The Libertarian Christian 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 ★

In this episode, Doug gives us a glimpse of our sister podcast, Faith Seeking Freedom. This podcast is part of the Christians for Liberty Network and also the companion podcast to our book, Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions. LCI Founder, Dr. Norman Horn, is the host of the FSF podcast, and he answers some common questions we get about the differences between libertarianism and conservativism, progressivism, and liberalism. Check it out, and tell us what you think.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00      Introduction 02:36      How libertarianism is different from conservativism 05:49      How libertarianism is different from progressivism 09:52      How libertarianism is different from liberalism   Resources Mentioned: Christians for Liberty Network: christiansforliberty.net Faith Seeking Freedom Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/faith-seeking-freedom-podcast/   Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

A literal fireside chat with Doug Stuart, Norman Horn, Jacob Winograd, and Matthew "I'm on fire!" Bellis. How the guys were influenced by popular personalities. How Jacob was converted to the Mises Caucus from "the left". Is democracy really all that bad? What is nationalism? Listen in as the guys let loose and catch fire... literally! Audio Production by Podsworth Media. ★ Support this podcast ★

Standing in for Doug Stuart is LCI's founder, Dr. Norman Horn. With him today is professor David Rose from the University of Missouri. Dave Rose is a Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He has served as the Department Director of Graduate Studies and as the Department Chair. He received his Ph.D. in Economics in 1987 from the University of Virginia. His primary areas of research interest are behavioral economics, political economy, and organization theory. He has published scholarly articles in a wide range of areas. His work has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the HFL Foundation, the Earhart Foundation, and the John R. Templeton Foundation. He is currently in his second term on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. In 2008 he received the St. Louis Business Journal’s Economic Educator of the year award. You might have heard of ESGs (environmental social governance) from various climate change advocates. David Rose helps us understand what ESGs are and their relationship to stakeholder theory. Rose then contrasts the practice of ESGs (including their historical precedence) with business ethics illustrating for us some inherent problems. Rose explains the social benefits of maximizing profit, why this is a net good for society, and it proves to be a boon philanthropically. Another problem Rose highlights is in business ethics itself. Not only are few university students taking this course, but people who should not be in the position are the ones teaching the subject. (No surprise!) This episode is a great introduction to the topic of environmental social governance and why we should pay attention to these practices.   Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Environmental Social Governance - what is it? 04:43 History of "corporate responsibility" (stakeholder's theory) compared to ESG - how did we get here? 08:33 The evolution of business ethics and current problems 13:41 Is a business firm a moral agent? The personification problem; The evolutionary theory of firms 19:10 Why ESG proves to be a profound problem on the social effect of business firms 20:45 The effect of ESGs on pension funds 24:25 Why does the firm need to be philanthropic when people can do that on their own? (demonizing profit) 30:19 The "decades of greed" correlate with the most philanthropic time in American history; How can we understand that ESG will harm this? 35:17 There's no virtue in spending someone else's money 37:48 Profit is a signal you've served someone else well 39:27 Practical advice to build awareness for ESG and problems in society 41:48 Concluding thoughts   Resources Mentioned: Common Sense Society https://www.commonsensesociety.org Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★