The Libertarian Christian Podcast

In this episode, Doug Stuart welcomes professor Art Carden to the show to discuss his book "Leave Me Alone and I'll Make You Rich: How the Bourgeois Deal Enriched the World." Co-authored by author Deidre McCloskey, the book looks at the history of the bourgeoisie and details the economic impact on global wealth. Art picks up on these concepts in his conversation with Doug, explaining in detail topics like "the Bourgeois Deal", "The Great Enrichment," "innovism," and many more. With roots in history, philosophy, economics, politics, culture, etc, this episode truly has something for everyone, so you won't want to miss it. Art Carden is a professor of economics at Samford University's Brock School of Business. He has worked with and contributed to a number of other organizations, including the American Institute for Economic Research, the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, the Beacon Center of Tennessee, the Independent Institute, and the Foundation for Economic Education. He received his PhD from Washington University in Saint Louis. More information can be found in the "additional resources" section below. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 03:15    Writing style analysis 04:55    What does "bourgeois" actually mean?  08:22    The Great Enrichment 10:43    Economic growth and the rule of 70 12:34    What about the poor?  14:49    Global wealth distribution 15:50    What is liberalism? 19:20    Christians for Liberty Network Plug 20:02    Capitalism vs "innovism"  23:02    The finer things in life 28:42    Billionaires and special interests 31:15    Salvation from sin: strategies for preaching the gospel 32:17    What is the "Bourgeois deal" and how does it benefit us? 38:02    Art's upcoming book "Strangers with Candy" Additional Resources: - Leave Me Alone and I'll Make You Rich: How the Bourgeois Deal Enriched the World - https://www.amazon.com/Leave-Alone-Ill-Make-Rich/dp/022673966X  - https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/L/bo61545999.html  - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51941581  - Art's website: https://artcarden.com/  - Follow Art on Twitter: @ArtCarden - More from Art:  -- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=508839  -- https://www.aier.org/people/art-carden/  - Our World In Data Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

Like everyone else, we here at LCI enjoy a good crossover episode. Tune in to this installment of the Libertarian Christian Podcast to hear Doug Stuart talk with Protestant Libertarian Podcast host Alex Bernardo about Christianity, libertarianism, and the relationship between the two. Doug and Alex speak to the fundamental compatibility between Christianity and libertarianism, explaining how they came to be libertarian Christians and what kind of impact that's had on their lives. The two move on to contemporary strategies on how to sell libertarianism to Christians, as well as how to effectively evangelize to libertarians. Whether you're interested in these strategies or want to know more about Doug, critical theory, or the behind-the-scenes of this podcast, tune in today! Alex Bernardo is part of the Christians for Liberty Network and is the host of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast. There, he explores the intersection between protestant Biblical studies and libertarian philosophy, addressing topics related to theology, history, culture, economics, philosophy, and current events from both protestant and libertarian perspectives. More information can be found in the additional resources section below. Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 07:10    Doug's spiritual journey 14:10    The influence of academia 19:16    Doug's libertarian journey 22:18    Joining LCI 24:05    How to name your podcast 25:40    What's the process for picking guests? 32:04    What is the relationship between Christianity and libertarianism? 38:44    Strategies for explaining libertarianism to Christians 40:35    Strategies for evangelizing to libertarians 42:46    Christians for Liberty Network plug 43:35    Freedom Fest and Christianity 47:46    Influential libertarians 50:18    Critical theory (in a nutshell) 57:43    Cultural implications of critical theory Additional Resources: - The Protestant Libertarian Podcast - Follow Alex Bernardo on Twitter: @prolibertypod - Turn Neither to the Right Nor to the Left, by Eric Schansberg - Missional Theology, by John Franke - The Third Temptation, by Austin Rogers Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by the hosts of the Silver Screen Biases podcast, Jeff and Nelson. After explaining their process for picking which movies to cover and how they deal with spoiler alerts, the hosts of SSB move on to discuss a number of fascinating film topics with Doug: what is the difference between film and entertainment? Is there such a thing as a libertarian movie? How has the rise of streaming services impacted cinema and storytelling more broadly? For answers to these questions and many others, tune in to this exciting episode today. In their own podcast, Jeff and Nelson sit down every two weeks to discuss a critically acclaimed movie and the truth claims made within it, as well as to wrestle with their own biases and analyze those of Hollywood. See additional resources if you want more from Silver Screen Biases. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, author Connor Boyack joins Doug Stuart to discuss the latest edition in the well-known Tuttle Twins book line. "The Tuttle Twins Guide to Modern Villains" highlights the nastiest villains throughout recent history, with notable figures including Adolf Hitler, Karl Marx, and Woodrow Wilson. If you're interested in knowing why Connor chose the villains he did or if you just want to know more about the background and writing process of the Tuttle Twins series, this is the episode for you! Connor Boyack is the founder of the Libertas Institute and has authored nearly 40 books, including the Tuttle Twins series, which has sold over 4.5 million copies. Connor graduated from Brigham Young University and has since been named one of Utah’s most politically influential people by The Salt Lake Tribune. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by author Ryan McMaken to discuss his book Breaking Away: The Case for Secession, Radical Decentralization, and Smaller Politics. After exploring the roots and history of secessionist movements, the conversation moves to a more conceptual discussion where Ryan explains the meaning of decentralization, its associated benefits, and alternatives. Doug then asks Ryan to elaborate on the relationship between localism and federalism and how the tension impacts universal rights. Acknowleding the recent relevance of secession, Doug and Ryan turn to practical considerations, rounding out the episode with a discussion on nuclear weapons, national debt, and the potential role of blockchain technology. Ryan McMaken is a senior editor at the Mises Institute and co-hosts the Radio Rothbard podcast. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and master's degree in public policy and international relations from the University of Colorado.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 06:20    Is secession an American or un-American idea? 08:44    What does it mean for the world to be “decentralized?” 10:50    Benefits of decentralization 14:19    Alternatives to secession 17:09    Was the original constitution secessionary? 19:05    Universal rights versus localism 22:13    Localism versus federalism 22:06    The case for secession 29:38    What are the common arguments against secession?  33:06    Christians for Liberty Network plug 33:35    Practical considerations: what about the nukes? 39:00    What happens to the debt?  41:44    Blockchain technology and it’s impact on geopolitical governance   Additional Resources: - https://mises.org/library/breaking-away-case-secession-radical-decentralization-and-smaller-polities  - https://twitter.com/ryanmcmaken Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Doug Stuart speaks with Nilay Saiya, author of The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation. They discuss the two primary ways Christians approach politics and what those errors are. Nilay discusses these approaches in juxtaposition to so-called "Christian Nationalism." He posits a third approach which he believes is aligned with historic Two Kingdoms theology and borrows from Catholic social teaching. He called this approach, Prophetic Witness. Nilay Saiya is assistant professor of public policy and global affairs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research concerns the influence of religion on global politics. He is author of the book Weapon of Peace: How Religious Liberty Combats Terrorism (2018). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 04:19    How is Christian nationalism distinct from Christians having a voice in governance? 05:56    Why can't much political theology cannot be reconciled with the teachings of Christ? 09:53    Is there a proper way to "take America back for God?" 14:00    How does the church see itself? Is it the new (nation) Israel? 15:43    Living as strangers and exiles; Christianism; political detachment 19:43    Two kingdoms theology - kingdom of the world and of the cross 26:46    Third approach: prophetic witness and faithful presence 29:07    The value of Catholic social teaching 29:45    When confusing prophetic witness with political activism (dual citizenship) 32:49    Godless people elected to power and the Christian response 36:37    Do we need elected officials who will listen to Christians? 39:40    Are the Sojourners Christian nationalists but on the left? 42:50    How do we live out the prophetic witness? 44:28    Closing thoughts   Additional Resources: - https://sites.google.com/site/nilayjsaiya/home?authuser=0  - The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation: https://amzn.to/3ZLxLrd  Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this podcast ★

Dr. Calvin Beisner is President of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, a network of Christian theologians, natural scientists, economists, and other scholars educating for Biblical earth stewardship, economic development for the poor, and the proclamation and defense of the good news of salvation by God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00    Introduction 01:15    Who is Dr. Cal Beisner and what is the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation? 07:52    How combative was the correction of the dominion mandate? 11:50    The "green" study bible 13:05    Human centered approach to the environment 22:15    The conflict of goals between environmentalists and the poor 29:07    Kuznitz curve 31:33    If we could advise those who are negligent about the environment, what would we say? 37:47    Is there a cost of doing nothing? 44:20    Closing thoughts   Additional Resources: - https://cornwallalliance.org/  - https://www.facebook.com/CornwallAlliance  - https://reformedlibertarians.com/episode/climate-alarmism-cornwall-alliance/    Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com  ★ Support this 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 ★