The Libertarian Christian Podcast

Doug Stuart welcomes Alex Bernardo—host of The Protestant Libertarian Podcast—to unpack his book-in-progress on politics, economics, and New Testament interpretation. Alex argues that modern readers (and many New Testament scholars) import post-Enlightenment categories—“politics,” capitalism, socialism—into the first century and then draw conclusions the biblical writers never intended. His remedy starts before exegesis: nail down stable definitions and widen “politics” beyond elections to how humans relate, wield authority, and organize life together.They zero in on Luke–Acts. From Caesar’s census pushing Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to Paul proclaiming the kingdom “unhindered” in Rome, Luke traces the reign of the crucified, risen, and ascended Son of David. In that frame, the Gospel is unavoidably political—not because it tells you how to vote, but because Jesus already reigns. The early church engages authorities without revolutionary violence, trusting the Spirit’s power while keeping allegiance to Christ above every rival.Bernardo outlines his method-first opening: concrete definitions of capitalism and socialism; a spectrum framed by liberty versus authority and violence versus nonviolence; and the needed context of Greco-Roman and Second Temple Jewish history. He previews work-by-work studies—Acts 2 and 4 on sharing, the rich young ruler, the widow’s mites, Romans 13, and 1 Peter 2—and explains why academic readings often lean left: institutional incentives, limited engagement with primary economic sources, and reliance on secondhand caricatures of economists and traditions (e.g., Hayek, the Austrians). The conversation ranges into theology too: recovering Jesus’s concrete Davidic kingship, refusing to sever messianic identity from divine ontology, and practicing interpretive humility that lets the text correct us. Expect a big, careful book (roughly 450–500 pages) that raises the bar for Christians who care about Scripture, history, economics, and real-world power—and a discussion that resists anachronism while inviting principled, peaceable political discipleship today.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Cody Cook welcomes to the show John Roth, a scholar of the Radical Reformation and former editor of the Mennonite Quarterly Review. John and Cody explore the enduring relevance of Anabaptism at its 500th anniversary, focusing on its emphases on community, nonviolence, decentralization, and stewardship. Roth also discusses the Anabaptist Community Bible, a unique project blending scholarly insights, historical voices, and lay reflections, inviting readers into a communal hermeneutic. The conversation delves into Anabaptist distinctives—like love for neighbor and rejection of coercive power. Roth also shares the inspiring story of Elsie Baumgartner, an early Anabaptist who cited Psalm 24:1 to challenge national borders, reflecting a theology of God’s universal sovereignty. With humor and depth, they navigate the Anabaptist Community Bible's hermeneutical diversity, its artistic elements, and its call to participatory faith. Available at mennomedia.org or Amazon, this Bible offers a fresh lens for Christians seeking a decentralized, diverse, and Spirit-receptive approach to scripture.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart welcomes back James Whitford, founder of Watered Gardens and the True Charity Initiative, for an in-depth discussion on his new book, The Crisis of Dependency: How Our Efforts to Solve Poverty Are Trapping People in It, and What We Can Do to Foster Freedom Instead. James shares the journey from launching a small local ministry in Joplin, Missouri, to spearheading a national movement focused on transforming how we address poverty.Diving into the roots of toxic charity and the pitfalls of well-intended handouts, James explains how our charitable efforts often create cycles of dependency—rather than empowering those in need. He unpacks the principles of true charity: it should be privately funded, outcome-driven, and challenge-oriented, always respecting the dignity and agency of every individual.Doug and James also explore practical steps for compassionate, effective giving, the important role of relationships in overcoming poverty, and how churches and organizations can shift from relief-based to empowerment-based ministry. With references to Frédéric Bastiat, John Stuart Mill, and powerful personal anecdotes, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what it means to truly help—and to foster real freedom in their communities.Crisis of Dependency Book Description:Millions in the U.S. are trapped in cycles of poverty due to well-meaning but misguided charitable models. In The Crisis of Dependency, James Whitford, Founder of Watered Gardens Ministries, shares how our compassion often perpetuates the very problems we aim to solve. Through personal stories, firsthand experience, and research, he reveals that handouts offer temporary relief but deepen dependency.James has worked for decades with those struggling with homelessness and poverty and after a brief stint of living on the streets, he recognized that what most people in poverty need isn’t material aid alone, but a path to self-sufficiency. Inspired by thought leaders like Marvin Olasky and Robert D. Lupton, and drawing from his own ministry, Whitford reimagined charity as one that restores dignity through relationship and accountability. His work has transformed lives by helping individuals build the skills and mindset needed for long-term success.This book offers a blueprint for those who want to move beyond transactional charity. James invites readers to embrace approaches that challenge the status quo and cultivate meaningful, sustainable change in communities.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Dive into the fiery world of free speech in this episode featuring Connor Murnane, Campus Advocacy Chief of Staff at FIRE (the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression). Once focused solely on college campuses, FIRE expanded its mission in 2022 to champion free speech nationwide, tackling issues from K-12 book bans to citizen journalists’ rights. Murnane recounts iconic cases like the “Water Buffalo” incident and a student’s fight to distribute pocket Constitutions, exposing the absurdity of restrictive speech codes. Despite progress in campus policies, a troubling rise in student support for shout-downs and violence signals a cultural battle ahead. FIRE’s nonpartisan stance navigates a polarized landscape, defending everyone from Trump supporters to Satanists while facing accusations of bias. With new books like The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail arming readers against anti-speech arguments, FIRE remains a beacon for liberty. Tune in to uncover why free speech is the bedrock of a free society—and what’s at stake if we lose it.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Wilk Wilkinson, host of Derate the Hate and Director of Media Systems and Operations at Braver Angels, joins host Cody Cook to talk about our polarized political climate and how to rise above it. Braver Angels is a cross-partisan grassroots movement that strives to bridge toxic partisan divides through civil dialogue and civic renewal. Wilkinson shares his journey from a “toxic keyboard warrior” to advocating for depolarized conversations, emphasizing that dialogue doesn’t mean compromising core beliefs—like a libertarian’s stance against state violence—but fosters understanding. Can you engage neo-Nazis or Klansmen? Wilkinson, friends with de-radicalization expert Daryl Davis, insists even the darkest minds can teach us something, preventing downstream harm. While fear-driven memes grab clicks, Braver Angels’ love-based approach, though more challenging to scale, builds trust over outrage. Wilkinson’s Derate the Hate podcast and BraverAngels.org invite you to join this patriotic movement to heal divides.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart sits down with Jordan Bush—missionary, author, and Bitcoin advocate—for a deep dive into the intersections of sound money, faith, and global impact. Jordan shares his firsthand experiences as a missionary witnessing the economic collapse in Venezuela, which opened his eyes to the human cost of currency debasement and the urgent need for financial alternatives. Together, they unpack core questions around what makes Bitcoin "sound money," why its scarcity matters, and how it’s being adopted by missionaries and nonprofits in challenging environments worldwide.Jordan explains why Bitcoin has a unique value proposition for Christians and liberty-minded individuals, making the moral and theological case for decentralized currency. The conversation weaves stories of hardship, hope, and practical tips for approaching Bitcoin—not as financial advice, but as an exploration of conviction and stewardship. Whether you're skeptical about digital currency, curious about its real-world uses, or already a believer, this episode sheds light on Bitcoin’s potential to transform lives and societies.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Stephan Kinsella was our guest to talk about "intellectual property," the concept that an individual's ideas belong to them and should be protected from free use by others through law. Stephan is a patent attorney and libertarian writer in Houston whose book Against Intellectual Property is the seminal work on this subject. We discussed why intellectual property is not really property, why it places an undue burden on society, and how it inhibits the free exchange of culture and ideas.Stephan can be found at www.stephankinsella.com, at the Center for the Study of Innovative Freedom, and on X/Twitter @NSKinsellaResources mentioned in this episode:Stephan Kinsella’s book, Against Intellectual Property – on Amazon and Free from the Mises InstituteStephan’s Soho forum debate, Abolish Copyrights and Patents?RiP: A Remix Manifesto – Amazon Video and Free on YouTubeRichard Stallman’s book, Free Software, Free SocietyAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart welcomes Elizabeth Nolan Brown—senior editor at Reason, author of the bi-weekly Sex and Tech newsletter, co-founder of Feminists for Liberty, and adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Together, they dive deep into the "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) movement, exploring its roots, cultural evolution, and increasing intersection with politics—particularly within libertarian and right-leaning circles.Doug and Liz discuss the personal journeys that led them to think more critically about health, food, and nutrition, and how public perceptions of "crunchy" or alternative health lifestyles have shifted across the political spectrum. The conversation touches on the elitism sometimes present in health movements, the pros and cons of government regulation (like banning food dyes or mandating certain foods), and how much of the MAHA movement aligns—or clashes—with libertarian ideals of personal responsibility, choice, and skepticism of state authority.With humorous anecdotes about picky eating, parenting, and label reading, as well as a lightning round on healthy habits and guilty pleasures, this episode offers a balanced, insightful, and fun look at the current state of American health culture—and why it matters for libertarians and non-libertarians alike.Whether you're health-curious, politically engaged, or simply enjoy smart, lively conversation, this episode is a must-listen!Show Notes:Read Trad Wives and Tallow Fries: How the Wellness Wars Flipped Health and Food Politics Upside DownWatch From Big Gulps to Raw Milk: The Rise of MAHAAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us on the Libertarian Christian Podcast for a compelling conversation with Adam B. Coleman, author of The Children We Left Behind and founder of Wrong Speak Publishing. In this episode, Adam dives deep into the societal impacts of family separation, exploring how fatherlessness, homelessness, and childhood trauma turn into issues like drug addiction and crime. With raw honesty, he shares his personal journey through fatherlessness and poverty, revealing how these experiences influenced his faith, parenting, and perspective on personal responsibility. Adam challenges the narrative around single motherhood, discusses the pitfalls of victimhood, and offers practical advice for young people navigating relationships and family planning. From his critique of how some Christians understand "spare the rod, spoil the child" to his transformative insights on forgiveness and faith, this episode is a thought-provoking blend of social commentary and spiritual reflection. Don’t miss Adam’s powerful story of breaking cycles and finding purpose.Find Adam's books, Black Victim to Black Victor and The Children We Left Behind, at wrongspeak.net or Amazon, and be sure to follow him on Twitter @wrong_speak!Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★

Nick Gillespie joins Doug Stuart to trace his path from Catholic kid in an immigrant family to a postmodern libertarian—and why that journey made him bullish on freedom of movement and a more “mongrel” America. We talk through the Ellis Island frame for sane, humane immigration, why “build a wall around the welfare state” is the sharper rejoinder, and how Catholic parish life (and Roger Williams) shaped Nick’s instinct for pluralism and tolerance.We also unpack what he means by “postmodern libertarianism” in plain terms: be humble about what we can know, be wary of top-down fixes, and trust bottom-up problem-solving. Hayek meets Foucault without the jargon. From there we hit the “paradox of choice” debate (yes, 45 deodorants can be a feature), how pop culture shapes the way people find meaning, and where the liberty movement is actually headed right now.In this episode:Immigration as freedom to move and belongEllis Island as a practical path to legal, open channels“Wall off the welfare state,” not the countryCatholic roots, Roger Williams, and the case for pluralismPostmodern libertarianism without the buzzwordsChoice vs. control, and learning to satisficeThe current liberty landscape: what’s breaking, what’s buildingShow Notes:Find Nick on ReasonAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com Use code LCI50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings and also support LCI!Full Podsworth Ad Read BEFORE & AFTER processing:https://youtu.be/vbsOEODpQGs  ★ Support this podcast ★