144: Is USAID Necessary for Salvation?

Welcome to the Theology & Ethics podcast! In this episode, the KC team revisits comments from Roger Olson regarding the Trump administration’s cutting of USAID, and the dangerous implications therein. Anthony’s article:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theologicalapologetics/2025/07/usaid-politics-and-the-irrationality-of-evangelical-theologians/

Olson’s Article:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2025/07/can-a-real-christian-support-the-shut-down-of-usaid/

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CHAPTERS & TIMECODES

00:00:00-Introduction

00:02:40-The Theological Extremism of the Trump Era

00:05:13-Roger Olson Weighs in on USAID

00:08:11-Implications of Olson’s Phrasing

00:11:14-Tribalism & Determining Salvific Status

00:18:09-Cutting Programs Isn’t a Moral Exercise

00:23:59-USAID Was Deeply Flawed

00:26:43-Ordo Amoris & The Complexity of Foreign Aid

00:32:42-Removing Aid Doesn’t Kill People

00:35:52-The US Can’t Be the World Police

00:41:19-Why Would Someone Make Such A Theological Claim?