LCI contributor and Mimetic Theory expert David Gornoski returns to give a Girardian take on some of the top stories from 2017. Mixing theology, philosophy, sociology and anthropology, David helps us to interpret the past year and prepare for what may await in 2018.

As we celebrate the Advent, economist and friend of LCI Bob Murphy returns to the show to tell us about his Christian testimony. Once a staunch atheist who planned to write (in his words) “the definitive refutation of Christianity,” Bob was converted to Christ in the early 2000’s and has become a leading voice in the libertarian Christian movement. How did he come to know the Lord? Unwrap this episode to find out.

Doug and Norman talk about the birth stories of Christ and how Matthew and Luke both use language and employ storytelling techniques that provide a clear anti-Roman and anti-empire story. This is good news for all because the message of liberation is not only about our personal liberation from the captivity of sin, but the cosmic liberation of captivity from slavery and oppression.

Parabolic interpretation has been seen through many lenses throughout Christian history. While the deepest theological meaning of the parables carry the greatest importance, there are also important lessons which can be gleaned from the historical context in which the parables occur. In this episode, Jeffrey Tucker returns to discuss principles of economics in the parables of Jesus. By stepping into first century Israel and looking at the parables as stories which, on their surfaces, resonated with the life and times of Second Temple Jews, we can see that Jesus assumes a world of just property rights, freedom of contract, and economic liberty.

Jared Byas does theology and business, and he integrates the two in this episode about what it means to do business with a kingdom perspective. Jared has experience with launching businesses as well as organizational planning and family business consulting. He is also the co-host of The Bible for Normal People podcast, where he gets to work with one of his other passions: theology. Jared rarely gets to talk about how he integrates the two, so listen in to hear some insightful advice and stories from a businessman and theologian.

God created a world in which our work matters. Often we fall into the mindset of compartmentalizing our lives into sacred or secular categories, but in the Christian life, everything is sacred and eternally valuable (including our work). In this episode, we are joined by pastor, author and ministry leader Tom Nelson to discuss how we can and must bridge the gap between Sunday and Monday, connecting our Christianity with our 'secular' work lives. We also see how a right understanding of free markets fits within the Christian worldview and orients us to better promote human flourishing.  

It seems that people are no longer able to have a decent conversation with each other about politics or other controversial topics. Social media exacerbates our tribal tendencies and often we get entrenched in our own beliefs. It often takes the wisdom of one who has had years of experience talking to and discussing hot-button topics. There's no better person for to talk to about this than EconTalk host, Russ Roberts. Russ Roberts joins us for this episode to discuss what it takes to maintain a civil discussion during the holiday season (or any season!). With insight and wisdom from Adam Smith to his experience as host of EconTalk and a professor, Russ shares with us some very important things about life, both in the personal sphere and the social sphere.    

No matter where we are in the world, Silicon Valley plays a big role in most of our lives. Much of the technology that we have come to rely on for daily use is either designed in, managed from, or otherwise largely affected by the engineers, developers, programmers and executives who live in the Bay Area. Over the years --- and especially within the last two or three --- Silicon Valley has been increasingly in the spotlight for its politics, particularly how the political agendas of its influencers and executives affect the rest of us. In this episode, we are joined by Silicon Valley insider and LCI advisory board member Aaron Ginn. Aaron helps us sort fact from fiction in how we think about the politics of Silicon Valley, and to understand what it all means for freedom of speech and other key principles of liberty. We also discuss futurism in a Christian context, and how we should look at technology as a tool given to us by God in order to love our neighbors and advance the Lord's kingdom.

The popular perception of libertarianism is often skewed. While those on the left tend to think of libertarians as greedy and self-absorbed with no concern for the poor, those on the right --- and particularly the Christian right --- often conflate libertarianism with libertinism. What's worse, many libertarians have contributed to this error by mixing libertarianism with other elements of their ethics, giving the inaccurate impression that libertarians must be hedonists, abuse narcotics, or live licentiously, or that at the very least they must not object to someone else's questionable behavior. As we continue our interview series with the authors of Called to Freedom, Taylor Barkley joins us to talk about the differences between libertarianism and libertinism. What are the different shades of libertarianism? How do the distinctions between 'thin libertarianism' and 'thick libertarianism' come into play? Why do some libertarians mix libertinism into their libertarianism? How should we explain libertarianism to those on both the left and the right?

What is the biblical portrayal of the state? The Libertarian Christian Institute frequently discusses this question; it has bery important ramifications for how we think about political philosophy. In this episode, we continue our interview series with the authors of Called to Freedom as we are joined by Jason Hughey, author of the chapter on the Bible and government. Jason walks us through the narrative portrayal of the state in the Bible and helps us to see that state officials are sinful people just like the rest of us. As such, they should not be viewed as a special class with some intrinsic ability or right to rule, nor are they exempted from the ethical constraints that bind everyone else. In contrast to political power, the power of Christ is found in the gospel. We also cover some helpful guidelines for thinking about political power and the Bible, some pragmatic considerations, and of course, we get Jason's take on Romans 13.

Mass shootings, gun control Protest with a football North Korea, South Korea, Rajoy as Franco No, it’s not a new Billy Joel song; it’s a discussion of some very important current events in culture, domestic and foreign policy, and international news which have happened during the last couple of months. 2017 has seen a lot of extraordinary developments --- some good, some bad, and some downright evil --- and in this episode we discuss a few which have been prominent in recent news cycles. We start off with the Las Vegas shooting and the left calling for gun control, move into football in American culture and the anthem protest controversy, spend some time going over the escalating North Korean conflict and the Iranian nuclear deal, and close out discussing the Catalonian secession vote and what is currently transpiring in Spain.

The Diocese of South Carolina, once part of the Episcopal Church, seceded from the denomination in 2012 after a complex dispute, and in 2017 joined another Anglican denomination, the Anglican Church in North America. However, the Episcopal Church claims ownership of the diocese's real estate, as well as certain trademarks and intellectual property rights pertaining to its name and branding. What has ensued is an intricate and multi-faceted legal dispute between the diocese and the Episcopal Church. This story illustrates important considerations for handling ecclesiastic disputes and church splits, and what can happen when the state gets involved. Joining us to discuss his take is the Rev. Canon Jim Lewis from the Diocese of South Carolina.

The War on Drugs is one of the most frequently-cited policy issues in modern politics, and it also serves as a clear foil of libertarianism. Whether or not one supports inflicting legislative violence to stop non-violent activity, as happens routinely in the Drug War, is perhaps the most important litmus test of a libertarian. Where one stands on the Drug War also often serves as a firm dividing line between libertarianism and conservatism. Yet despite the relentless evil of the War on Drugs, which is even more destructive to society than drug abuse itself, bad arguments and weak ethics still prevail in most national policy discussions. Thankfully, the tide is turning in recent years. In this episode, we are joined by Raeford Davis, a former police officer who used to enforce the Drug War, and now is one of its most fervent and piercing critics. Raeford walks us through his own story as a Christian police officer enforcing drug prohibition, what happened to change his mind, why the Drug War is both intrinsically evil and pragmatically ineffective, and why it is incumbent on every police officer, and every citizen, to consider and reject the sin that is the War on Drugs.

Sociology, psychology and anthropology can bring us many important insights into our theology, and 20th century scholar René Girard is a testament to that fact. Diving deep into the root causes of sin and social conflict, Girard helps us to see that much of human strife occurs because of our misshapen 'mimetic' desires to imitate our neighbors (including by destroying them to take what is theirs) and/or project condemnation for our own sins onto others (scapegoating). We are joined on this episode by Girard expert David Gornoski, a friend and contributor to LCI. David explains the foundations and applications of Girard's insights and their relevance for both Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. If you like this episode, terrific! If you don’t like this episode, consider that perhaps you’re scapegoating us and should reconsider.

The subject of theonomy (rule by the Old Testament law) and Christian Reconstructionism (rebuilding society with the Old Testament as a blueprint) is sometimes raised in discussions of Christian political theology, particularly from those in the Reformed tradition. Most Reformed Christians would not identify as theonomists, yet interestingly, many who do are also associated with the libertarian movement. In this episode, we are joined by CJay Engel of The Reformed Libertarian, a longtime friend of LCI, to discuss the history and theology of the Christian Reconstructionist movement. CJay critiques the theonomic position from a Reformed perspective, and explains why the Old Testament law is not meant to be followed by modern nation-states and political bodies.

The Libertarian Christian Institute was a big supporter of the book Called to Freedom, released in February of this year and featuring a foreword written by our own Norman Horn. Doug and Nick were joined at the Young Americans for Liberty National Convention (YALCON) in July by two of the authors, Elise Daniel and Jacqueline Isaacs, and conducted this impromptu interview in the hallway. We discuss their journeys as Christian libertarians, some key themes of the book, their insights on the current state of libertarianism in the Church, and find out how the book is being received. Both theological and warmly autobiographical, Called to Freedom is a great resource for anyone struggling to reconcile what it means to be both Christian and libertarian.

Today is the sixteenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Over the last couple of months, we've interviewed three leading foreign policy experts about what has transpired in U.S. foreign policy since that fateful day, what lessons were learned (or not learned), current issues in U.S. foreign policy, and the outlook for contemporary foreign affairs. In this episode, we are joined by: Robert Pape, Professor at the University of Chicago and Director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats Lawrence Wilkerson, Professor at William & Mary and former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell Ron Paul, Chairman of the Ron Paul Institute and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives  

In July, Doug Stuart and Nick Gausling attended the Young Americans for Liberty 2017 National Convention on behalf of LCI. This episode is our talk from the LCI breakout session, plus some additional Q&A recorded at the LCI booth. We cover some key points in how to engage and reach Christians with the message of liberty, and also answer some common (and some not so common) questions. Though originally delivered to college students who are active proponents of liberty on their campuses, this information is useful to anyone wondering how to better advocate for liberty to Christians.

Nearly every libertarian has heard the classic objection, “But who would build the roads?” This question is so common that it has become a point of ridicule by libertarians to mock weak arguments for why libertarianism supposedly can't work in practice (as if the state's nearly-endless track record of failures hasn't proven its method dysfunctional). In this episode, renowned libertarian Christian economist Bob Murphy joins us to discuss the economics and practical functions of society in the absence of the state. Beyond roads, Murphy walks us through how anything --- even national defense and the law itself --- can work better when fully-privatized. You might say that where this episode is going, we don't need roads...

As part of our summer lineup, we're revisiting several of the most popular and informative talks given at Christians for Liberty conferences in previous years. Though instead of just reposting those talks, we've filled them with some extensive supplemental commentary, so even listeners who have heard the original talks with get all new material. In our final Annotated Talk for the summer, we work through Jason Rink's analysis of the ways in which nationalism, hyper-patriotism, and state devotion are forms of idolatry. Pervasive in much of contemporary American Christianity --- and elsewhere throughout Church history at various times --- worship of the state clashes with God's command that we worship Him alone. Yet in our songs, symbols and even reverence for historical figures and documents, a healthy appreciation for ones' country can quickly become an idol. We probably won't be closing out this episode with any karaoke to Lee Greenwood music.

Theologians have struggled for almost the entire history of the Church to analyze and explain the violence attributed to God in the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. As libertarian Christians, this issue is often raised regarding the compatibility of libertarianism and Christianity. Some ancient theologians resolved the conundrum using allegorical interpretation. Many others have argued along the lines of the sovereignty of God and the enigma of certain elements of the divine plan. In this episode, theologian and pastor Greg Boyd gives us his take on the issue as described in his new book Cross Vision (a layman's edition of his larger academic monograph, Crucifixion of the Warrior God). If you're not a fan of this episode, you can try to allegorize it.

As part of our summer lineup, we're revisiting several of the most popular and informative talks given at Christians for Liberty conferences in previous years. Though instead of just reposting those talks, we've filled them with some extensive supplemental commentary, so even listeners who have heard the original talks with get all new material. This week, we review Norman's talk in which he walks us through some of the foundational biblical arguments for Christian libertarianism, interspersed with commentary and discussion on everything from the practical elements of civil disobedience to intellectual property law. You should feel free to copy and redistribute this podcast; just don't try to use Acts 4 to say you're doing it because of socialist 'redistribution' (we cover that topic, too)!

Brian Zahnd is a pastor from Saint Joseph, Missouri, whose own thought journey mirrors that of many libertarian Christians: away from neoconservatism and nationalism, and towards skepticism of empire and the pursuit of peace. Though he doesn't self-identify as a libertarian and we have some differences, Zahnd's work does have substantial overlap with LCI's as it relates to militarism, nationalism, and how we view the kingdoms of the world. Today, Zahnd joins Doug and Jason as they discuss these themes. We also talk about his forthcoming book, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God.

As part of our summer lineup, we're revisiting several of the most popular and informative talks given at Christians for Liberty conferences in previous years. Though instead of just reposting those talks, we've filled them with some extensive supplemental commentary, so even listeners who have heard the original talks with get all new material. This week, we begin with Doug Stuart's “Things That Make for Peace.” If you like listening to the Libertarian Christian Podcast, just wait until you hear us comment on our own material! If you can't stand listening to the Libertarian Christian Podcast, then turn off cable news first; it's a lot harder to hear us otherwise.

One of the most common questions asked to libertarian Christians is what we think about LGBTQ, gay marriage, and other related issues. Libertarian political philosophy only addresses the matter up to the point of state involvement: because these things constitute voluntary actions, they should not be regulated by law. In short, the libertarian position on marriage and voluntary relationships is simply that government should have nothing to do with it. However, as Christians, there is much more to be said about the theological issues at play, as well as the people affected by them. Dr. Preston Sprinkle joins us on this episode to discuss. In the last several years, Sprinkle's influence as a theologian has increased dramatically, and he recently launched The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender which is specifically devoted to research, analysis, and pastoral application pertaining to the complex and challenging matter of LGBTQ persons in the context of the Christian faith. What should Christians think about these matters? How should we relate to Christians who are struggling with same-sex attraction or gender identity? What about those who don't profess Christianity at all? Sprinkle helps us think through these questions and more in this important and timely episode.

C.S. Lewis is undoubtedly one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the past 100 years, and despite his death being more than a half century ago, his work contains many insights which apply to contemporary trends in philosophy, politics and society just as much as they did in his own time. Today, we are joined by one of the modern liberty movement’s most well-known and effective leaders: David Theroux. David is the founder and president of both The Independent Institute and the C.S. Lewis Society of California, and he presently serves on the LCI Advisory Board. In this episode, he guides us through a scholarly, practical discussion of C.S. Lewis’ work (with an emphasis on natural law) and how it applies to both the philosophy of liberty and present-day societal issues. Unless you’re stuck in a wardrobe, you won’t want to miss this.

It's Independence Day once again, when hundreds of millions of Americans will celebrate a history most of them know very little about. One of the high holy days of what has become American civic religion, it's very probable that the Founding Fathers would greatly lament what it has become. However, what Americans have done to the Fourth of July pales in comparison to the far more important issue of what countless Christians have done to Romans 13. On this special Fourth of July episode, Dr. Jamin Hübner returns to lead a discussion on the context, exegesis, and theology of Romans 13. We discuss the historical background of the text, the history of Judaism and early Christianity on state relations, the practical and theological arguments of Romans, and how the ancient Christians understood it. Statist nationalism and a reflexive “my country, right or wrong” attitude find a sharp rebuke here, but so do the patriot-revolutionaries who would seek to overthrow the state. Instead, Romans 13 calls us to the deeper third way of Christ: one that recognizes the intrinsic evil of the state and requires us to not take part in its evils, while at the same time commands that we refuse to participate in sedition and violent revolution. The apostolic command is to pursue peace and the gospel, trusting that King Jesus will ultimately put all power, rule and authority under His feet, and that Resurrection Sunday is our real Independence Day from the tyranny of sin, Satan and death.

One of the most common issues raised by non-libertarian Christians about libertarian thought is marriage licensing. Because the family unit is essential to social order, the argument goes, Christians should allegedly support state regulation of what constitutes 'marriage' and who is allowed to 'marry.' But state power is a sharp and dangerous sword; what happens when the proponents of such a plan no longer have the political capital they once did, and that sword is turned against them? This is precisely what has happened to socially conservative Christians in recent decades. Stephanie Slade, libertarian Christian and Managing Editor at Reason Magazine, walks us through the history of how it was Christians who set the very legal precedent on state regulation of marriage (and other social issues of conscience) which are now being wielded against them by non-Christians. For generations, Christians chose to 'live by the sword' of using state power against their opponents, and now that they are in the minority, the sword is turned on them. Only by upholding liberty for all issues of conscience, including those we think are wrong, can this tragic cycle of trying to shape society by legislation be halted.

Today we are joined by Shane Claiborne, an internationally-recognized author, speaker, and activist, and perhaps the leading western Christian voice for the New Monastic movement. While Shane does not identify as a libertarian, there are many aspects of his thinking which overlap with libertarianism. In this episode, we discuss capital punishment in Christian ethics. Libertarians are divided on the issue, as are Christians. How does capital punishment relate to state power and human rights? Why are there more minorities executed than white people? Most importantly, how does Christian theology inform our thinking on this matter? Shane offers his insights in this fascinating discussion. Hopefully the only thing that gets put to death in this episode is un-Christlike thinking.

In our first ever debate on the Libertarian Christian Podcast, author Keith Giles returns to debate author/activist Mark van Steenwyk on Two Kingdoms theology and Christian involvement in formal politics. As he explained in our earlier interview, Giles holds that formal politics is not a proper task of the Christian life. Van Steenwyk counters that Christians must be involved in direct political activism so as to undermine oppression and promote God's justice in the world. Nick serves as moderator and asks some critical questions of both debaters. We haven't heard of anyone advocating for a Three Kingdom theology, but if you're such a person and are offended that your position didn't get any press here, you might consider lobbying the FCC to implement the so-called Fairness Doctrine, but as much as we'd like to see Christian libertarian thought get air time on MSNBC we still wouldn't recommend that course of action.

Isaac Morehouse is longtime contributor to and friend of the Libertarian Christian Institute, and today he joins us to discuss his organization, Praxis. As its very Misean name suggests, Praxis is about action; specifically, it's about helping people to gain practical experience and skills which matter in real world business situations. For years, conventional wisdom has pushed on innumerable hapless Americans the idea that everyone must go to college --- even if they have no clear path for what line of work they intend to enter and must take on massive debt --- and that only this will prepare the individual for career success. As economic realities overtakes this flawed narrative, countless people find themselves over-credentialed and under-skilled, holding a degree but possessing few skills that employers actually care about. Praxis is in many ways bringing back the old apprenticeship model, in which participants learn practical skills on the job which prepare them for future endeavors. Isaac --- who we like to think of the Christian version of James Altucher --- talks to us about his journey creating Praxis, the lessons he's learned, how the job market is shifting, and what people can do to capitalize on these things. We won't send you any decorative certificates for listening to this podcast, but you'll probably pick up some useful knowledge.

On today's episode, we are joined by libertarian Christian economist Art Carden to tackle one of the most pressing and divisive issues in contemporary American politics: immigration. President Trump's stance on this issue was one of the key factors that propelled his victory in last November's election, but since then many of the hard-line promises he campaigned on have not come to fruition. This has caused some in his base to criticize him heavily, while others are thankful for this change (whatever the cause may be). It's no secret that even libertarians are split on how to think about immigration, and particularly its relation to property rights. Carden walks us through the economics of immigration, but also engages us on the theological-philosophical and ethical dynamics at work in how we think about borders, property, labor, and community. You could build a wall to keep this discussion out of your thinking, but we'd encourage you to take a more 'cosmopolitan' approach by listening to the episode.

On this episode, the always insightful (and frequently controversial) biblical scholar Dr. Pete Enns joins the show to talk to us about the journey of faith, trusting God, how to disagree with other Christians, pitfalls in biblical interpretation, and much more. Those familiar with Enns' work typically have a strong opinion either for or against him. The listener is of course free to reach his or her own conclusions, though we will say that a number of us at the Libertarian Christian Institute --- even those who strongly differ from Enns on some points --- have greatly appreciated and benefited from his material over the years. Sooner or later, we all go through uncertain times in the Christian life. Who among us hasn't felt scared, uncertain, or confused, and unable to voice our thoughts from fear of being made into a church pariah? One permeating theme of Enns' work is that biblical faith is about trusting in God and moving forward even during these times; another is that being faithful to the Scripture requires us to come to it on its own terms, not ours. And all of this has tremendous relevance for how we relate to other believers in a way that honors Christ and unifies the Church, rather than furthers division. If you feel compelled to deconstruct this episode, please consider doing a grammatical-historical word study of the transcript first.

Several weeks ago, Pope Francis escalated his political and economic rhetoric with a direct attack on libertarianism. Jeffrey Tucker, one of the liberty movement's most influential thought leaders and himself a Roman Catholic, was told by his publisher that it seems as if the Pope's comments were aimed at his book A Beautiful Anarchy (recently released in Spanish to strong sales). Jeffrey delivered a written response to the Pope on the website of the Foundation for Economic Education, and today he joins us for an in-depth discussion. Does Pope Francis have an accurate understanding of libertarianism? In Roman Catholic theology, are the Pope's comments on such subjects considered binding, or is he speaking outside of his competency? Does the Catholic Church have a history of supporting the western classical liberal / libertarian tradition? Is the libertarian emphasis on individual rights consistent with authentic community? Jeffrey answers all these questions and more, and shares his much-needed message to the Pope (and all Christians) for why if he wants to uplift communities and human dignity, he should support liberty and free markets. Join us on this fascinating episode as we bring Roman Catholics and Protestants back together for the very first time since 1517!* *(Unlike the history discussed in this episode, this comment is not at all factual).

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, Norman, Doug and Nick venture into the metaphorical woods with a discussion of things we've been thinking about lately relevant to faith and freedom. We start off with aritificial intelligence and robotics, jump over to Russiaphobia and the New McCarthyism, round the corner with Rene Girard and Hank Hanegraaff, and close out with some practical application on prioritizing issues. Several segments didn't make it into the final cut, including three white men talking about racial tensions in modern America (it wasn't any good; trust us). As for what did make the cut, here's your obligatory college campus trigger warning: “If you're a Marxist, neocon, socialist, crony capitalist, Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian, male, female, or human being, you may find something here marginally offensive or disagreeable. The listener accepts all responsibility for any faux outrage that may result from their choice to listen. You may wish to consult a psychological professional for additional information if needed.”

It's obvious that throughout history, books have been one of the primary methods for communicating ideas. However, certain books stand out above the rest in terms of their perennial relevance and impact across hundreds or even thousands of years; these have come to be known as the Great Books. In this episode, humanities scholar Dr. Jason Jewell joins us to discuss the immense value of the Great Books for sharpening both our Christian faith and our libertarian political philosophy. Covering the last 3,000 years of literature in about an hour would be a Herculean effort beyond the capabilities of we mere mortals, but we do our best to look at some important highlights throughout the ages and what they can teach us about the New Testament era, the development of political philosophy, the history of Christian and non-Christian thought, and the nature of the human spirit. Studying the Great Books is a lifelong journey, and we hope that this episode encourages listeners to be diligent readers and, most importantly, deepens their desire to study the greatest book, the Bible. If you don't know how to read, you can probably skip this episode. But if you understood that last sentence, then don't miss this interview.

God & Country: for generations, it has been the refrain of 'respectable' Christianity for many Americans, but is it really a Christian concept? What about the majority of the world's Christians who live outside the United States, many of them under oppressive regimes? What about the earliest Christians living under Rome? We talk a lot at LCI about why nationalism is not Christian. On the other hand, does loving your neighbor mean there is also some sense in which you should love your country (not necessarily the government)? To discuss this very important and practical issue, all four hosts of the Libertarian Christian Podcast are back together again, but we won't ask you to honor us by removing your hat and placing your hand over your heart while you listen.

In this week's episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, we are joined by author and pastor Keith Giles, whose new book Jesus Untangled is making waves with its thesis that the Church must separate itself from the state. Doug and Nick discuss with Giles how he reached his conclusions and his insights on contemporary Christian political thought, as well as explore what he thinks of libertarianism and how his thesis lines up with LCI's. This was a fantastic interview, and if you're looking for a clear, readable resource which plainly explains to the everyday Christian why the Church allying with the state is both unwise and unholy, then Giles' Jesus Untangled is a great choice. Hopefully it will help many more Christians untangle from the web before the statist spider injects its venom and then charges them for the government-monopolized cure.

In last week's episode, Nick and Doug interviewed communications expert Robin Koerner on how to effectively reach people with the libertarian message. In this episode — recorded independently of the previous interview — Norman and Jason discuss their take on the subject, including a corollary issue which is sometimes raised by LCI supporters: how can libertarian Christians better communicate Christianity to other libertarians? Are there parallels between Christian evangelism and advocating for liberty? How can libertarian Christians be both better evangelists for the gospel and better communicators of the liberty message? Find out in this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast! Alternatively, as many politicians seem to think that 1984 was an instruction manual, if you’re an aspiring pagan tyrant you could try the exact opposite of what Norman and Jason discuss (but we wouldn’t recommend it).

We libertarians tend to be a philosophical bunch, and many of us can spend countless hours arguing over the finer points of economics, or trying to explain how Rothbardian political economy applies to environmental issues. But the reality is that the vast majority of the population does not reach political conclusions on the basis good arguments; in many cases, people make decisions for subjective/emotional reasons, then devise an intellectual basis for their position after the fact. If libertarians want to make a serious impact in persuading more people, we must learn how to connect the liberty message to them on a subjective, emotional level. Enter Robin Koerner, who in the 2012 presidential election cycle gained fame amongst libertarians due to his successful effort to convince large numbers of pro-peace Democrats to register Republican in order to vote for Ron Paul in the primaries. Today, Robin is a consultant who helps libertarians learn to be better marketers of the message. He is also a close associate of the great libertarian Christian, Jeffrey Tucker (which whom he has released a new book). Tune in and find out why some very important people have started referring to Robin as “the Dale Carnegie of the 21st century!” (By the way, we're the very important people)

Today we are going to talk about an issue that is familiar to most Christians but one they might not be inclined to associate with their libertarian beliefs. Christians believe in doing what is called “spiritual warfare,” and this has implications for what it means to engage the world we live in with the power of the gospel. What we hope to do in this episode is open up a discussion about the importance of understanding the battle for a free society within the cosmic framework of spiritual warfare.

On this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, we respond to questions from you: the listener. Does a Christian's view of libertarianism differ from that of a secular libertarian, or from the philosophy of Ayn Rand? What should we think about ever-recurring issues such as abortion and gay marriage? And how about the much-discussed Great Wall of America? The gold standard, libertarian movies, and even ROADS: we discuss them all and more! Question: What was the best part about this episode for us? Response: The listeners wrote the script so we didn't have to.

On this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, we dive into yet another contentious topic. Libertarians (particularly of the anarchist variety) are very much divided on the issue of whether or not it is ethically acceptable to vote in government elections, while the resounding consensus amongst Christians seems to be that voting is at least a civic right, if not a divine command. But how much of this thinking actually comes from American culture rather than Christian theology? Should libertarian Christians see voting as an act of defense or Christian social responsibility, or is it perhaps the unacceptable endorsement of a statist system? Join us on this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast as we discuss. Afterwards, you can e-mail us your vote on whether you loved or hated this episode; you can then decide for yourself if you think your vote counts. DISCLAIMER: The Libertarian Christian Institute is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and as such we cannot and will not advocate for or against specific candidates or legislation. We can't —and we won't — tell you who and what to vote for, or whether to vote at all. 

On today's episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, we welcome our first guest: Dr. Jamin Hübner. Jamin is a professional theologian from South Dakota, where he currently serves as founding Chair of Christian Studies at John Witherspoon College. No stranger to controversy, he is quickly becoming one of the leading scholarly voices for Christian libertarianism. In this interview, you'll hear Jamin's fascinating intellectual journey towards Christian libertarianism, his take on the relation of the Church to the academy, and what he believes the future holds for libertarian Christian scholars. You'll also hear the official announcement of LCI's newest major program: the Christian Libertarian Review, with Jamin serving as our General Editor. This episode is somewhat longer than normal, but unlike the hollow promises of the state, it does not disappoint.

Welcome to the third episode of The Libertarian Christian Podcast. Today, we explore another volatile topic: violence, self-defense, and pacifism. The overwhelming majority of both Christians (at least in the West) and libertarians are not pacifists, and would at minimum favor a right of retaliatory or defensive force against aggressors. In fact, most libertarians tend to be even stronger advocates of gun ownership and self-defense than the typical conservative. At the same time, many professed pacifists are advocates of gun control, high taxes, and other leftist public policies (which, of course, are always enforced by the state with violence). Despite copious examples from earlier in church history, finding consistent Christian pacifists in the West today is exceedingly rare. The Non-Aggression Principle --- the baseline of all libertarianism --- holds that it is unethical to initiate force against anyone, except in response to an attack on person or property by an aggressor. The Non-Aggression Principle leaves open the door for violent self-defense, so long as one does not initiate an attack. However, libertarianism is not a comprehensive worldview that addresses every ethical situation, and it's possible that the Bible calls Christians to an even higher standard of behavior than what baseline libertarianism would permit. Are Christians ever permitted to use violence, even in self-defense or the defense of others? Should we encourage gun ownership? What about Christians serving in the military or as police officers? Tune in to Episode 3 of The Libertarian Christian Podcast! We'll even cover the type of cliché hypothetical scenarios that anyone involved in this debate can expect to hear in every conversation on the subject; maybe we'll even succeed in 'blowing away' a few of them...

Welcome to the second episode of The Libertarian Christian Podcast, and the first episode in which we'll start to dive into some serious analysis. The mainline marketing gurus advise to ease into things without rocking the boat, so we thought it would be good to jump in with a non-controversial topic, like 'Should civil government even exist?' The liberty movement spans a broad range of thought on this issue, but most libertarians would roughly be classified as either advocates of a very small, limited civil government (minarchy) or advocates of some form of stateless society with no civil government (anarchy). What should libertarians think of this issue, and how does Christian theology come into play? Find out, in Episode 2 of The Libertarian Christian Podcast.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Libertarian Christian Podcast! We at LCI are very enthusiastic about this project. Not only have our supporters been asking for it; it's also a blast for us to record. But most importantly, we hope and expect it to be a valuable resource for the Church to think through our political philosophy and be better equipped for the Lord's work. But before we get into some of the heavy lifting that you'll encounter in later episodes, we thought we'd start off by introducing ourselves to you; it's probably a good idea for you to know what you're getting into (cf. Luke 14:28-30) . So join us as we explore faith, freedom, and talk pretty much exclusively about 'religion and politics.' Resources we discuss in this episode Robert Murphy's Politically Incorrect Guide to Capitalism Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics Ron Paul's Revolution: A Manifesto N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope Greg Boyd's Myth of a Christian Nation Ludwig von Mises Middle-of-the-Road Policy Leads to Socialism