Examining Calvinism and Libertarian Beliefs

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Despite being a libertarian, one can find redeeming qualities in Calvinism, especially its anti-utopian nature that could align well in fighting communism. However, the speaker disagrees with the five points of Calvinism, describing a different anthropological frame focused on the dynamic between gods and scapegoats. The speaker sees Calvinism as an extreme form of scapegoating, attributing everything to a higher power's control and ultimate responsibility.

In this conversation recorded live in Miami, Tyler and Peter Thiel dive deep into the complexities of political theology, including why it’s a concept we still need today, why Peter’s against Calvinism (and rationalism), whether the Old Testament should lead us to be woke, why Carl Schmitt is enjoying a resurgence, whether we’re entering a new age of millenarian thought, the one existential risk Peter thinks we’re overlooking, why everyone just muddling through leads to disaster, the role of the katechon, the political vision in Shakespeare, how AI will affect the influence of wordcels, Straussian messages in the Bible, what worries Peter about Miami, and more.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.

Recorded February 21st, 2024.

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