The Libertarian Christian Podcast

Peter Rollo, founder of Rival Nations, dives into the intersection of faith and politics. He shares his transformative theological journey and the mission behind his website. The discussion explores 'Two-Kingdom Theology' and the complexities of Romans 13, scrutinizing Christian loyalty versus national identity. Rollo emphasizes baptism’s political significance as a declaration of faith and reflects on American citizenship's challenges. Through provocative insights, he invites listeners to reconsider their allegiances as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

Doug Stuart sits down with guests Norman Horn and Cody Cook to delve into one of the most complex and nuanced discussions facing the modern church—whether undocumented immigrants can biblically serve as elders.Cody Cook explains how Christian theology provides a balanced view, acknowledging legitimate functions of government while urging respect for authority within reasonable boundaries, much like Apostle Paul's approach.Pivoting to the specific issue of church leadership, Doug Stuart explores the criteria for evaluating pastoral candidates. Should undocumented status automatically disqualify someone, or does the context and community's understanding of the individual's circumstances matter more? Doug advocates for a nuanced approach that values wisdom and moral evaluation over rigid legality.Norman Horn emphasizes that decisions regarding church discipline and leadership must involve the community. He insists that wise elders, with the support and awareness of the congregation, should navigate these complex issues. The discussion broadens to encompass the church’s role in making decisions amidst uneasy societal frameworks. The speakers propose that even when laws appear unjust, decisions must align with a faithful interpretation of scripture and involve comprehensive community input. They reflect on practical scriptural interpretations, urging congregations not to adopt superficial readings but to seek genuine understanding and unity.The episode further traverses the intricacies of church governance, reflecting on different models from elder-led structures to other forms practiced in various denominations. The conversation acknowledges the historical context, drawing parallels to Dietrich Bonhoeffer and underground churches, suggesting practical solutions like lay leadership to navigate legal and ethical challenges.Disclaimer: The Libertarian Christian Institute does not provide legal advice. The discussion focuses on ethical and religious perspectives and aims to offer thoughtful considerations for congregational decision-making.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Covering from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this gathering under the banner "Rescue the Republic," brought together a remarkable coalition of individuals united by a common concern for the future of America.Doug Stuart, Jacob Winograd, and Matthew Bellis had the privilege of being on the ground to capture the electrifying atmosphere and engaging conversations.The event, orchestrated by founders Angela McArdle, Bret Weinstein, and Matt Tune, was a confluence of diverse voices including rock stars, comedians, actors, philosophers, and politicians from different backgrounds and political affiliations—Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents.Key figures like Russell Brand, John Cooper, Pete Parada, and Matt Taibbi shared their perspectives on issues ranging from civil liberties and freedom of speech to the impact of big tech and government transparency. A surprising thread woven throughout the rally was a focus on faith in God, highlighting a unique blend of social and spiritual concerns.In this episode, you'll hear powerful testimonials from attendees who traveled from afar to express their hopes and fears concerning the republic.We'll also delve into the complexities of unity among such varied ideologies and explore the critical question at hand: Should Christians be actively involved in political endeavors to preserve the republic?Join us as we reflect on the day's events, the inspiring messages from multiple stages, and the poignant interviews that echo the urgency of our times.Watch cut version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XnY1du1Y4A8Watch uncut version on Rumble: https://rumble.com/v5hjywl-uncut-should-christians-help-rescue-the-republic.htmlView full interviews here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcrgOPKyFx3afC56ZQRiqfZrCHAr9Mmhd ★ Support this podcast ★

Kurt Willems of the Theology Curator podcast joins us to talk about why Jesus was political, how Jesus did politics, and how the church today can follow in the footsteps of Jesus when living publicly. Kurt also gives us his feedback on LCI’s latest book, Faith Seeking Freedom.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart is joined by Amy Peeler, Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College and Associate Rector at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, to delve into the rich and diverse perspectives of The New Testament in Color. This multi-ethnic Bible commentary, co-edited by Peeler, aims to encompass the voices and interpretations of a diverse group of contributors who bring their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds to the forefront of biblical exegesis.Peeler discusses the origins of the project, inspired by Esau McCauley's Reading While Black, and the collaborative process that made this inclusive volume possible. The episode explores the necessity and value of incorporating diverse perspectives in theological study, emphasizing how different cultural backgrounds can reveal unique insights that enhance our understanding of scripture.Doug and Amy also touch on the impact of one's lived experiences on scriptural interpretation, drawing analogies to multi-ethnic Bible studies and the importance of community and inclusivity in Christian faith. Amy shares her reflections on her academic work, including her dissertation on Hebrews and her book Women and the Gender of God, while also addressing the broader implications of ethnic diversity within church communities.Tune in as our speakers navigate the challenges and rewards of multi-ethnic collaboration in biblical commentary, the essence of maintaining scriptural authority, and the ongoing effort to foster unity within the church by embracing ethnic differences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and community.Key topics discussed:The genesis and goals of "The New Testament in Color"The importance of diverse perspectives in biblical interpretationReflections on Amy Peeler's academic work and its contribution to the projectChallenges and successes in creating a multi-ethnic commentaryThe role of inclusivity and community within the Christian faith.Join Doug Stuart and Amy Peeler for a profound discussion that seeks to expand the horizons of biblical understanding and encourage an inclusive approach to faith and theology.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Host Doug Stuart sits down with Miranda Zapor Cruz, a distinguished Professor of Historical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, to explore the intricate relationship between faith and politics. Miranda's new book, Faithful Politics: 10 Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters, lays the groundwork for a comprehensive discussion on how Christians can navigate their dual citizenship—as citizens of the Kingdom of God and participants in earthly political systems.Miranda articulates the historical and theological roots of various Christian political approaches, from the Social Gospel's left-leaning ambitions to Calvinist dominionist principles. The conversation also touches on the nuanced concepts of principled pluralism, separationist approaches, and the implications of defining Christian nationalism too broadly.Listeners will gain insightful perspectives on how different Christian traditions engage with political responsibilities—whether through fervent societal transformation or steadfast separation. Miranda also brings a global lens to the discussion, comparing American Christians' relative ease of practice with the severe challenges faced by believers in oppressive regimes.Join us for an engaging episode that not only critiques contemporary political discourse but also provides a pathway for Christians to think critically and faithfully about their political involvement. Don’t miss Miranda's thoughtful reflections on the importance of scripture's holistic narrative for guiding political engagement and the nuanced definitions of freedom in the Kingdom of God versus the United States.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.Acknowledging 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.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart is joined by guests Alex Bernardo and Cody Cook for an engaging conversation that spans the spectrum of libertarian electoral strategies, internal divides within the movement, and how libertarians can effectively communicate their message to diverse audiences.Alex Bernardo elucidates the reasoning behind libertarian support for specific candidates, drawing attention to the significance of state electoral votes and strategic voting. Using Kentucky as an example, he discusses why a vote for Thomas Massie may be more impactful than a throwaway presidential vote. He also touches on the potential of third-party candidates to reshape the political landscape. Drawing from Apostle Paul's approach to evangelism, Alex underscores the necessity of tailoring libertarian messaging to different groups. Cody Cook weighs in on the concept of voting for the "least painful" candidate and voices concerns about focusing too narrowly on individual platform aspects. The dialogue explores "respectability politics" and the importance of libertarians maintaining respectful yet substantive conversations across splits within the movement.A notable segment of the episode includes a discussion about Alex inviting Zach Weisszmuller and Jeremy Kaufman to voice their perspectives on the Mises Caucus and the broader libertarian movement. Alex and Cody engage in a candid back-and-forth about political, stylistic, and strategic differences, as well as the cultural divide.Race and ideology also come under the microscope, with Alex reading from Hans Hermann Hoppe to highlight right-libertarian views on egalitarianism versus left-libertarian policy focuses. Cody fears the implications of self-segregation and advocates for a color-blind philosophy rooted in individuality.This conversation covers contentious issues like open borders, the potential for the libertarian movement to align with traditional conservative figures, and the perils of anti-intellectual populism. The episode examines both radical and mainstream outreach strategies, analyzing their effectiveness in growing the libertarian base.Show Notes:Alex's interview with Zach WeissmullerAlex's interview with Jeremy Kauffman 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 approach 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.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart sits down with Jim Babka to dissect the allure of populist rhetoric and its impact on modern politics. The discussion covers Project 2025, a comprehensive policy document by the Heritage Foundation, and the misconceptions surrounding its recommendations. Listeners will gain insight into Jim Babka's extensive work, including his roles at Downsized DC, the Zero Aggression Project, and his podcast "Gracearchy with Jim Babka." The episode also touches on pressing issues such as the national debt, economic realities, and the often sensationalized conflict perpetuated by the political industrial complex. Jim shares his skepticism towards certain political claims and emphasizes the importance of economic over social issues in political discourse.They explore how figures like Trump and Obama have harnessed populist appeal, contrasting their legacies with those of Romney, Clinton, McCain, and Biden. Jim and Doug delve into the phenomenon of undecided voters, pondering the psychological and social factors that drive individuals to switch their political affiliations. From the impact of spin and tribal identification to the emotional investment and loss of individuality in aligning with political parties, the conversation sheds light on the complexities of voter behavior.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★