The Sean McDowell Show Why Christians Should NOT be Leftists
Jan 3, 2026
Scott Rae, a theologian and ethicist, critiques the arguments in Philip Christman's book on leftism and Christianity. They explore the distinctions between leftism and liberalism, praising the book's focus on caring for the poor and critiquing consumerism. Scott debates whether leftism aligns with biblical values, defending concepts like private property and markets while warning against equating employment with enslavement. The conversation highlights the complexity of political beliefs in relation to faith, emphasizing a need for clarity in a polarized society.
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Leftism Defined Broadly
- Leftism, as defined here, seeks to dismantle market institutions and replace them with common ownership or heavy taxation.
- Sean McDowell and Scott Rae emphasize that leftism in the book is farther left than mainstream Democratic politics.
Politics Is A Moral Enterprise
- The authors agree politics is morality practiced by more than one person and must aim to love our neighbor.
- They stress biblical mandates like caring for the poor and resisting unchecked consumerism.
Author's Political Conversion Story
- Philip Christman's political shift began after reading the Sermon on the Mount and reacting against his fundamentalist upbringing.
- Key events like the 2008 crash and reactions to Obama and Trump accelerated his move leftward.