The Libertarian Christian 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.   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  ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ 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.   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 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ 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.   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 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★ Support this podcast ★