The Libertarian Christian Podcast

Cody Cook joins us once again to delve deep into the complex relationship between Christianity, libertarianism, and the contentious issue of violence and military service. Cody Cook, informed by his Christian anarchist and Anabaptist perspective, presents a critical analysis of various biblical passages often cited in discussions about Christians taking up arms or serving in the military. Cook challenges traditional interpretations of the passage in Luke that suggests Jesus condoned his disciples buying swords, arguing instead for an understanding that aligns with fulfilling specific prophecies rather than advocating for self-defense. Backed by four solid reasons, including historical contexts and Tertullian's insights, Cook makes a compelling case for a nonviolent interpretation of Scripture.The discussion touches on the delicate balance between the Christian impulse for self-protection and the promotion of long-term peace, debating the impact of Romans 13 on the present-day Christian libertarian thought. Cook and Stuart unpack the nuances around the topics of Christian nationalism and the implications of self-defense within a libertarian framework, understanding that these views may diverge within the Christian community.Listeners will also get a glimpse into Cody Cook's literary contributions, including his books "What Belongs to Caesar," "Fight the Powers," and "Christian Nationalism," which provide further reading on these complex subjects and are available for LCI Insiders.The dialogue brings forward the universal question of whether a Christian can reconcile serving as a soldier with their faith, as exemplified by the New Testament figure Cornelius. With a dose of humor and earnest reflection, Doug and Cody invite listeners to reconsider the interpretations that underpin their beliefs regarding violence and nonviolence in the New Testament.Enrich your understanding of how libertarian principles mesh with Christian ethics and join our hosts as they navigate these critical issues with insight, reverence, and a willingness to challenge conventional viewpoints. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Cody Cook is back for a deep dive into the complexities of interpreting Romans 13. Cody challenges traditional readings of these passages, suggesting that the Apostle Paul may have employed irony or even sarcasm when discussing the role of magistrates and the obedience due to them. Are rulers always to be obeyed, and do they consistently execute good? Cody argues otherwise, referencing external literature and historical context to support his claim.Throughout the conversation, both Doug and Cody shed light on the responsibility of Christians to live a non-violent life, fueled by love that overshadows or catalyzes the judgment against oppressive rulers. They explore the nuanced Greek language and bring to the forefront the scholarly perspectives of T.L. Carter, along with thoughts from NT Wright and Michael Bird, suggesting a more ironic take on Paul's words.Listeners will be invited to reconsider what it means to honor the magistrate and reflect on the broader implications of a duty-bound Christian conscience in the face of authority. This is a critical examination of libertarian and potentially anarchist views on governance, questioning if the state is indeed the sole model for societal order.Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this thought-provoking episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, our host Doug Stuart and special guest Cody Cook delve deep into the intricate balance between Christian duty and libertarian principles in the context of taxation. Drawing from the insights from Cody's book, we explore the controversial story in Matthew 17, where Jesus addresses the temple tax and lays the groundwork for a Christian understanding of fiscal obligations.Guided by the Gospel's wisdom, we unpack the statement "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's," and its relevance for libertarian Christians today. Cody Cook challenges the mainstream interpretation of divided allegiance between God and Caesar, arguing that the passage is not inherently contradictory for libertarians. As Jesus adeptly navigates the trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians, we learn the subtleties of non-confrontational tax compliance and the avoidance of unnecessary offense.The duo also tackles broader questions of ownership and property rights, dissecting passages like Psalm 24 and Job 41:11, to contrast divine and human claims. Cody and Doug offer different hermeneutical perspectives, cautioning against simplistic readings and highlighting the historical and economic contexts of the scriptures.This episode includes references to "Render unto Caesar," Psalm 24, Job 41:11, Matthew 17, and Matthew 22:15-22. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

How does the Economic Way of Thinking affect view of human flourishing? Can we really understand what it means for ourselves and our world by only thinking about economics? Russ Roberts joins us to talk about the ways in which economics can and cannot aide in our ability to pursue and achieve human flourishing.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Renowned theologian Michael F. Bird discusses Jesus, politics, and wise governance. Topics include Christian engagement with political authority, Paul's anti-imperial lean, and balancing Christian allegiance with earthly states. Insightful analysis on the relationship between divine authority and human institutions.

Randy England joins us to talk about his book, Free is Beautiful, a tremendous work on the foundations of libertarianism from a biblical and Church history perspective.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart sits down with liturgy scholar Drew Keane to delve into the ancient Christian practice of scripted worship through the lens of the Book of Common Prayer. As a co-editor of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer international edition and coauthor of How to Use the Book of Common Prayer, Keane brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal passion to the discussion.First they discuss liturgy and its role in the Church, examining the conservative nature of language in Christian liturgy, the theological depth found within traditional phrasing, and the transformative power of structured prayer. Keane shares his fascinating journey with the Book of Common Prayer, from his high school days to his extensive doctoral research, revealing the significance of this historical text in guiding public worship and personal devotions.Keane also sheds light on the historical context of the prayer book, dating back to the16th century, and how the 1552 edition brought new demands on laity participation, marked by a call to prayer via church bells.Listen in as Keane explains how the Book of Common Prayer is designed to help individuals humble themselves before God, engage with scripture, and pray expansively, following the scriptural mandates to pray even for one's enemies. We discuss the practical aspects of using the Book of Common Prayer for morning and evening prayer, enabling believers to read through the scriptures annually and expand their spiritual practices.Keane closes with heartfelt encouragement for listeners to discover the benefits of this ancient practice for themselves.Dive into the enduring legacy of the Book of Common Prayer and how it continues to shape faithful lives today. For those interested in exploring this topic further, How to Use the Book of Common Prayer is available through various retailers, including IVP's website and Amazon, and will be coming soon to Logos Bible software. Visit drewkeane.com to learn more about Drew Keane's work.Whether you're looking to understand the basics of liturgical worship or seeking to enrich your current prayer life, this episode offers a compelling guide to integrating the wisdom of The Book of Common Prayer into your spiritual journey.Additional ResourcesDrew Keane's website: https://www.drewkeane.com/ 1662 Book of Common Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/1662-Book-Common-Prayer-International-ebook/dp/B08CQVKPCR/ How to Use the Book of Common Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Use-Book-Common-Prayer/dp/1514007479/Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Libertarians are known for their advocacy of free choice, free association, and free movement. But are there boundaries or limits to this openness? Dr. Jason Brennan of Georgetown University joins us to talk what it means to advocate for global justice, and why it means being open borders and free trade. In the book he makes a rigorous defense for positive-sum interactions because global justice demands it.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart sits down with Domenic Scarcella, author of Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen: Reflections on the Core Social Conflict Revealed by Jesus Christ's Way of the Cross, to dive into the complex relationship between faith, being a good neighbor, and the expectations of citizenship. Scarcella unpacks the provocative themes of his book, crafted to challenge and enrich the reader's spiritual journey in under an hour, making it an ideal companion for devotion or quiet contemplation during Passion Week.Throughout the episode, Scarcella discusses the significant shifts in Christian thought since Constantine’s era, highlighting how these changes have blurred the lines between ecclesiastical loyalty and civic duty. Citing the Good Samaritan parable, he emphasizes Jesus' teachings on the juxtaposition of societal roles and personal empathy, urging a return to the gospel's raw truths over societal impositions.Listeners will engage with Scarcella's critique of modern Christianity's approach to scripture, his advocacy for deep and cognitive consideration of the Bible, and the importance of "insourcing ethics" rather than outsourcing them. His insights into the cognitive empathy presented in biblical narratives, and the competing loyalties faced by believers navigating being a good neighbor against being a good citizen, furnish a thought-provoking discussion.Additional Resources:Amazon (paperback & Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/Good-Neighbor-Bad-Citizen-Reflections/dp/B0CL36FXWS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Barnes&Noble (paperback & Nook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144379266?ean=9798855665802Lulu (paperback): https://www.lulu.com/shop/domenic-scarcella/good-neighbor-bad-citizen/paperback/product-je56729.html?page=1&pageSize=4Domenic's Substack: https://GoodNeighborBadCitizen.substack.comConnect with Domenic on X: https://twitter.com/GoodNeighBadCitConnect with Domenic on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/domenicscarcella/Connect with Domenic on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dom.scarcella/ Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

What explains the wealth of the modern age? Was it capital? Institutions? Slave-holding? Why do some countries seem to have an economic advantage over others? Are the fears of progressives about wealth inequality worth paying attention to? Economist, historian, and prolific author Deirdre McCloskey joins us to talk about the key factor that precipitated the wild success of the modern world.(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)Show Notes:Deirdre's WebsiteBourgeois VirtuesThe Bourgeois DealAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★