

Ep. 189 David Bentley Hart - Authoritarianism, Artificial Intelligence, and Apokatastasis (the Greek word for universal salvation, or the restoration of all things)
29 snips Jun 11, 2025
David Bentley Hart, a prominent philosopher and theologian, joins to discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the U.S., critiquing its clash with core Christian values. He dives into the moral dilemmas of faith and politics, exploring the dangers of aligning with fascist ideologies. The power of violent rhetoric and misinformation is examined, alongside urgent reflections on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Hart highlights the importance of hope and restoration amid societal grief, weaving in profound literary themes of darkness and light.
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Trump and Fascism
- Donald Trump’s leadership aligns with fascist and even Nazi-style authoritarianism.
- Christians supporting him unknowingly embrace a spirit opposed to Christ’s teachings.
Vaccine Mandates and Public Health
- COVID vaccine mandates are necessary for public health and do not approach fascist oppression levels.
- Rejecting vaccines is both foolish and morally wrong due to community risk.
Fascism’s Scapegoating Mechanism
- Fascism isn't defined by election or style but by ideology and violence against scapegoated groups.
- Migrants are modern scapegoats, suffering unjust imprisonment and cruelty under fascist regimes.