The Libertarian Christian Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special holiday episode of the Libertarian Christian Podcast, host Doug Stuart is joined by guests Cody Cook and Alex Bernardo to discuss the must-read books to add to your shopping list this season. Whether you're looking for fiction, theology, or social commentary, we’ve got you covered!

Doug's Selections:

• Faithful Politics, by Miranda Zapor Cruz
• Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor, by Yossi Klein Halevi
• The Ferryman, by Justin Cronin
• Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia

Cody's Selections:

• By Water: The Felix Manz Story, by Jason Landsel, Sankha Banerjee, et al
• Losing Our Religion, by Russell Moore
• How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi (not recommended)
• The End of Race Politics, by Coleman Hughes
• Hutterite Confession of Faith, by Peter Riedemann
• Sin and Its Remedy in Paul, edited by Nijay Gupta & John K. Goodrich
• Paul and the Language of Faith, by Nijay Gupta

Alex's Selections:

• Jesus and his Promised Second Coming, by Tucker Ferda
• The Ethics of Money Production, by Guido Hülsmann
• A Theory of Capitalism and Socialism, by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

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Doug Stuart chats with Aaron Day, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, advisor, author, and political activist with nearly three decades of experience across various cutting-edge sectors. Aaron, who is a fellow at the Brownstone Institute and Chairman/CEO of the Daylight Freedom Foundation, shares his journey through the liberty movement and his experiences that shaped his critical stance on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

Aaron details three pivotal radicalizations in his life, starting with his exposure to the crony nature of venture capital, the devastating impact of government regulations on his healthcare company, and his involvement with the Free State Project that led him towards cryptocurrency and blockchain as tools for resisting centralized control.

The discussion takes a deep dive into the current threat posed by CBDCs, how they could usher in a global social credit system, and limit financial competition. Aaron warns of the erosion of freedoms through increased financial surveillance and control, advocating for the use of alternative currencies like cryptocurrency, gold, and silver to maintain financial sovereignty. He emphasizes a DIY approach to financial independence, discussing practical steps in adopting cryptocurrencies and gold-backed debit cards.

The episode also explores the problematic nature of venture capitalism, revealing its reliance on taxpayer money and political connections, which Aaron argues distorts true capitalist ideals. He scrutinizes the current financial regulatory system, highlighting how it restricts investment opportunities to the wealthy and protects established interests.

Aaron also touches on the concept of a single global currency backed by energy credits, linking it to broader trends in financial control and environmental agendas. His analysis offers a sobering view on the future of financial systems and the critical need for vigilance and noncompliance.

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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 Weissmuller
• Alex's interview with Jeremy Kauffman

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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.