The Protestant Libertarian Podcast

Ep 278: Paul and the Resurrection of Israel with Jason Staples

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Jason Staples about his book Paul and the Resurrection of Israel, in which he argues that the resurrection of Israel is a major motif in Paul’s thinking. Staples explains how the resurrection of Israel is based on the prophetic hope, rooted in passages like Ezekiel 37, that God would rescue and restore Israel based on His covenantal promises to them. He demonstrates that there is a distinction between “Israel” and “the Jews” in the Bible, and that God’s promises to restore all of Israel must go beyond the descendants of the southern kingdom. Ephraim, the northern kingdom, had effectively been dissolved into the nations, and Paul’s mission to the Gentiles is a fulfillment of the promise to restore Israel. Staples dives headfirst into Romans 2 and 9-11, showing how in passage after passage Paul believes the restoration is being accomplished through faith in Israel’s Messiah Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which enables those who are a part of Abraham’s family to obey God. In Romans 9-11, Paul describes the plight of Israel in great detail, demonstrating through detailed interpretation of key Old Testament passages how the remnant of Israel will in fact be saved on the final day and how the incorporation of Gentiles into God’s people through faith and the Spirit is a fulfillment of God’s promises. We then finally explore the contemporary application of Staple’s insight for modern Christian theology.

Media Referenced:

Paul and the Resurrection of Israel: https://a.co/d/00Y25mXY

Jason Staples Website: https://www.jasonstaples.com/

Jason Staples on X: @jasonstaples

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and YouTube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show’s profile! Thanks!

Ep 277: Freedom from Worry (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This Theology Thursday episode of The Protestant Libertarian Podcast features a recording of a sermon I preached on Sunday, June 21, on Jesus' teaching about worry in Matthew 6:25–34. While Jesus famously commands His followers not to worry, this passage raises important questions: Does Scripture prohibit all forms of concern, and how should Christians reconcile Jesus' words with the Bible's many commands to work diligently and provide for ourselves and our families? In this sermon, I argue that Jesus' teaching can only be properly understood within the larger context of the Sermon on the Mount and His announcement that the Kingdom of God has arrived. Rather than condemning responsible planning, Jesus exposes the misplaced priorities and false securities that often lie behind our anxiety, especially our tendency to trust wealth, status, politics, or other good gifts more than God Himself. Looking at passages such as Matthew 6, 1 Timothy 6, Romans 8, and the example of the early church, I argue that the antidote to worry is not wishful thinking but confidence in God's kingdom, which has been inaugurated through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ and will one day be fully consummated. As citizens of that kingdom, we are called to seek first God's reign, examine the priorities that shape our lives, and live with the hope that God will ultimately vindicate His people and make all things new. The sermon concludes with three practical applications for learning to live free from worry by placing Christ's kingdom above every earthly concern.

Media Referenced:

Patience Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-174-patience-and-the-fruits-of-the-spirit-sunday-sermon/

Faith Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-163-faith-and-the-fruits-of-the-spirit-sunday-sermon/

Ephesians Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-144-ephesians-and-the-church-sunday-sermon/

Revelation Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-136-the-book-of-revelation-sunday-sermon/

Ep 276: Paul and the Corinthians with Paul Duff

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Paul Duff, professor emeritus in the department of world religions at George Washington University and the author of the brand-new book Paul and the Corinthians: Reconstructing the Relationship and the Letters, out now on Eerdmans. In this book Dr. Duff explores 1 and 2 Corinthians , the divisions which plagued the church, and Paul’s complicated relationship with his Corinthian congregation. We talk about the theory that 2 Corinthians is a collection of several small letters Paul sent to Corinth, Paul’s identity and travels, and the city of Corinth. Duff explains the rocky relationship Paul had with his Corinthian congregation and the various issues he addresses in 1-2 Corinthians. We talk about the divisions which plagued the church (1 Cor. 1-4), issues of sex, celibacy, and marriage (1 Cor. 5-7), eating meat sacrificed to idols (1 Cor. 8-10), the collection for Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1-4, 2 Cor. 8-9), and Paul’s defense of his ministry (2 Cor 2-7, 10-13). We conclude by discussing the relevance of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians for the church today.

Media Referenced:

Paul and the Corinthians: https://a.co/d/0cmDcKKB

Jesus Followers in the Roman Empire: https://a.co/d/0aQ8zIZS

Ep 275: The Kentucky-4 Congressional Race with Jeremy Todd

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Jeremy Todd, the Libertarian candidate for Congress in Kentucky’s 4th district. Todd talks about his decision to run, his opponent and the GOP establishment, and his campaign. Todd believes that Massie represented a principled, America-first agenda and that foreign lobbyists bought his seat in Kentucky. He explains how the GOP candidate Ed Gallrein is a political opportunist who doesn’t care about the people of KY-4 and why he would not represent us in Congress. Todd argues that Massie was right about never-ending debt, government spending, and the warfare state, and would spend his time in Washington trying to restore fiscal sanity and a truly America-first foreign policy. He would also fight against government surveillance, CBDCs, and the proliferation of data centers which will be weaponized against the American people. Support his campaign by following the links below:

Media Referenced:

Support Jeremy Todd: https://jeremy-todd.com/

Follow Jeremy on X: @Jtodd601

Ep 274: Loving LGBTQ Neighbors While Holding a Traditional Sexual Ethic with Tony Scarcello

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Tony Scarcello about his brand-new book Love All Our Neighbors, where he explores how churches can faithfully hold to a traditional Christian sexual ethic while genuinely loving and ministering to LGBTQ people. Tony discusses the tension many Christians feel in this conversation, the ways the church has often failed LGBTQ individuals, and why many people leave not because of doctrine but because of their experiences. He explains why the perceived conflict between truth and love is a false dichotomy, offers a positive theological vision of the traditional sexual ethic rooted in creation and the gospel, and provides practical guidance for how churches and individuals can better reflect the heart of Jesus. We also discuss the dangers of purity culture, how pastors and laypeople alike can build positive relationships with LGBTQ neighbors, and why this is important to the witness and mission of the church.

Media Referenced:

Love All Our Neighbors: https://a.co/d/0glpvxhz

Red Hills Church: https://www.redhills.church/staff

Ep 273: An Introduction to Sanctification

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I offer an introduction to the doctrine of sanctification. I explore how the language of sanctification is related to holiness-language, and that ‘holiness’ primarily denotes a state of being set apart for a particular purpose and is the Greek behind the NASB’s ‘saints’. I explore how holiness is related to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament by exploring Ephesians 1, then demonstrate that the Spirit was promised in the Old Testament in passages like Ezekiel 36 and Joel 2 (tracing their lineage back to Deuteronomy 30 and complimented by Jeremiah 31) which prophecy that in the eschatological era God will establish a faithful people by giving them the Holy Spirit, a promise which is fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2. We then explore how sanctification works in two Pauline passages, Romans 6:19-22 (and by extension Romans 8) and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, both of which use the language of sanctification as it relates to the presences of God’s Spirit and the obedient moral transformation it effects. Sanctification is, then, the process of becoming in practice what God has declared His people to be at their justification, namely, holy. If we are holy, we cast off sin and cultivate obedience through the power of the Spirit, living into our holy identity, which is the process of sanctification. Sanctification is a life-long process which God will complete for us in the resurrection and allows us to overcome the degenerative power of sin and death in the present.

Media Referenced:

Overcoming Sin Through the Spirit: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-267-overcoming-sin-through-the-spirit/

Ephesians 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

The Active and Passive Wrath of God: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-270-the-active-and-passive-wrath-of-god-romans-1-and-6/

Ep 272: The Apocalyptic Worldview of Ancient Judaism and Christianity with John J. Collins

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation Emeritus at Yale University and the world’s leading scholar of apocalypticism and apocalyptic literature, about his brand-new book Apocalypticism as a Worldview in Ancient Judaism, out June 25, 2026 on Eerdmans. Dr. Collins discusses his career and life-long interest in apocalypticism and his role in formulating the standard definition of apocalyptic literature. He explains how ‘apocalyptic’ should only be used as an adjective and why the noun ‘apocalypticism’, denoting a worldview of related concepts, is more appropriate. When then discuss how apocalypticism works in ancient Judaism and its primary characteristics, including a view of history which offers a hope beyond ‘the end’, the use of myths and symbolism to communicate apocalyptic ideas, the cosmic scope of apocalypticism which includes a spiritual realm inhabited by spiritual beings which are sometimes at war with humanity, and the social and political crises which generate apocalypticism. We also discuss the relationship between millenarianism and apocalypticism, why early Christians transmitted apocalyptic literature, how apocalypticism manifests itself in modernity, and the impact of apocalypticism on Christian theology in today.

Media Referenced:

Apocalypticism as a Worldview in Ancient Judaism: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802885005/apocalypticism-as-a-worldview-in-ancient-judaism/

John J. Collins Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AZMCO66?ccs_id=f0f3d77f-61af-4a1c-b058-3eb29998dc25

Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Collins

Ep 271: The Biblical Ethics of Possessions and Wealth with Carl-Magnus Carlstein

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Carl-Magnus Carlstein, lecturer on Biblical Studies at Linkoping University, Sweden, about the contribution he contributed with co-author Rebekah Eklund in New Testament Ethics, out now on Eerdmans, which explores the ethics of possessions and wealth in the New Testament. We discuss the often-neglected topic of possessions, why many Christians are uncomfortable with this topic, and why it is so significant to the New Testament. Carl explains why Luke has a unique take on this subject, how Christians tend to emphasize either radical renunciation or charity as the models for thinking about the ethics of wealth, and how Jesus is more concerned with intentions, moral formation, and the heart. We then look at four passages in Luke’s gospel which address the issue of wealth and possessions, show how in case after case Jesus is concerned with the disposition of those who possess wealth and how we must be transformed to use wealth properly. Finally, we discuss how the church can implement this vision today and cultivate healthy, God-honoring motivations towards what we possess.

Media Referenced:

New Testament Ethics: https://a.co/d/02cjLNET

Dr. Carlstein: https://liu.se/en/employee/carca26

Dr. Eklund: https://www.loyola.edu/academics/theology/faculty/directory/eklund-rebekah.html

Episode on Barclay, Wealth, and the New Testament: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-260-wealth-and-the-new-testament-a-response-to-john-barclay/

Ep 270: The Active and Passive Wrath of God | Romans 1 and 6

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore the relationship between God’s active and passive wrath, demonstrating how God’s wrath is often manifested by Him allowing people to suffer the consequences of their sins, which is what Paul has in mind when he thrice says that God “handed them over” to sinfulness in Romans 1. Romans 1 and Romans 6, focusing especially on Paul’s understanding of obedience, participation in Christ, sanctification, and the Christian life. I discuss the theological categories of “active” and “passive” obedience and consider whether these categories always fit neatly within Paul’s participatory and covenantal framework. A central theme throughout the episode is the idea that Paul does not merely present salvation as a legal declaration detached from transformation, but rather as incorporation into the Messiah himself. Romans 6, in particular, emphasizes dying and rising with Christ, liberation from the reign of sin, and becoming enslaved to righteousness. I argue that Paul’s theology consistently frames obedience within the context of union with Christ and the work of the Spirit rather than autonomous moral achievement. The episode also explores how Romans 1 introduces many of the themes Paul develops throughout the letter, including the “obedience of faith,” the kingship of Christ, the gospel as the fulfillment of Scripture, and the transformation of the people of God through participation in the Messiah. Along the way, I discuss tensions within Protestant theological traditions regarding sanctification, imputation, transformation, and participationist readings of Paul, while emphasizing the deeply Christological nature of Paul’s gospel.

Media Referenced:

More work on Romans:

Romans 8:29-30 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-268-christs-image-and-human-glory-a-political-reading-of-romans-829-30

Christology and Romans: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-261-the-christology-of-romans-and-romans-13/

Government as God’s Servant in Romans 13: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-243-government-is-gods-servant-romans-13-isaiah-10-and-jeremiah-25/

Why We Get Romans 13 Wrong: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-130-everyone-is-wrong-about-romans-13-including-me/

Ep 269: A Critique of ‘The Ballot and the Bible’ by Kaitlyn Schiess with Kevin Burr

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode Dr. Kevin Burr and I critique The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess. Schiess is an author and co-host of The Holy Post podcast and published this book in 2023. It is an analysis of the ways in which Scripture has been used and abused in American politics, and while there is a lot of excellent content in the book Kevin and I wanted to offer a thoughtful and respectful critique of the areas in which she falls short. We discuss how the book assumes the left-right political spectrum and her own unstated commitment to center-left political policies, question the notion that state-run welfare programs actually help the poor, her conception of the ‘common good’, and her interpretation of Jeremiah 29:7 and Romans 13. We discuss the Biblical view of a church set apart to steward God’s creation and how the New Testament offers us insights into the questions addressed by Schiess in the book. We also challenge her definition of concepts such as individual rights, capitalism, individualism, and libertarianism, as well as discuss her neglect of the warfare stated aggrandized by W. Bush and Obama.

Media Referenced:

The Ballot and the Bible: https://a.co/d/096xwBOO

Barclay Response: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-260-wealth-and-the-new-testament-a-response-to-john-barclay/

Kevin Burr Twitter: @kbburr

Faith in the Folds Twitter: @faithinthefolds

Faith in the Folds Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/faithinthefolds/

Faith in the Folds Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLaLhEOui1uJi_1UrqP7oA

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZZM-uE_LoU&t=1144s

Progressive Christian Nationalism Article: https://libertarianchristians.com/2023/10/09/progressive-christian-nationalism-left-right-authoritarian/

Listen to the article here: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-112-progressive-christian-nationalism/

Ep 268: Christ’s Image and Human Glory | A Political Reading of Romans 8:29-30

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore an easily-overlooked text with surprising political implications. In Romans 8:29-30, Paul claims that we were “predestined to become conformed to the Image of His Son” and that because of this will have been “glorified”. What does Paul mean? In her book Conformed to the Image of His Son, Dr. Haley Goranson Jacob argues that Paul is claiming believers are conformed to Jesus’s status and function as the Son of God who rules over creation, and that our glorification denotes a sharing in that rule. She explains how ‘glory’ when applied to humans in the Greek Old Testament regularly denotes power, authority, and dominion, that the restoration of human glory is an important subtheme in Romans 5-8, and that the sharing in Christ’s inheritance which Paul articulates in Romans 8:12-17 is a participation in his rule. The language of ‘image’ in Romans 8:29 is evocative of Genesis 1 and Psalm 8, where humans are, as God’s image-bearers, given dominion over His creation, and since Jesus now rules are king over all creation his family, defined by faith and the Spirit, participate in that rule. The political implications are significant; I discuss how the church is God’s set-apart family and that we are given the task of and empowered to rule over creation, which we must do in conformity with the crucified Messiah. The church exercises political power, but the political power must be cruciform and congruent with Christ’s Messianic reign. I also discuss how passages like this should be brought into the conversation about the Bible and politics.

Media Referenced:

Ephesians 1 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Philippians 2 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Galatians 4 w/ Cody Cook: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-245-galatians-41-7-and-deliverance-from-this-evil-age-with-cody-cook/

Liberty and Authority: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-184-liberty-authority-and-the-political-spectrum/

Ep 267: Overcoming Sin Through The Spirit

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this first (official) installment of my semi-weekly ‘Theology Thursday’ series, I discuss how God enables us to overcome sin through the power of His Spirit. Reflecting on a recent sermon I heard from Matthew 5:27-30, in which Jesus equates lust with adultery and then instructs his audience to gouge out an eye or cut off a hand if it causes them to sin. While Jesus is obviously using hyperbole, he doesn’t in this passage explain precisely how one is to over the temptation of adultery (or any other sin). Fortunately, Paul fills in the gaps. Drawing on Romans 8, particularly 8:12-14, Paul says that it is the Spirit which enables us to put to death the deeds of the flesh. All throughout Romans Paul has drawn a parallel between sin and death, a Biblical theme reaching back to the Garden of Eden and paralleled in the covenant between God and Israel outlined in Deuteronomy 27-32. Sin necessarily leads to corruption and death, a point Paul repeatedly makes in Romans and necessitating, as Jesus implies, a surgical removal. Fortunately, those who place their faith in God’s Messiah Jesus are given the Spirit, which allows us to begin the process of resurrection in the present and overcome our sin-which-leads-to-death through the gracious, Spirit-enabled process of sanctification. We can and should work to overcome the corruption of sin and are, by God’s grace, enabled to do so through the power of the Spirit.

Ep 266: Christians and Public Policy with Eric Schansberg

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with economist Eric Schansberg about how Christians should think critically about public policy. We discuss how Christians often fail to reflect on their support for particular public policies and how our faith aligns with political and economic systems in the modern world. Schansberg explains how the Bible should shape our understanding of public policy, why there is often a discrepancy between political theory and practice, how Christians must always pursue Godly ends with Godly means, and how the function of secular law. He talks about how Christians should avoid legislating social morality and economic justice, the difference between those concepts and the poorly-defined ‘legislating morality’, how economic redistribution doesn’t work and welfare programs hurt the poor, and how believers can avoid the trap of falling into the left-right spectrum.

Media Referenced:

Buy Turn Neither to the Left nor to the Right: https://furtherstillministries.org/product/turn-neither-to-the-right-nor-to-the-left/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Gen Men Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-234-biblical-masculinity-and-the-men-of-genesis-with-eric-schansberg/

College 101 Book: https://www.amazon.com/College-101-Students-Parents-Universities-ebook/dp/B0FLW6KB83

Ep 265: Did the Apostle Paul Actually Kill Believers Before Damascus?

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I address the popular misconception that the apostle Paul, formerly Saul, was personally responsible for the killing of Christians before his Damascus Road experience. In popular Christian imagination, Paul was the ‘persecutor and killer’ of Christians before his dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus. While Paul did indeed viciously persecute the church, there is no New Testament evidence that any believer actually died by Paul’s hand. I look at all the New Testament texts which address Paul’s pre-Damascus attitude towards believers. In Acts, he endorses the killing of Stephen, binds and imprisons Christians, and even breathes threats of murder against them, but is never portrayed as doing the deed himself. The Roman provincial system left capital punishment, known as the ‘imperium’, in the hands of Roman rulers, and extrajudicial lynchings such as happened to Stephen were dangerous for local political leaders because they could draw the ire of Rome. Paul was too smart to play into that trap. Paul refers to himself as a zealous defender of Judaism in Galatians 1 and Philippians 3, and I explore the traditions of ‘zeal’ and “Judaism’ as a willingness to commit violence to defend Israel’s ancestral traditions, demonstrating that while Paul fit into that framework it did not result in the direct murder of believers by his hand before Damascus. I hope this episode helps dispel a popular myth about Paul and sets the record straight.

Media Referenced:

Biography of Paul with Frank Thielman interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-202-paul-apostle-of-grace-with-frank-thielman/

Ep 264: God, Israel, and the Suzerain-Vassal Treaty

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss how the covenant God made with Israel in the Old Testament was a form of an ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaty. Building from the fantastic work of Sandra Richter’s ‘Epic of Eden’ book, a suzerain vassal treaty is one in which a king or imperial power, the suzerain, makes a treaty with a lesser kingdom or people, the vassal. They are asymmetrical in the sense that the suzerain clearly holds the power but also reciprocal in that both parties are contractually obligated to one another. Generally, the vassal offers loyalty and taxes to the suzerain while the suzerain grants military protection in peace. Seen in this light, the covenant God makes with Israel depicts him as the rightful king, and in the climax of the Pentateuch, Deuteronomy 27-32, the blessings and curses of covenant faithfulness are laid out clearly. If vassal Israel honors suzerain YHWH by obeying His Law, God will bless Israel, keep them safe and well-fed in the land, protect them from outsiders, and allow them to be a light to the pagan nations. If Israel breaks covenant, God will withhold his protection. This logic, found already in the giving of the Decalogue in Exodus 19-24 and Leviticus 26, can be understood through the framework of suzerain-vassal treaty, depicting God as the true king. For Christians seeking to derive political principles from the Old Testament, this is one important aspect of ancient thought to consider.

Media Referenced:

Epic of Eden: https://a.co/d/0hZfe5ZZ

Dru Johnson on OT Politics: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-263-the-torah-the-old-testament-and-christian-politics-with-dru-johnson/

Ep 263: The Torah, the Old Testament, and Christian Politics with Dru Johnson

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk once again with Old Testament scholar Dru Johnson, who recently hosted a conference about Christianity and politics entitled “Bible First”. I ask him a wide range of questions about the political themes and consequences of the Torah and Old Testament. We explore the relationship between creation and human agency in Genesis 1-11, the patriarchal narratives and their role as shepherds of Israel, the Law as God’s covenantal contract with Israel, how Deuteronomy defines the unique role of Israel’s king, the failure of Israel and their king to keep covenant, particularly with Israel’s desire to have a king like the nations around them in 1 Samuel 8, God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7 that one of his descendants will establish an eternal kingdom, how the prophets deal with Israel’s failures and future hope, and how this relates to the kingship of Jesus in the New Testament. This is a wide-ranging and engaging conversation which reframes our perspective on the Old Testament and its impact on Christian political theology.

Media Referenced:

Dru’s Website: https://drujohnson.com/

X: @Dru_Johnson

Biblical Law Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-239-understanding-biblical-law-with-dru-johnson/

Genesis 3 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-232-genesis-35-and-the-problem-of-power/

1 Samuel 8 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/1-samuel-8-biblical-critique-of-monarchy/

Ep 262: Thomas Massie vs. Ed Gallrein: America First or the Swamp?

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss why Thomas Massie is the right choice for Kentucky. Thomas Massie is a real Constitutional, America First conservative and has been great on every issue that really matters to conservatives and libertarians including COVID, foreign policy, deficits and government spending, Epstein, guns, abortion, and more. In fact, Trump’s 2024 campaign was extremely similar to Massie’s policy platform and voting record. Trump, however, is trying to primary Massie, supporting Israel lobby funded Ed Gallrein, a man who believes that loyalty to Trump is more important than conservative principles. In fact, Trump has completely sold out his base, ignoring every significant campaign promise he made in 2024. Like Trump, Gallrein is more concerned about the Israel lobby than American citizens and endorses a socialist policy platform. Trump has always been a New York Democrat, and conservatives who place principle over party must support Massie over Trump. The future of freedom and American values depends on it.

Media Referenced:

My Case Against Trump: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-156-the-libertarian-case-against-donald-trump/

Neither Trump nor Harris: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-160-i-cant-support-trump-or-harris/

Ep 261: The Christology of Romans and Romans 13

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore the Christology of Romans and explain how it must condition our reading of Romans 13:1-7. I discuss how many interpreters correctly read Romans 13 within the context of Romans 12 but fail to account for the wider context of Romans, Paul’s other letters, or his historical context. I argue that the high Christology of Romans, in which Paul unequivocally proclaims Jesus as the promised Davidic Messiah who, by virtue of his death, resurrection, and ascension, currently rules over all creation, must condition our reading of Romans 13. I examine five passages, including Romans 1:1-5, 15:7-12, 16:25-27, 8:31-34, and 10:9, in which Paul makes sweeping claims about the universal, objective, and historical lordship of Jesus, and how his gospel results in faithfulness and obedience to him as king. There is no legitimate reading or Romans 13 that does not account for that high, royal Christology and I offer a reflection on how it helps us to better contextualize Romans 13.

Media Referenced:

Government as God’s Servant: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-243-government-is-gods-servant-romans-13-isaiah-10-and-jeremiah-25/

Revisiting Romans 13: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-210-revisiting-romans-13/

1 Cor. 2:6-8: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-257-the-rulers-of-this-age-are-passing-away-1-corinthians-26-8/

Ascension in Ephesians: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Matthew Bates: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-gospel-and-allegiance-to-king-jesus-with-matthew-bates/

Teresa Morgan: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-164-atonement-trust-and-reconciliation-with-teresa-morgan/

Ep 260: Wealth and the New Testament | A Response to John Barclay

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I respond to John Barclay’s contribution to the book New Testament Ethics (out now on Eerdmans) entitled Wealth: The Deep Challenge of the New Testament. Much of Barclay’s arguments are excellent. He contends that the question of wealth is a major theme in the New Testament which has been overlooked by Western scholars and that the treatment of wealth is a distinctive feature of Christian discipleship. He argues that wealth is inherently dangerous and can compromise Christian faithfulness and result in injustice, and that the writers of the New Testament were operating within an eschatological framework which calls for a radical disinvestment of wealth, using it for the sake of the kingdom, which is a sharing in the grace of God. While I agree wholeheartedly with Barclay’s assessment, he overstates his conclusions. He argues that the only good wealth is given or shared and implies that believers should not be concerned about financial management, passing wealth onto children, investments, or savings. I think he pushes these conclusions too far, and I respond by discussing how capital accumulation is the most effective method for alleviating poverty, the problem of the Jerusalem church in the New Testament, the many characters in the New Testament that do not give all of their wealth, and the responsibility for work and financial stewardship found in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 3. I suggest that the great churchman John Wesley has a better model for thinking about wealth; while recognizing the dangers of wealth, it is also an effective means of building the kingdom when used for God’s glory. Wesley suggested that believers earn all they can, save all they can, and give all they can, and that Wesley’s approach to wealth corresponds with the Biblical witness and is the proper response to the otherwise excellent scholarship in Barclay’s contribution.

Media Referenced:

1 Thessalonians 4 episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-186-work-with-your-hands-1-thessalonians-49-12/

2 Thessalonians 3 episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-187-no-work-no-food-2-thessalonians-36-13/

Jesus and Capitalism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-180-jesus-and-capitalism/

Ep 259: God Will Judge the Rulers of Heaven and Earth | Isaiah 24:21 and Ephesians 1:21

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore how Christ defeats all powers who are opposed to God, both in heaven and on earth. I recently finished Michael Heiser’s book The Unseen Real, which is a provocative analysis of divine council theory in the Bible. God created lesser spiritual beings, such as angles, many of which rebelled against him, as well as humans who also rebelled against him. The writers of the Bible all share a worldview that there are spiritual entities, some aligned with God and some opposed to Him, as a foundational assumption. Despite Heiser’s excellent exegesis, he claims that Ephesians 1:21, in which Paul lists several forces over which Christ now rulers, refers only to spiritual beings, contradicting a claim I made in a recent episode on the passage. I counter by reviewing how the Greek terms Paul employs in that passage, as well as its larger rhetorical context, suggest that Paul is arguing that Jesus rules over both the kings of this earth and all spiritual beings, including those opposed to God. In fact, there is a Scriptural basis for this argument found in Isaiah 24:21, where Isaiah depicts God ultimately defeating all his enemies, both worldly kings and spiritual authorities which are in opposition to him. Paul believes that this eschatological prophecy is being fulfilled in Christ. Check out the original episode on Ephesians 1 and enjoy the conversation!

Media Referenced:

Ephesians 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Cody Cook on Divine Council in Paul: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-245-galatians-41-7-and-deliverance-from-this-evil-age-with-cody-cook/

1 Corinthians 2:6-8: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-257-the-rulers-of-this-age-are-passing-away-1-corinthians-26-8/

Ep 258: How to Read and Interpret the New Testament with Max Botner

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Max Botner about his brand-new book How Then Shall We Read? A Students Guide to Interpreting the New Testament, out now on Eerdmans. In this book Botner introduces readers to the fundamentals of New Testament interpretation, discussing the pitfalls of biblicism and fundamentalist, non-contextualized readings of the Bible and showing how we need interpretive methods and hermeneutics. He explains that we need to let the Bible be the Bible, how theology and Biblical studies relate to one another, why history, genre, and translations are important and how they work, and why we must read the Bible both canonically and communally. He then gives advice for readers who are new to the Bible. This conversation is an excellent introduction to Biblical interpretation!

Media Referenced:

How Then Shall We Read: https://a.co/d/082S6pB2

Center for Bible Study: https://jessup.edu/academics/schools-institutes/school-of-theology-and-leadership/center-for-bible-study/

On The Way YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.maxbotner

Ep 257: The Rulers Of This Age Are Passing Away | 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 that “the rulers of this age…are passing away”. I explain how the Corinthians were Paul’s problem church and that the believers in Corinth were compromising with worldly values and causing divisions in the church. Paul seeks to challenge their pagan values and warn them of the dangers of disunity. Paul operates within a framework of inaugurated eschatology, where the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus the Davidic Messiah has ushered in the end of history. Paul also unambiguously hails Jesus as Messiah, calling him ‘the Lord Jesus Christ’ at several points in the opening verses. The rulers of this age, like the divisive and worldly Corinthians, failed to understand the wisdom of a crucified Messiah and are, as a result of the inaugurated eschaton, currently in the process of passing away into obscurity. The church, God’s temple through faith and the Spirit, must not place their hope in these temporal rulers whose time is nearly up. Paul’s christology, ecclesiology, and eschatology challenges the church to be the church and rise above the rulers of this age who are passing away.

Media Referenced:

James Ware on 1 Corinthians 15: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-192-1-corinthians-15-and-the-resurrection-of-jesus-with-james-ware/

Ephesians 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Philippians 2: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-255-philippians-25-11-and-christology-politics-and-ethics/

Ep 256: Christians and Collateral Damage

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss how Christians need to think critically about collateral damage in war. Inspired by the recent outbreak of war in Iran, in which many believers flippantly dismiss the deaths of innocent noncombatants, including little girls, there is no Biblical, ethical, or theological justification for collateral damage. I explain how my views on this issue developed over time and how Christians must embrace the post-national identity of Abraham’s family and the obvious consequences of Genesis 1:26-28 in which all humans are created in God’s image and likeness. Being born on the wrong side of an imaginary line doesn’t change that reality. I talk about the problems of just war theory with respect to modern warfare, the hypocrisy of Americans who will justify the death of foreign women and children while claiming we must always defend American women and children, the problem of war in the Old Testament, and how Christians must be morally and intellectually consistent, always defending the rights and value of all human life. In short, there is no Christian justification for collateral damage.

Media Referenced:

Calhoun on the Just War Theory: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/critique-of-the-just-war-theory-laurie-calhoun/

Ballard on Old Testament Violence: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-193-the-problem-of-old-testament-violence-with-jordan-ballard/

Genesis 3: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-232-genesis-35-and-the-problem-of-power/

Ep 255: Philippians 2:5-11 and Christology, Politics, and Ethics

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I take a first extended look at Philippians 2:5-11, the famous Christ hymn in which Paul exhorts his audience to embody the “attitude of Christ” by emulating his sacrificial disposition. In the hymn Paul explains how Jesus did not selfishly hold on to his divine status but sacrificed himself twice, both in the incarnation and on the cross. Paul maintains that it was the humility of Christ which led to his exaltation at the right hand of God, because of which everyone will someday acknowledge his universal lordship. This passage has massive implications for Christology, Christian political theology, and ethics, and it is one which every believer should take seriously. I explain how believers should adopt the sacrificial mindset of Jesus, completely reframe the way we think about the nature of political power, and how Paul, only a few years after the resurrection of Jesus, believed in the incarnation. It’s an important passage!

Media Referenced:

Ascension Theology in Paul: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/

Ascension, Kingdom, and Eschatology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-235-ascension-kingdom-and-eschatology/

Ascension w/ Ross Hastings: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-233-the-ascension-of-jesus-with-ross-hastings/

Ep 254: “My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?” | Mark 15 and Psalm 22

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this Easter special, I explore Jesus’ enigmatic final words in Mark 15:34, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me”, a direct quotation of Psalm 22:1. Far from being a cry of despair, Psalm 22 is actually a song of vindication which begins with the psalmist in distress and ends with the final justice of God. Mark’s passion narrative, particularly 15:22-39, is rife with allusions to Psalm 22, suggesting that the author is communicating to his audience that what looks like a hopeless situation for Jesus will end in triumph, precisely what happens on Easter morning. Spoiler alert: the episode on Philippians I referenced at the beginning of the episode will be released as Ep 255; I had the wrong dates on my schedule! Look for it next Tuesday!

Media Referenced:

Episode on Mark 10: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-244-mark-10-wrecks-modern-economic-and-political-assumptions/

Episode on Luke 15: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-246-wicked-shepards-and-lost-sheep-luke-15-jeremiah-23-and-ezekiel-34/

Ep 253: Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City with Jason Borges

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Jason Borges, associate director of the Asia Minor Research Center in Antalya, Turkey. He lives in Turkey and has traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean and is the author of the brand-new book Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City: The Civic and Architectural Contexts of Early Christianity, out now on Baker Academic, where he discusses the significance of city life and architecture for early Christianity and introduces his audience to some key features of Greco-Roman cities. We talk about the way in which ancient cities and architectural features shaped the perspective of early Jesus-believers and thus the New Testament, and Dr. Borges walks us through some of the features which defined ancient cities including the agora, temple, prisons, bathhouses and more. We then discuss why Christians should take architecture seriously and how we can learn more about the impact of ancient material culture.

Media Referenced:

Christian Life in the Greco-Roman City: https://a.co/d/027bQY4O

Jason’s Website: https://www.biblicalturkey.org/

Ep 252: Government Officials Advancing the Gospel with Christopher Chen

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Christopher Chen, author of the brand-new book Evil Empire? Government Officials as Proponents of the Gospel in Luke-Acts and Beyond, out now on Wipf and Stock, where he argues that there is a place for believers to hold positions of power even in hostile governments. In this conversation Christopher explains how God’s people often attained positions of power in the Old Testament, how the original recipient of Luke-Acts, Theophilus, is likely a government official, the prominent role centurions and government officials play in Luke’s writings, and the New Testament evidence for government officials advancing the gospel. He then reviews the varying perspectives held by leaders in the early church about Christians in government service, how this has played out in Chinese history, and how Christians who find themselves as government officials today can navigate the complex relationship between their faith and their position in government.

Media Referenced:

Evil Empire?: https://a.co/d/04y1sz9G

Chris on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csychen

Brother Kevin Chen on Messiah in the OT: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-152-the-old-testament-and-the-messiah-with-kevin-chen/

Ep 251: Beyond Deconstruction and Building a More Expansive Faith with James McGrath

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk once again with the great Dr. James McGrath, who has authored the brand-new Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith, out now on Eerdmans, where he discusses the process of deconstruction, changing one’s mind about issues of faith, and how to rebuild. In this conversation James defines deconstruction, describes his own personal experience of spiritual transformation, the dangers of fundamentalism and the need to rebuild a faith which avoids the trappings of fundamentalism, and how dogma can become idolatrous. We then talk about the politics of deconstruction, his identity as a liberal Christian, why people generally deconstruct from the political right to the political left, and why we need to have better conversations about our differences.

Media Referenced:

Beyond Deconstruction: https://a.co/d/08FTMyqW

James McGrath Blog: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionprof/

James on Twitter: @ReligionProf

James on the Bible: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-104-what-biblical-scholars-want-everyone-to-know-about-the-new-testament-with-james-mcgrath/

James on John the Baptist: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-134-john-the-baptist-with-james-mcgrath/

James on Misunderstanding Judaism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-230-why-we-misunderstand-judaism-with-james-mcgrath/

Ep 250: Lent, Spiritual Growth, and Taming the Tongue | Ephesians 4:29

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk about my goal for lent of taming my tongue. I discuss the controversy surrounding Lent and why sincere spiritual development should not be a cause for Christian division, how I intentionally work on growing in an area of weakness during Lent every year, and why I chose to focus on controlling my speech. I have been reading Ephesians 4:29 every day, which reads “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear”. I challenge everyone to strive for spiritual growth. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Don’t Hate Your Enemies: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-227-dont-hate-your-enemies/

Ep 249: Eschatology and Economics with Gary DeMar

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Gary DeMar, a Biblical scholar, long-time president of American Vision, and host of the Gary DeMar show. Gary discusses eschatology and economics. He explains his own eschatological perspective, preterism, which is the belief that many of the Biblical prophecies were fulfilled in the first century. We discuss the difference between partial and full preterism, Matthew 24 (and parallels) the antichrist of 1 and 2 John compared with the ‘man of lawlessness’ from 2 Thessalonians 2, Daniel and Revelation, and what the future holds for believers. Gary then explains why Christians should take economics seriously and why so many Christians misunderstand free market economics.

Media Referenced:

American Vision Website: https://americanvision.org/

Check out The Gary DeMar Show on all podcast platforms!

Episode on the Antichrists: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-237-the-antichrists/

Ep 248: Far Above All Rule and Authority | Ephesians 1:15-23

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

I had the flu and Streamyard defaulted to my computer microphone, so I apologize for my voice! In this episode I discuss Paul’s comments in Ephesians 1:15-23, particularly 1:20-22, that Jesus by virtue of his resurrection, ascension, and enthronement currently rules over all authorities and that the church shares in his cosmic victory. We discuss the major themes of Ephesians, particularly Christ and the church, and how Paul believes that those who have received the Spirit through faith in Israel’s Messiah are now members of God’s eschatological family. Jesus has already been installed as the cosmic king, and the list of powers over which Jesus is “far above” includes both earthy political rulers and malevolent spiritual powers. I look at two Greek terms Paul uses in Ephesians 1:21, arche and exousia, and show how their usage in other passages, notably 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 and Romans 13:1-3 clearly denote human political authorities. I conclude with some final thoughts about how the church must take Jesus’s enthronement over all powers seriously.

Media Referenced:

Government as God’s Servant: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-243-government-is-gods-servant-romans-13-isaiah-10-and-jeremiah-25/

Cody Cook on Paul and evil forces: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-245-galatians-41-7-and-deliverance-from-this-evil-age-with-cody-cook/

Ep 247: History and Theology in Biblical Interpretation Debate with Jacob Winograd

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This episode is a recording of a debate I had with Jacob Winograd in the fall of 2025 about whether history or theology should take priority in Biblical interpretation. I argue that our starting point for Biblical exegesis must be the historical context of Scripture while Jacob defends the need to think about the text theologically. Both of us maintain that history and theology are important. Enjoy the conversation!

Media Referenced:

The Biblical Anarchy podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/biblical-anarchy/

Jacob on X: @BiblicalAnarchy

History and Biblical Interpretation with Drew Holland: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-226-history-and-biblical-interpretation-with-drew-holland/

Ep 246: Wicked Shepards and Lost Sheep: Luke 15, Jeremiah 23, and Ezekiel 34

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I explore the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:1-7 in which Jesus, directly responding to his critics, explains how his audience would leave ninety-nine sheep in the pasture to find one who had wondered from the flock, rejoicing when the wayward sheep is found. Jesus isn’t telling a simple pastoral parable about God’s grace, but drawing on powerful imagery from the Old Testament prophets, particularly Jeremiah 23:1-2 and Ezekiel 34, about the wicked shepherds of Israel who had led God’s people astray and the promise that God would rescue his people from the curse of the covenant by sending a good shepherd, the promised son of David, to rescue the whole house of Israel. Luke believes the promises are being fulfilled in Jesus, the son of David bringing about the kingdom of God. I also discuss the need for Christians to keep wicked political leaders, modern false shepherds, at arm’s length and how the modern nation-state called ‘Israel’ only comprises members of two of the twelve tribes of Biblical Israel, meaning it is in no way a fulfillment of God’s promises in the prophets.

Media Referenced:

Mark 10 and Political Assumptions: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-244-mark-10-wrecks-modern-economic-and-political-assumptions/

Government is God’s Servant: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-243-government-is-gods-servant-romans-13-isaiah-10-and-jeremiah-25/

Old Testament Prophecy w/ John Walton: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-109-understanding-old-testament-prophecy-with-john-walton/

Ep 245: Galatians 4:1-7 and Deliverance from this Evil Age with Cody Cook

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Cody Cook about his new book Delivered from This Present Evil Age where he argues that Galatians 4:1-7 portrays Christ defeating the spiritual powers which enslave humanity and inaugurating a new creation in which ethnic, national, and political divisions are abolished through Jesus. He discusses the influence of the apocalyptic school of Pauline interpretation on his work, the importance of Paul’s opening statement in Galatians 1:3-4 that Jesus has “rescued us from this present evil age”, the wider context of Galatians, and how the stoicheia enslaved humanity before Christ. He then explains the dynamics of Galatians 4:1-7, the inauguration of the new creation, and its impact on Christian identity, revealing that Paul is effectively undercutting nationalism, ethnic divisions, and political identities. We then have a conversation about our differing interpretations of the Paul within Judaism and apocalyptic schools of Pauline interpretation and how we understand the role of the Law in the new creation.

Media Referenced:

https://anarchistanabaptist.com/

https://www.cantus-firmus.com/

Cody on X: @CantusFirmusCC

Delivered From the Evil Age of the Present: https://a.co/d/0gGK466v

Cody on Annihilationism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-238-hell-yes-or-hell-no-annihilationism-vs-ect-with-cody-cook/

Ep 244: Mark 10 Wrecks Modern Economic and Political Assumptions

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I explore the economic and political consequences of two passages in Mark 10. I explain how modern progressive and conservative Christians implicitly assume the nineteenth-century nation state model of political authoritarianism while undervaluing the role of the New Testament for ethical transformation. The church is supposed to be shaped by the teachings of Jesus, and we cannot explain them away. I return to the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17-27, showing how Jesus allows the man to walk away with his possessions. Jesus doesn’t follow after him or attempt to confiscate his property through political coercion but prophetically announces eschatological judgement. Modern Christians who want to follow Jesus should reject economic arrangements based

Media Referenced:

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-105-jesus-and-the-rich-young-ruler/

Helen Bond on Gospels as Biography: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-167-the-gospels-as-biography-with-helen-bond/

Cornelis Bennema on Imitation: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-206-imitation-in-early-christianity-with-cornelis-bennema/

Ep 243: Government is God’s Servant? Romans 13, Isaiah 10, and Jeremiah 25

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I discuss Paul’s statements in Romans 13:1-7 that governing authorities “are established by God” (Rm. 13:1) and that “rulers are servants of God” (13:6). I explain the need to understand the function of Romans 13 before drawing any conclusions regarding its meaning, and how it must correspond with the rhetorical context of Romans and Paul’s thought generally. I then explore the promises of a coming Messiah made in the Old Testament, particularly 2 Samuel 7, and argue that Paul believes those promises have been fulfilled in Christ. I then examine two passages in the Old Testament in which the prophets refer to pagan emperors as “servants of God”. In Isaiah 10, the Assyrians are God’s servants for the purpose of punishing Israel but will be destroyed, and in Jeremiah 25 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, also execute God’s justice before being himself judged by God. The final two oracles of woe in Jeremiah 50-51 envision the destruction of Babylon, and both Isaiah and Jeremiah proclaim the future day when David’s house will be restored and a Davidic king will sit on the throne forever. Paul knows this tradition and is not legitimizing human government as an eternally valid institution. In fact, Paul is suggesting, ala 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, that time is running out for the authorities believers must pragmatically obey.

Media Referenced:

Everyone is Wrong about Romans 13 episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-130-everyone-is-wrong-about-romans-13-including-me/

Ascension, Kingdom, and Eschatology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-235-ascension-kingdom-and-eschatology/

Ep 242: Is Libertarianism Right-Wing or Left-Wing? with Alex Bernardo vs. Cody Cook feat. Jacob Winograd

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

This episode features a debate I had with Cody Cook on LCI’s Greenroom, moderated by Jacob Winograd, where Cody and I debate whether libertarianism is compatible a right-wing or left-wing phenomenon. I take the position that modern libertarianism should rightly be classified as right-wing while Cody argues it is more compatible with left-wing ideology. Enjoy the friendly debate!

Ep 241: A Christian Defense of Reason and Individualism with Cody Libolt

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Cody Libolt, writer, podcaster, and co-author of the new book Redeeming the West: A Christian Defense of Reason and Individualism. Cody defines both ‘reason’ and ‘individualism’, demonstrating how these terms are often misused in modern discourse. He discusses the dangers of collectivism for Christianity, the Biblical basis for individualism, why Christians need reason and common sense, and how the church can redeem this important Western tradition.

Media Referenced:

Redeeming the West: https://a.co/d/dgTeJvl

Cody on X: @CodyLibolt

Cody’s Website: https://www.codylibolt.com/

For the New Christian Intellectual Website: https://christianintellectual.com/

Ep 240: Could the Swiss Canton Model Solve the Israel/Palestine Conflict? with David Beito and Phil Saunders vs. Walter Block

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode David Beito and Phil Saunders debate Walter Block on the Israel/Palestine conflict. David and Phil defend the proposition that a Swiss-style canton model of government could resolve the conflict, offering a decentralized political arrangement which incentivizes cooperation and economic growth. Walter Block thinks the Palestinians are to blame for the conflict and need to be removed from the land. Dr. David Beito is a professional historian and proposed the Swiss-canton model. Phil Saunders lives on the border between Israel and Palestine and works for several peace-promoting NGOs. Walter Block is an accomplished Austrian economist and author of numerous books and articles.

Media Referenced:

David Beito on FDR: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-229-the-real-fdr-with-david-beito/

David Beito on the New Deal: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-118-the-new-deals-war-on-the-bill-of-rights-with-david-beito/

Ep 239: Understanding Biblical Law with Dru Johnson

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode Dr. Dru Johnson returns to discuss his new book Understanding Biblical Law: Skills for Thinking Through and With the Torah, out now on Baker. Dr. Johnson explains how modern people have misunderstood the Law, reading it through our contemporary legal and theological frameworks, and busts several myths about Biblical Law. We then explore how the Law must be understood in in ancient legal context, how intersects with narrative, its role in community formation, its movement from specific instances to general principle, and its overall concern with righteousness and human wellbeing. We also discuss the need to understand the Law in its ancient context, its impact on New Testament interpretation, and its enduring relevance for Christians today.

Media Referenced:

Understanding Biblical Law: https://a.co/d/ccRVa7U

Dru on X: @Dru_Johnson

OnScript Podcast: https://onscript.study/

Biblical Mind Podcast: https://thebiblicalmind.org/

Ep 238: Hell Yes or Hell No? Annihilationism vs. ECT with Cody Cook

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I am joined once again by the great Cody Cook, this time to discuss the recent controversy regarding Kirk Cameron’s changing views of hell. Cameron defended the annihilationist position, also known as ‘conditional immortality’, and castigated by many evangelicals who hold to eternal conscious torment. We talk about the fallout of Cameron’s remarks and explain the differences between eternal conscious torment (ECT), annihilationism, and universalism. We then argue in favor of the annihilationist perspective, discussing the Biblical and theological evidence, and explain what is at stake in the debate.

Media Referenced:

https://anarchistanabaptist.com/

https://www.cantus-firmus.com/

Cody on X: CantusFirmusCC

Class on Hell: www.udemy.com/course/three-views-on-hell/

Gospel of the Resurrection Book: https://a.co/d/fQjQSoG

Universalist Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-124-hell-eternal-damnation-and-universalism-with-derek-kubilus/

TPLP 212: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-212-why-anabaptists-arent-like-other-protestants-with-cody-cook/

TPLP 183: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-183-anabaptist-anarchy-with-cody-cook/

TPLP 155: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-155-christianity-and-nonviolence-with-cody-cook/

Ep 237: The Antichrists

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I discuss “the antichrists”, a group of people who appear exclusively in 1 and 2 John. John describes “the antichrists” in 1 John 2:18-25, 4:1-6, and 2 John 1:7-11. Despite many popular eschatological interpretations which a singular antichrist figure who signals the end of time, John specifically defines what he means by the term. The antichrists (John uses the plural) are literally “against Christ”; they were once a part of the believing community but chose to leave and are not an individual but rather a type of person. They are characterized by denying two beliefs: one, that Jesus is the Messiah, or “Christ” (hence antichrist) and two, denying that Jesus came in the flesh. The term ‘antichrist’ appears nowhere else in the New Testament. I discuss how modern statist Christians are essentially denying the Messianic identity of Jesus, denying that which makes him Christ, and are in danger of following down the path of those John labels antichrists.

Ep 236: Six Essential Books of 2025

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this fourth edition of my annual Christmas series I discuss six of the most important books I read in 2025. The list includes:

FDR: A New Political Life by David Beito

The Struggle for Liberty by Ralph Raico, edited by Ryan McMaken

Interpreting Jesus by Dale Allison

The Fourth Synoptic Gospel by Mark Goodacre

The Place of The Past by Drew Holland

Jesus and the Law of Moses by Paul Sloan

I highly recommend all of them. Treat yourself to something nice this Christmas! Links and interviews below.

Media Referenced:

FDR: A New Political Life: https://a.co/d/2inp1Ty

Beito Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-229-the-real-fdr-with-david-beito/

The Struggle for Liberty: https://a.co/d/id17KtN

Interpreting Jesus: https://a.co/d/69u7ZLN

Allison Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-201-interpreting-jesus-with-dale-allison/

The Fourth Synoptic Gospel: https://a.co/d/dClhNR5

Goodacre Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-224-johns-knowledge-of-matthew-mark-and-luke-with-mark-goodacre/

The Place of The Past: https://a.co/d/3lwgM3i

Holland Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-226-history-and-biblical-interpretation-with-drew-holland/

Jesus and the Law of Moses: https://a.co/d/6UwDMxe

Six Books 24: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-171-six-essential-books-of-2024/

Six Books 23: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-97-six-essential-books-of-2023/

Six Books 22: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/six-books-that-shaped-my-political-thinking-and-theology/

Ep 235: Ascension, Kingdom, and Eschatology

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I reflect on the relationship between the ascension of Jesus, his status as king over all creation, and inaugurated eschatology. The resurrected Jesus was taken up into heaven during his ascension and currently sits at the right hand of God, ruling over all creation as king and presiding over the cosmic temple as priest. Because of this, the promised ‘final days’ have already arrived. God’s kingdom grows through the empowering Spirit which the ascended Jesus poured out upon his church to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. The eschatological end has been inaugurated and will be completed upon the return of Jesus. I explore how passages like Acts 1:1-11, Matthew 28:18-20, Hebrews 1, and Psalm 110 attest to this reality, why we often ignore the dangerous political ramifications of the ascension, and the impact on Biblical studies and theology.

Ep 234: Biblical Masculinity and the Men of Genesis with Eric Schansberg

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Eric Schansberg, professor of economics at Indiana University (Southern) about his brand-new book Gen Men: What the Men of Genesis Can Teach Us Today. We discuss the crisis of masculinity in our culture today, the false caricatures about men promoted outside of the church, and why the church has failed to address this issue. We then explore how the men in Genesis reveal what it means to be truly masculine through both their successes and failures, and how men should take initiative, be responsible, serve others, and love God. We also talk about how the American culture is shaping men in very unhealthy ways and the need for authentic discipleship in the church, which is the only way we will ever be able to cultivate true Biblical masculinity.

Media Referenced:

Gen Men: https://a.co/d/geryPb1

Getting Equipped Discipleship: https://gettingequipped.life/

Thoroughly Equipped Discipleship: https://thoroughlyequipped.org/

The Word Diet: https://thoroughlyequipped.org/the-word-diet/

Ep 233: The Ascension of Jesus with Ross Hastings

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Ross Hastings, Professor of Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, about his brand-new book “The Glory of the Ascension: Celebrating a Doctrine for the Life of the Church”, out now on IVP. Dr. Hastings explains the ascension, why it matters for everyone and everything, why it is often neglected by Christians, what it tells us about Jesus as king and priest, the Trinity, and the church. We also explore the political consequences of Jesus as the ascended king over all creation, the inauguration of the eschaton, and how the ascension should transform the way we worship God and serve others.

Media Referenced:

The Glory of the Ascension: https://a.co/d/5YVqwUc

Dr. Hastings Bio: https://www.regent-college.edu/faculty/hastings-ross/

Ep 232: Genesis 3:5 and the Problem of Power

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In Genesis 3:5, the woman eats from the tree because the serpent promised she would be “like God”. This reveals the fundamental sin of humanity: trying to grasp for a power they weren’t intended to have. I discuss the historical and literary context of Genesis 1-11, the relationship between myth, history, and truth, and the purpose of these chapters. I then explain Genesis 1-3, showing how God created a good world, made humans in his image and gave them power to rule over creation (but not each other!), and how the human desire to become like God is the root of our problems. I reflect on how Genesis should shape our understanding of human power and why we should be skeptical of political systems.

Media Referenced:

John Walton Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-109-understanding-old-testament-prophecy-with-john-walton/

Carmen Joy Imes Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-69-being-gods-image-with-carmen-joy-imes/

Ep 231: Why the Church Still Matters with Carmen Joy Imes

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes about her brand-new book Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters. We discuss the rich theology of God’s family in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly the significance of all people being created in the image of God, the calling of Abraham’s family to rescue the world, the failures of Israel, and the restoration of God’s family through Jesus. We then discuss how the modern church has become divided over theology, politics, and culture, and why understanding our identity as members of God’s family can help us overcome the divides which plague the church. Dr. Imes also discusses how people have been hurt by the church and gives advice to those who want to walk away. This is a theologically rich and extremely relevant conversation which proves that the church will always matter.

Media Referenced:

Becoming God’s Family: https://a.co/d/bxoUHEq

Dr. Imes on YouTube: @CarmenJoyImesPhD

Dr. Imes on Substack: https://substack.com/@carmenjoyimes

Dr. Imes on X: @carmenjoyimes

Interview for Being God’s Image: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-69-being-gods-image-with-carmen-joy-imes/

Ep 230: Why We Misunderstand Judaism with James McGrath

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I welcome back Dr. James McGrath. We talk about his contribution to the book Judeophobia and the New Testament, where he discusses contemporary negative attitudes towards Jews and Judaism. We discuss the problem of Judeophobia, how Jews are often marginalized in Christian theology, and how the Jewish Jesus movement lead to rampant anti-Judaism during the Middle Ages. McGrath explains the supposed division between the Old and New Testaments, how scholarship has clarified the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, how to better understand the New Testament in its Jewish context, and, very importantly, how debates about the modern state of Israel have contributed to Judeophobia. We also talk about the social problems which inevitably result from unclear thinking about Judaism and how we can avoid them.

Media Referenced:

Judeophobia and the New Testament: https://a.co/d/idwmt3Y

James McGrath Blog: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionprof/

James on Twitter: @ReligionProf

James McGrath Eerdmans Page: https://www.eerdmans.com/author/james-f-mcgrath/

McGrath on John the Baptist: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-134-john-the-baptist-with-james-mcgrath/

McGrath on the New Testament: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-104-what-biblical-scholars-want-everyone-to-know-about-the-new-testament-with-james-mcgrath/

Ep 229: The Real FDR with David Beito

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. David Beito about his brand-new book FDR: A New Political Life, which is a critical biography of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. We discuss his influences and upbringing, how he was shaped by Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and the Progressive Era, and his path to the presidency. We explore the New Deal, FDR’s signature domestic policy legacy, and how it not only failed to solve the economic problems caused by the Great Depression but fundamentally expanded the scope of the Executive Branch. Beito explains how FDR leveraged New Deal policies to win elections and how the New Deal destroyed free markets. We also discuss FDR’s abhorrent treatment of minorities, opposition to free speech, and political intrigue. Beito also examines FDR’s foreign policy record, challenging the consensus view that FDR was the hero of WWII. We then reflect on FDR’s legacy and how he is responsible for much of America’s political dysfunction today.

Media Referenced:

FDR: A New Political Life: https://a.co/d/7RhTMca

David Beito on X: @davidtbeito

New Deal episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-118-the-new-deals-war-on-the-bill-of-rights-with-david-beito/

Ep 228: Mothers and Motherhood in the New Testament with Jennifer Houston McNeel

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Jennifer Houston McNeel about her brand-new book Under Her Wings: Mothers and Motherhood in the New Testament, out now on Eerdmans, where she explores mothers and maternal imagery in the New Testament. We discuss the role of mothers in the Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds, how they are portrayed in the gospels, Acts, and the rest of the New Testament, the legacy of Mary, Revelation’s complex maternal imagery, and more. Moms are very important in the Bible!

Media Referenced:

Under Her Wings: https://a.co/d/iUHcXIT

Dr. McNeel’s Website: https://thetextincontext.com/

Ep 227: Don’t Hate Your Enemies

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This episode gets a little personal. I talk about my own struggles with anger and hatred, why I have such animosity towards people in power, how it can damage relationships and compromise our Christian witness, and how God is helping me be a better person. I then examine the teachings of Jesus in Luke 10 and Matthew 5 where he explains how love for both neighbor and enemy is a moral imperative. I challenge my audience to check their motives and not allow hatred to consume them. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Episode on Love in the NT: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/what-does-the-word-love-mean-anyway/

Interview with Leftist Phil Christman: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-222-why-christians-should-be-leftists-with-phil-christman/

Ep 226: History and Biblical Interpretation with Drew Holland

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Drew Holland about his new book The Place of the Past: Historical Criticism’s Role in Biblical Studies. We explore the role of history in Biblical interpretation. He defines both historical criticism and the goals of history as a discipline. We then examine how the Bible has been interpreted throughout the ages, starting with the ancient conception of history and going through Patristic, medieval, and modern methods of interpretation. He explains how historical criticism became more prominent through the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment and why it became the dominant paradigm of interpretation in the 20th century. He then explains the pushback against historical criticism of the Bible both within and outside of the church, particularly by postmodernism, and how historical readings have endured critique. We then discuss the relationship between history and theology, the proper role of history in Biblical interpretation, and how historical criticism benefits the church.

Media Referenced:

The Place of the Past: https://a.co/d/daEDeFS

Drew on X: @RevDrewHolland

Contact Drew: drew.s.holland@gmail.com

Ep 225: Nutrition, Exercise, and Personal Health with Matthew Barber

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with my friend Dr. Matthew Barber who is a licensed nutrition coach. We talk about our own health journeys, why American is very unhealthy, and why many Americans are simply don’t understand nutrition or exercise. We then discuss why people should take control of their personal health. Matt explains how to plan a nutrition and exercise routine, balance macronutrients, and set attainable health goals. We reflect on why it is important to stay healthy and how it has positively impacted our lives and others.

Media Referenced:

Matt on Instagram/Facebook: Matt Barber, mtbarber43

Matt on X: MatthewBar42776

Email: Matthew.Thomas.Barber@gmail.com

Ep 224: John’s Knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke with Mark Goodacre

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Mark Goodacre, professor of religious studies at Duke University, about his brand-new book The Fourth Synoptic Problem: John’s Knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where he argues that John knew and used the Synoptic narratives when composing his gospel. Mark explains the problems with the Q theory and why so many scholars have built a firewall between John and the Synoptics. We then explore why he believes John knew the Synoptics. John seems to presuppose the Synoptic narratives, turns Synoptic stories into speech, and dramatizes the Synoptic presentation of Jesus. We also discuss how John’s Christology is in continuity with the Synoptics, how Goodacre’s work impacts our understanding of the date and authorship of John, and helpful resources for people who want to learn more about the Synoptic problem.

Media Referenced:

Mark Goodacre Website: https://markgoodacre.org/

The NT Pod: https://podacre.blogspot.com/

Buy The Fourth Synoptic Gospel: https://a.co/d/1QlHsV6

Mark Goodacre YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podacre

James Barker interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-181-how-the-gospel-writers-copied-each-other-with-james-barker/

Jesus and Divinity in the Gospels: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-213-jesus-the-divine-messiah-and-gospel-trajectories/

Ep 223: The Social Consequences of Inflation with Jeff Degner

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Jeffery Degner, economist at Cornerstone University and fellow at The Mises Institute, about the impact of inflation on American society. He explains how inflation is the artificial expansion of the money supply and is controlled by the Federal Reserve. This leads to higher prices and the business cycle but benefits the wealthiest asset holders. He describes the United States as having an ‘inflation culture’ and explains how inflation hurts families, working people, and the poor. We explore how it has led to cultural degeneracy, a reliance on debt and credit, rampant consumerism, and other social evils. We discuss the impact of inflation on the church and why Christians should take this issue seriously.

Media Referenced:

Follow Jeff on X: @DrJeffDegner

Inflation and the Family: https://a.co/d/8FvtJdA

Bob Murphy Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-215-the-federal-reserve-with-bob-murphy/

Ep 222: Why Christians Should Be Leftists with Phil Christman

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Phil Christman. Phil teaches writing at the University of Michigan and is author of the brand-new Why Christians Should Be Leftists, out now on Eerdmans Press. In this book he argues for the compatibility of left-wing politics and Christianity, making the case that Christians should be naturally inclined to leftism. We discuss his journey into leftist thought, deconstruction, the problems with both the Christian right and the DNC, his concerns about capitalism, liberalism, and libertarianism, why he thinks socialism is compatible with Jesus’s teaching, and how leftism understands work and power. We also discuss, in light of the Charlie Kirk assassination, how Christians from different perspectives can learn to have better conversations.

Media Referenced:

Why Christians Should Be Leftists: https://a.co/d/cSwkKvc

Phil’s Website: https://philipchristman.com/

Phil’s Substack: https://philipchristman.substack.com/

Ep 221: Why I Am Protestant with Beth Felker Jones

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Beth Felker Jones. Dr. Jones teaches theology at Northern Seminary and is the author of the brand-new book Why I am a Protestant, out now on IVP. In this book she defends the Protestant tradition, explaining both its strengths and challenges. We discuss Sola Scriptura, debates between Catholics and Protestants, how many people get Protestantism wrong, and why she believes the label still matters. We also discuss how Christians from different traditions can engage in productive dialogue and what is unique about Protestantism.

Media Referenced:

Why I Am Protestant: https://a.co/d/fUKy6r5

Beth Felker Jones Substack: https://bethfelkerjones.substack.com/

Why I am Catholic interview with Matthew Levering: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-149-roman-catholicism-the-pope-mary-the-eucharist-and-ecumenicism-with-matthew-levering/

Ep 220: Covenant Theology with Jacob Winograd

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Jacob Winograd about covenant theology and its impact on Biblical interpretation. We discussed my recent conversation with Stephen Angliss about dispensationalism, and Jacob argues for the alternative of covenant theology. He explains how God works through various covenants and their fulfillment, how it provides a hermeneutical framework for reading the Bible, how it is different than dispensationalism, and how it intersects both with the Reformed tradition and political readings of the text. We also discuss how covenant theology can help us think critically about the second Trump administration.

Media Referenced:

The Biblical Anarchy podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/biblical-anarchy/

Jacob on X: @BiblicalAnarchy

Stephen Angliss on Dispensationalism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-213-biblical-dispensationalism-with-stephen-angliss/

Jacob and Alex on History vs. Theology in Interpretation: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/theology-first-or-history-first-making-sense-of-scripture-in-modern-times-with-alex-bernardo/

Ep 219: Judeophobia and Philippians 3 with Mark Nanos

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Mark Nanos about his recent contribution on Philippians to the book Judeophobia and the New Testament, out now on Eerdmans. Dr. Nanos is the leading proponent of the ‘Paul Within Judaism’ school which reads Paul as a Jew who continues to understand his mission as an apostle within the framework of Judaism. He argues that the Christian interpretive tradition has marginalized and disparaged Judaism in unhelpful and unhistorical ways, and that Philippians 3 has often been used in anti-Jewish polemic. He situates Philippians 3 within its historical and rhetorical context, explaining how references to ‘dogs’ and ‘stomachs’ make more sense within the framework of Cynic philosophy and should best be understood as an attack against pagan culture instead of Judaism. We talk about Paul’s Jewish identity and his belief that gentiles were incorporated into Israel through faith, as well as why modern Christians need to seriously reconsider Paul and his Jewish identity if we want to faithfully interpret the New Testament.

Media Referenced:

Judeophobia and the New Testament: https://a.co/d/3pX4d1y

Mark Nanos Website: https://marknanos.com/

Ep 218: A Christian Response to Israel, Epstein, Trump, Flag-Burning, and More with Jason Fry

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Jason Fry, author of National Divorce: A Plan for Peace, about how Christians should respond to everything going on in the news cycle today. We talk Israel/Palestine, the Trump economy, flag burning, and how Christians should interact with political leaders. Jason also explains how national divorce can solve many of these problems and why Christians should think critically about current events.

Media Referenced:

Book Website: https://www.national-divorce.com/

Jason on X: @JasonKFry

Faith in the Folds Lipscomb episode: https://youtu.be/tfimNQAKRkg?si=tx4yyDaYQ3Bdxt09

Ep 217: Ancient Slavery and the New Testament with Christy Cobb and Katherine Shaner

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Christy Cobb and Dr. Katherine Shaner about the new book they coedited entitled Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts, out now on Eerdmans. They explain the institution of slavery in antiquity, its pervasiveness in Greco-Roman society, and how Romans and Jews alike thought about slavery. Dr. Cobb explains her chapter on gender roles, noting how men and women experienced slavery differently, and Dr. Shaner explains her chapter on New Testament household codes and their complex presentation of slavery. We then talk about the conflicting instructions regarding slavery in the New Testament, the Bible’s role in the abolitionist movement, and why Christians should seriously think about this issue. Dr. Cobb also wanted to refer curious listeners to the following article, which explores slavery in the Rabbinic tradition in greater detail: Hezser, Catherine. “Part Whore, Part Wife: Slave Women in the Palestinian Rabbinic Tradition.” In Doing Gender - Doing Religion: Case Studies on Intersectionality in Early Judaism, Christianity and Islam, edited by Ute E. Eisen, Christine Gerber, and Angela Standhartinger. Mohr Siebeck, 2013.

Media Referenced:

Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts: https://a.co/d/bixo0LZ

Christy Cobb Bio: https://liberalarts.du.edu/about/people/christy-cobb

Christy Cobb Academia: https://udenver.academia.edu/ChristyCobb

Katherine Shaner Bio: https://divinity.wfu.edu/academics/faculty/katherine-a-shaner/

Ep 216: Jesus the Divine Messiah and Gospel Trajectories

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss how the gospel writers develop both the messianic and divine identity of Jesus, building up from their sources. I discuss my preferred theory to the Synoptic problem, the Farrer Hypothesis. It postulates that Mark was the first written gospel, Matthew used Mark as a source and added his own material, and Luke used both Mark and Matthew as a source. I then explore a recent proposal made by James Barker who argues that John knew the Synoptic gospels. Advocating for the Farrer theory, he explores ‘Synoptic trajectories’, showing how each successive evangelist developed their source material, and shows how the line runs through John, which was a creative rewriting of the Synoptics. I apply these theories to the opening verse of each gospel. Mark 1:1 acknowledges that Jesus is Messiah, possibly alludes to Genesis 1-2, and sets the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with John the Baptist. Matthew agrees but pushes Jesus’ origins back to David through Abraham while narrating the divine conception of Jesus. Luke further develops the divine and messianic Christology of Mark and Matthew, tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Adam, boldly affirming his messianic status, and more extensively narrating Jesus’ divine conception. John agrees with all of this and takes the final step, showing Jesus participating in creation while retaining his Davidic, Messianic Christology.

Media Referenced:

James Barker interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-181-how-the-gospel-writers-copied-each-other-with-james-barker/

Helen Bond interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-167-the-gospels-as-biography-with-helen-bond/

Paul and Divine Christology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-127-paul-believed-that-jesus-was-god-with-chris-bruno/

Ep 215: The Federal Reserve with Bob Murphy

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with economist Dr. Bob Murphy about the Federal Reserve. Murphy argues that the Federal Reserve should be abolished. We explore the history of the Fed and how it has not only failed to produce economic stability but causes great economic harm. Murphy explains how the Fed devalues the currency, the impact Fed policy has on average Americans, and why Christians should be critical of the Fed. He also discusses why it should be abolished and how it can be reformed in the meantime. If you want a one-podcast introduction to the Federal Reserve, this is it!

Media Referenced:

Bob Murphy on X: @BobMurphyEcon

ZeroHedge Debate: https://youtu.be/poymGXekiJs?si=ePSUljD-vWoIoRAe

Understanding Money Mechanics book: https://cdn.mises.org/understanding_money_mechanics_with_cover_image_attached.pdf

The Bob Murphy Show: https://www.bobmurphyshow.com/

Ep 214: Jesus Taxes the Fish | Matthew 17:24-27

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore Matthew 17:24-27, in which Peter is asked if Jesus pays the temple tax. After talking to Peter about this question, Jesus says the sons of kings are exempt from taxes, but “so that we do not offend them” Peter is to catch a fish with a coin in its mouth and pay the tax anyway. We explore the literary and historical context of this passage, showing that Matthew uses it to develop Jesus’ messianic identity. This passage corresponds to Jeremiah 29:7, where Jeremiah tells the Babylonian exiles to seek the welfare of the city before describing Babylon’s ultimate destruction. God’s people should seek to live at peace with their neighbors knowing that God will come back and rescue them in the end. I then explore how the themes of not giving offense and seeking the welfare of neighbors are found in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2, discussing our obligation to seek peace knowing that God will one day do away with these unjust systems.

Media Referenced:

Everyone is Wrong About Romans: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-130-everyone-is-wrong-about-romans-13-including-me/

Romans 13 Revisited: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-210-revisiting-romans-13/

1 Peter 2 Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-121-submit-to-the-authorities-1-peter-213-17/

1 Peter 2 Article: https://libertarianchristians.com/2024/11/26/submit-to-the-authorities/

Ep 213: Biblical Dispensationalism with Stephen Angliss

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with pastor Stephen Angliss about Biblical dispensationalism. He is both reformed and a dispensationalist, and he makes the Biblical and theological case for dispensational theology. He argues that dispensationalism is a hermeneutical posture towards Scripture which enables Christians to see how God acts through different periods of history. He explains the main tenets of dispensationalism, its theological diversity, why he believes it is superior to covenant theology, how it fits into the Reformed tradition, and, very importantly, the role of Israel in dispensational eschatology.

Media Referenced:

Stephen on X: @Stephen_Angliss

Graham Immanuel Baptist Church: https://www.grahamemmanuel.org/

Mike Vlach on X: @mikevlach

Dispensationalism: https://a.co/d/d9nhsA4

Ep 212: Why Anabaptists Aren’t Like Other Protestants with Cody Cook

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk yet again with the great anarchist anabaptist Cody Cook. He is the author of two recent books on Anabaptism, The Anarchist Anabaptist and The Pocket Anabaptist. In this episode we explore what makes anabaptism unique and how it fits in with the wider protestant tradition. Cody explains how anabaptist have always been uncomfortable with state power, how anabaptists understand controversial theological issues such as baptism and justification, and why they are committed to nonviolence. We compare them to Lutherans, Calvinists, and other protestant groups, why anabaptism is compatible with anarchism, how modern anabaptists have compromised the tradition’s theology, and how anabaptists and other Christians can build ecumenical relationships.

Media Referenced:

Buy The Anarchist Anabaptist: https://a.co/d/0AtxLAa

Buy The Pocket Anabaptist: https://a.co/d/8wr7UQ5

TPLP Interview on The Anarchist Anabaptist: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-183-anabaptist-anarchy-with-cody-cook/

https://anarchistanabaptist.com/

https://www.cantus-firmus.com/

Cody on X: CantusFirmusCC

Ep 211: Progressive Christians are Left-Wing Christian Nationalists

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Kevin Burr and I discuss my article at LCI entitled ‘Progressive Christian Nationalism’ in which I explain how Christian nationalism and progressive Christianity are structurally identical. Despite wide disagreements regarding particular policy issues, both sides believe that the state should impose Christian values on society by force for the ‘good’ of the public. Enjoy this episode, and give Kevin and his podcast a follow!

Media Referenced:

Kevin Burr Twitter: @kbburr

Faith in the Folds Twitter: @faithinthefolds

Faith in the Folds Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/faithinthefolds/

Faith in the Folds Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLaLhEOui1uJi_1UrqP7oA

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZZM-uE_LoU&t=1144s

Progressive Christian Nationalism Article: https://libertarianchristians.com/2023/10/09/progressive-christian-nationalism-left-right-authoritarian/

Listen to the article here: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-112-progressive-christian-nationalism/

Ep 210: Revisiting Romans 13

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

On Blair Lee’s show ‘Bibleworthy’, I revisit Romans 13, the most controversial political passage in the New Testament. I explore how it functions in its historical and rhetorical context, how it relates to Paul’s wider theology, and how we should apply it today. I consider this to be my most definitive statement on the topic to date. Enjoy, and give ‘Bibleworthy’ a follow!

Media Referenced:

Bibleworthy Website: https://bibleworthy.com/

Follow Blair on X: @blairjohnlee

First take on Romans 13: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/libertarian-romans-13/

Why Everyone Gets Romans 13 Wrong: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-130-everyone-is-wrong-about-romans-13-including-me/

Ep 209: An Introduction to Christian Libertarianism (Part 2)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this second installment of a two-part series on Kevin Burr’s podcast ‘Faith in the Folds’, I explain how Christian libertarians understand taxation, drugs, and foreign policy. These are three issues that are of extreme importance to liberty-minded Christians, and we discuss each of them in detail. Enjoy this episode and give Kevin and his show a follow!

Media Referenced:

Kevin Burr Twitter: @kbburr

Faith in the Folds Twitter: @faithinthefolds

Faith in the Folds Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/faithinthefolds/

Faith in the Folds Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLaLhEOui1uJi_1UrqP7oA

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAUl27XbdfA&t=3s

Ep 208: An Introduction to Christian Libertarianism (Part 1)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is the first of a two-part series on Kevin Burr’s podcast ‘Faith in the Folds’ where I explain the relationship between Christianity and libertarianism. I discuss how I became a libertarian, the basics of libertarian philosophy, and how Christianity and libertarianism are compatible. Enjoy the episode and please give Kevin and ‘Faith in the Folds’ a follow!

Media Referenced:

Kevin Burr Twitter: @kbburr

Faith in the Folds Twitter: @faithinthefolds

Faith in the Folds Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/faithinthefolds/

Faith in the Folds Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLaLhEOui1uJi_1UrqP7oA

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo8fOgy95EQ

Ep 207: Religion in Modern America

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I review a recent ZeroHedge article that discusses the shifting religious landscape of the United States. While Christians, and evangelicals in particular, still make up the largest religious demographic, nearly 30% of American adults are unaffiliated with any particular religious tradition. I discuss why I believe this has happened, how we should think about it theologically, and what the American church needs to do in response to this data.

Media Referenced:

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/visualizing-religious-landscape-us

Ep 206: Imitation in Early Christianity with Cornelis Bennema

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Cornelis Bennema, professor of New Testament at the London School of Theology. He has written several books, including his brand-new Imitation in Early Christianity: Mimesis and Religious-Ethical Formation, out now on Eerdmans. In this book he explores the concept of mimesis or imitation in early Christianity and how imitation is central to Christian ethics and discipleship. We discuss the prevalence of the concept in the New Testament, its Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds, how the gospels and Paul represent imitation, whether “What Would Jesus Do” is an accurate phrase, and how Christians should imitate Jesus today.

Media Referenced:

Imitation in Early Christianity: https://a.co/d/3OpJFPU

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cornelis-Bennema/author/B001ICN4JS?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=fe5ed7ca-b153-43bb-a092-835bc042579e

Ep 205: Faith and Finances with Kyle Scott

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Kyle Scott, an entrepreneur, small-business owner, investor, and personal friend. In 2024 he wrote and self-published a book entitled Faith and Finances: The Most Neglected Yet Important Areas of Life, in which he discusses his faith journey and the unconventional trajectory of his career, as well as the relationship between faith and finances. We discuss how his faith journey impacted his career, the importance of prioritizing your faith, being generous, managing finances, and investing. Kyle also explains how his faith shaped his career trajectory and where he sees his business going in the future.

Media Referenced:

Faith and Finances: https://a.co/d/230zWFQ

Revived Productions Website: https://www.revivedproductions.com/

Kyle on Faith Ventures: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-29-one-more-faithful-step-with-kyle-scott/

Ep 204: The Political Witness of the Church with Allan Bevere

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with pastor and theologian Dr. Allan Bevere. Dr. Bevere wrote the 2011 book The Politics of Witness that played a major role in shaping my understanding of Christian political engagement. We discuss many of the major arguments put forth in that book, which are still relevant today. Dr. Bevere argues that the church has given in to Constantinianism, the idea that Christians should rule over others using the levers of temporal political power. The Enlightenment domesticated Christianity by appropriating its moral teaching to build modern nation states, and Christians on both the left and right want to impose their values on others through state power. Bevere explains how this compromises the witness of the church and how following Jesus can restore the witness of the Church to the world.

Media Referenced:

The Politics of Witness: https://a.co/d/9OehoFs

Alan Bevere on X: @arbevere

Website: http://www.allanrbevere.org/

Substack: https://allanrbevere.substack.com/

Ep 203: The Second Temple, the Sanhedrin, and 1st Century Jewish Politics

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss the inherently political nature of the second Jewish temple and the Sanhedrin, which was the local governing body based out of Jerusalem who were threatened by the ministry of Jesus. I explain how ‘religion’ is a modern category and that before the Enlightenment wasn’t distinguished from politics, society, or economics, and how passages in the Gospels that address the conflict between Jesus and the Jerusalem elites have often been read as purely ‘religious’ conflicts. Exploring the work done by scholar Shaye Cohen on the Temple and the Sanhedrin, I show how both served a political and social function that was consistent with the decentralized nature of Roman imperial rule. We then explore several passages in the gospel of Mark which, when read within their historical contexts, should be understood as addressing social and political, as well as theological, conflicts between Jesus, the ruling elites, and the second Temple.

Media Referenced:

Cohen, Shaye; From the Maccabees to the Mishnah: https://a.co/d/a3371UM

James McGrath on John the Baptist: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-134-john-the-baptist-with-james-mcgrath/

Ep 202: Paul, Apostle of Grace with Frank Thielman

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Frank Thielman, Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, about his brand-new book Paul, Apostle of Grace, out now on Eerdmans. This book is a sweeping but readable biography of Paul that addresses his life, ministry, theology, letter writing, and more. We discuss the importance of Paul in the development of the early church, the historical reliability of Acts and his letters, his Jewish background as a Pharisee from Tarsus, the Damascus Road experience, his missionary journeys to the Gentiles, the purpose of his letters, and the impact Paul has on the modern church. If you want a one-podcast summary of the life of Paul, this is it!

Media Referenced:

Paul, Apostle of Grace: https://a.co/d/6jp0AAQ

Frank Thielman Academic Page: https://www.samford.edu/beeson-divinity/directory/Thielman-Frank

Ep 201: Interpreting Jesus with Dale Allison

Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Dr. Dale Allison, Professor of New Testament Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including the brand-new Interpreting Jesus, out now on Eerdmans, where he analyzes several interesting and innovative issues related to the historical Jesus. We discuss contingent eschatology in 2nd Temple Judaism, the belief that God would intervene to rescue his people under certain conditions, whether Jesus thought himself to be the new Moses, why miracles aren’t necessarily out of bounds in historical Jesus studies, and how the presence of women traveling with Jesus during his ministry impacts our understanding of his ethical teachings. We conclude with a discussion on method. Allison expresses his concerns about the reliability of human memory, and how exploring themes in the Gospels helps us to reconstruct Jesus better than attempting to discern the historicity of individual stories or sayings. Unfortunately, Streamyard adjusted the microphone settings to my computer instead of my microphone, which is why my vocals sound thin. I apologize for the technical difficulties!

Media Referenced:

Interpreting Jesus: https://a.co/d/9nQVqvJ

Ep 200: Mercantilism, Capitalism, Marx, and Trump’s Tariffs with Richard Fulmer

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Richard Fulmer, an engineer and systems analyst who was written several articles related to free-market economics, about his recent piece for the Mises institute entitled Karl Marx’s Missing Link: Erasing the Line Between Mercantilism and Capitalism, where he explores how Marx wrongly conflates the results of mercantilism with capitalism and what it means for economic analysis today. He explains Marx’s general theory of historical and economic development and shows that Marx deliberately conflates mercantilism with capitalism. He then defines both terms, stressing that mercantilism is a form of international feudalism where countries attempt to bring in as much gold as possible to avoid trade deficits and is entirely propagated by government intervention. Capitalism is an economic system with no government interference. We talk about Marx’s mistake, why his ideas became so popular, and why many on the left confuse ‘capitalism’ with state intervention. We then explore Trump’s tariffs, how they are a modern rebranding of mercantilism, and why they are doomed to fail. We then discuss how we can help right-wingers become more consistent about free markets.

Media Referenced:

https://mises.org/power-market/karl-marxs-missing-link-erasing-line-between-mercantilism-and-capitalism

Richard Fulmer on Substack: https://cavemaneconomist.substack.com/

Ep 199: The Fight for Liberty in Nigeria with Econ Bro

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Econ Bro, a Nigerian minster and economist, about his plans to spread Austrian economics and libertarian ideas to the people of Nigeria. We talk about the impact of US politics on the rest of the world, the dysfunctional socialist economy of Nigeria, the country’s rampant political corruption, and the dim prospects for change. We then talk about the Nigerian Liberty Project, which has allowed Econ Bro to spread the message of Austrian economics and liberty to college students and on air. We talk about the desperate need for this work and how we can help him reach the goal of making a real impact in his country. It is dangerous work and requires funding. Please consider supporting this important mission!

Media Referenced:

Support the NLP: https://gogetfunding.com/the-nigerian-liberty-project/

Econ Bro on X: @EconBreau

Episode 49: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/becoming-a-christian-the-future-of-global-christianity-nigerian-politics-econ-bro/

Episode 30: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/what-the-bible-says-about-women-in-ministry-econ-bro/

Ep 198: Socialism, Trump, Swedish Politics, and Military Propaganda with Erik (@AlphaclassARC)

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk once again to Erik, a Swedish socialist who is philosophically Marxist. We discuss his perspective on what is happening in the world, the problems with the American left, how Europeans interpret Trump’s second term, imperialism, Swedish politics, how video games promote American military propaganda, and more. He offers insights into the current state of global politics that are worthy of consideration.

Media Referenced:

Erik on Twitter: @AlphaclassARC

Ep 197: What We Believe Part 7 | The Nations

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

I hosted seven weeks of group online, and I recorded a series of videos about the basics of our beliefs for my students to watch before our weekly meetings. These short video introductions to important Biblical subjects lay dormant for nearly five years, until I decided to turn them into episodes of my podcast. The original videos (edited, of course, to remove the boring logistical information), will be posted on YouTube. There you can see my beard and my hair grow longer each week until I look like a ridiculous clown.

Longtime listeners of the show will realize that some of my beliefs have been nuanced or changed in the last five years, but I still agree with the basic outline of each episode. I hope they benefit you!

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

What Do We Believe? Week Seven: The Nations

The final week in a seven-part series entitled "What Do We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

Paul declares in Romans 1:5 that the Gospel is for 'the nations' or 'the gentiles'. We will explore the significance of that statement this week!

Here are the four discussion questions from this week:

1. How is the message of Jesus relevant to everyone, regardless of our different backgrounds?

2. The Gospel forces us into relationships with those that are different from us. Why can this be challenging?

3. If the Gospel is open to everyone, how does this shape the way we treat those that are not a part of the church?

4. Why is it a good to have diversity within the church?

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and Youtube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 196: Rethinking Addiction, Drug Policy, and Family Support with Jane Clair Tyner

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Jane Clair Tyner, communications manager at End it for Good, a non-profit which advocates for health-centered approaches to drug use and addiction. After losing her oldest son to addiction, Jane Clair has become a vocal advocate for educating the population about drugs, addiction, and treatment. She talks about the policy failures resulting from the war on drugs and the gross disparities caused by drug policy, the problems of harsh punishments, and the need for harm reduction and regulation. We discuss how to best convince people to treat drug use as a health problem and why communities, especially Christian communities, play such a vital role in helping people overcome addiction.

Media Referenced:

End it for Good: https://enditforgood.com/

End it for Good Twitter: @EndItForGoodMS

Curious: https://a.co/d/1Aklh2L

Christina Dent Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-100-ending-the-war-on-drugs-with-christina-dent/

Ep 195: Why Public Schools are Failing with The Legacy Right

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this crossover episode I talk with Zak Kisor and Andrew Joseph of The Legacy Right podcast about America’s failing public schools. We discuss our personal experiences in the education system, why schools consistently underperform, how the agenda of the education bureaucracy has nothing to do with serving the public or providing an education, and the difficulty of making changes that benefit students. We also explore how to make these schools better, including eliminating the bureaucracy, school choice, decentralized educational decision making, and providing more options for students and parents. I also share some personal stories and insights from my career in public education.

Media Referenced:

The Legacy Right podcast: https://linktr.ee/thelegacyright

Zak on X: @legacy_zak

Andrew on X: @AiConan90

Other episodes on education:

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/turning-down-teacher-tenure/

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-68-our-mediocre-public-schools-with-connor-boyack/

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-116-public-schools-are-designed-to-indoctrinate-students/

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-120-fixing-education-through-the-free-market-with-lisa-watson/

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-128-the-truth-about-public-schools-with-karl-streitel/

Ep 194: What We Believe Part 6 | Faith

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

What Do We Believe? Week Six: Faith

Week six in a seven part series entitled "What Do We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

Paul declares in Romans 1:5 that 'faith' means 'obedience'. We will explore the significance of that statement this week!

Here are the four discussion questions from this week:

1.Why is simply ‘believing’ that God exists not enough, and how is that different from ‘faith’ in the Biblical sense?

2. Why is status so important to us? Why do people want to be popular and accepted?

3. What are some ways that we can make ‘faith’ the most important status that we have?

Ep 193: The Problem of Old Testament Violence with Jordan Ballard

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Jordan Ballard, Assistant Professor at the John W. Wralings School of Divinity at Liberty University and adjunct professor at Calvary University. His doctoral thesis was entitled The Kindness and Severity of God: A Defense of the Conquest of Canaan, which explores the conquest narratives in Joshua 1-12. We will be discussing the problem of Old Testament violence and how to think about it from a Christian perspective. We situate the conquest narratives in the context of Old Testament theology more generally, which includes God’s plan to redeem creation, and the narrative context of the book of Joshua. We discuss God’s unique prerogative to make decisions about human life, Canaanite evil and Israel’s covenant, and the apparent discrepancy between the presentation of God’s character in the Old and New Testaments. This is an excellent primer for anyone concerned about problem of violence in the Old Testament and how Christians should reckon with it.

Media Referenced:

The Kindness and Severity of God: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3815/

Ep 192: 1 Corinthians 15 and the Resurrection of Jesus with James Ware

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Dr. James Ware, scholar of New Testament and Ancient Christianity and professor emeritus at the University of Evansville, about his brand-new The Final Triumph of God: Jesus, the Eyewitnesses, and the Resurrection of the Body in 1 Corinthians 15, out now on Eerdmans, which is a line-by-line commentary of Paul’s most iconic statement of the resurrection at the end of the first Corinthian epistle. We look at the significance and centrality of the resurrection for Christian faith, the wider context of 1 Corinthians, and then engage in a passage-by-passage review of 1 Corinthians 15, dealing with all the complex exegetical questions it poses. The resurrection is the heart of the Christian hope, and this lengthy chapter needs to be taken seriously!

Media Referenced:

The Final Triumph of God: https://a.co/d/8zHHXFr

James Ware Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-P.-Ware/author/B001JXUOPS?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1742654742&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=3bfa1604-b6e2-4c27-bb83-5236f2524088

Ep 191: What We Believe Part 5 | The Holy Spirit

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

What Do We Believe? Week Five: The Holy Spirit

Week five in a seven part series entitled "What Do We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

Paul declares in Romans 1:4 that Jesus was raised from the dead by the "Spirit of Holiness", or the Holy Spirit? But what, or rather, who, is the Holy Spirit? We find out in this weeks devotional!

Here are the three discussion questions from this week:

1. If the Spirit defines who is a part of God’s family, why is simply going to church or saying that we believe not enough?

2. Why is it important that our lives are transformed and changed by the spirit? Why does God not want us to stay the same?

3. What are some ways that we can use our gifts (talents and abilities) to honor God?

4. Why do you think that we often ignore or neglect the Spirit when we talk about our faith?

5. How does belief in our future resurrection give us hope?

Ep 190: Politics, Philosophy, Religion, and Psychedelics with Brent M.

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Brent M., host of the Aiming Up podcast, about his political evolution, how philosophy has shaped his worldview, leaving religion, psychedelics, and health. This is a wide-ranging conversation that touches on issues that are extremely important to my show, and Brent’s insightful and open-minded approach to complex issues is refreshing and guaranteed to get you thinking! Make sure you check out his show!

Media Referenced:

Brent on X: @bgetsbetter

Aiming Up on X: @aiminguppodcast

Aiming Up on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AimingUpPodcast

Aiming Up on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/659MG8vaf0aEHWN14KzPkY

Ep 189: Private Charity is Better than Government Welfare with Gerard Casey

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Gerard Casey, professor emeritus at University College Dublin and associate scholar at the Mises Institute, about charity and welfare. Dr. Casey argues that a libertarian approach to charity, which is based on the principles of non-aggression and localism, are a more efficient method of providing for those in need than big-government redistributive programs. Besides relying on the use of violence against peaceful people, welfare programs have a costly bureaucracy, are not targeted to those who need it most, and enable degeneracy and generational poverty. Mutual aid and friendly societies, which are voluntarily funded, avoid the moral hazards inherent in socialized welfare. They provided for the needs of truly vulnerable people throughout history, and were wildly popular after industrialization until government programs crowded them out of the market. Politicians use these programs to buy votes regardless of the social and economic costs they impose upon the population. Casey argues that Christians should care about charity and that the only solutions are libertarian.

Media Referenced:

Gerard Casey on X: @Casey5122dark

Let the Poor Starve: https://www.stephankinsella.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/casey-Let-the-Poor-Starve-rev.-June-2023.pdf

Ep 188: What We Believe Part 4 | Resurrection

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

What Do We Believe? Week Four: Resurrection

Week Four in a seven-part series entitled "What Do We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

Paul declares in Romans 1:4 that Jesus was declared to be Son of God by the resurrection of the dead, but what does the term "resurrection" actually mean? This video explores the idea of resurrection and what it means for Jesus, Paul, and us.

Here are the three discussion questions from this week:

1. The resurrection of Jesus is the single most important Christian belief. Why do you think this is the case? What makes it so important?

2. If the resurrection really happened, how does it make our evangelism and our mission more significant?

3. How does belief in our future resurrection give us hope?

Ep 187: No Work, No Food | 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore Paul’s exhortation in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 where he instructs the Thessalonians that “those that don’t work, don’t eat” (3:10). Building from last week’s episode on 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, I explain how this passage functioned in its historical context and the principles that we should draw from it to think about economics and politics in the modern world. I justify the Pauline authorship of 2 Thessalonians, and then explain how the themes of persecution, eschatology, and sanctification are central to the letter. Paul encourages Christians to emulate him by embracing a cruciform lifestyle of sacrifice for others and shows himself to be an example because he performed manual labor during his stay in Thessalonica so as not to be a burden to the congregation. In 3:6-13, he challenges the ‘ataktos’, the idle or disorderly, to find work and not live off the generosity of other people. Christians should put themselves in a position to help others and charity should only be given to those who are truly in need. We explore the consequences of the principles outlined in this text for the ways in which Christians should think about modern economics and politics.

Media Referenced:

1 Thessalonians 4:9-13:

1 Peter 2:13-17: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-121-submit-to-the-authorities-1-peter-213-17/

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-105-jesus-and-the-rich-young-ruler/

1 Timothy 5-6: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/1-timothy-5-6-widows-wealth-and-the-specter-of-socialism/

New Bible Dictionary: https://a.co/d/hGlU7fD

Karl Donfried; Paul, Thessalonica, and the Early Church: https://a.co/d/fCdLFc4

Bruce Winter; Seek the Welfare of the City: https://a.co/d/ardheBa

Ep 186: Work with Your Hands | 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I explain what Paul is doing when he exhorts the Thessalonians to “mind your own business and work with your hands” in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. I discuss the problems with historical anachronism and the difference between ancient and modern economic thought. I then discuss the wider context of Paul’s though, explaining how his fundamental moral principle is cruciformity (living a life of sacrifice for others) and his views on the nature and responsibility of the church. Paul works to fund his own ministry (1 Cor. 9) as an example of cruciform sacrifice towards his congregations. I explain how Thessalonica was a diverse, cosmopolitan trading city with an independent government, and how Paul’s trip to Thessalonica (Acts 17) resulted in synagogue leaders leveraging the local government to harass those that believe in the Gospel. I then turn to 1 Thessalonians as a letter, showing how persecution and eschatology are the two major themes that run through the letter. Paul wants the Thessalonians to imitate him (1:6-7) and explains how he is willing to work to provide for his own needs (2:9-12). Before the final section of 1 Thessalonians, Paul explains how cruciform love and the identity of the church shapes the rest of his exhortation (3:11-13). We then finally come to 1 Thess. 4:9-12. The historical and sociological background of the passage is the Roman patron-client system, where wealthy patrons give gifts of money, clothing, and food to clients in exchange for social clout and political support. Paul wants all Christians to become charitable and benefactors, and his language in 4:9-12 is a rejection of the patron-client system. Paul encourages Christians to leave and reject the patron-client system and instead work with their hands, so that they will not be in need and can help those that genuinely are. This is also an example of the cruciform character of the church to outsiders. I then explain some principles that Christians should derive from this passage and how they should shape our perception of Christian responsibility in the modern world.

Media Referenced:

1 Timothy 5-6: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/1-timothy-5-6-widows-wealth-and-the-specter-of-socialism/

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-105-jesus-and-the-rich-young-ruler/

1 Peter 2:13-17: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-121-submit-to-the-authorities-1-peter-213-17/

Bibleworthy Podcast Appearance: https://bibleworthy.com/8

Seek the Welfare of the City, Bruce Winter: https://a.co/d/aYzhQt2

Empire, Economics, and the New Testament, Peter Oakes: https://a.co/d/3gsTap5

The Moral Teaching of Paul, Victor Furnish: https://a.co/d/dnMNlpB

Ep 185: What We Believe Part 3 | Son of David

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

What Do We Believe? Week Three - Son of David

Week Three in a seven part series entitled "What Do We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

"Gospel" means good news, and Paul uses the term to describe the message about Jesus and the beliefs of Jesus followers. In Romans 1:3, Paul explains that Jesus is both the 'Son of David' and the 'Son of God', both of which are terms used in the Old Testament to describe the coming promised king of the world.

Here are the three discussion questions from this week:

1. We don’t often think about Jesus as being an actual king; how should this change the way we look at Jesus?

2. If Jesus is king, why should we be obedient to him?

3. Does this shape the way that we look at political leaders and rulers today? If so, how?

Part 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-179-what-we-believe-part-1-the-gospel/

Part 2: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-182-what-we-believe-part-2-according-to-scripture/

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Ep 184: Liberty, Authority, and the Political Spectrum

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

*Streamyard defaulted to my computer microphone and not my recording microphone. I apologize for the terrible sound quality.

In this episode I explore how the American progressive left and conservative right share many fundamental assumptions about the use of authoritarian power. While the political spectrum in the West is usually conceptualized as left vs. right, I argue that it should be more accurately characterized as liberty vs. authority. I discuss the libertarian non-aggression principle, which states as a moral principle that violence should never be initiated against a peaceful person, and I read from Murray Rothbard and Hans-Herman Hoppe to elaborate the point. I then compare this with conservative and progressive conceptions of power, both of which affirm the use of arbitrary state power and violence to achieve their preferred social ends. This is why our only two political options are between liberty and varying degrees of authoritarianism. I then read from Mark 10:35-45, John 15, 1 John 4, and Matthew 23, showing that self-sacrificial love for others and the rejection of worldly authoritarian powers are principles fundamental to Christianity and explain how libertarianism is a more consistent modern political application of those fundamental principles.

Media Referenced:

Rothbard, For a New Liberty: https://a.co/d/2nP2PZC

Hoppe, A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism: https://a.co/d/0jub6a2

Jesus and Capitalism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-180-jesus-and-capitalism/

Mises vs. Wright: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-178-ludwig-von-mises-vs-a-christian-scholar-round-3-n-t-wright/

Ep 183: Anabaptist Anarchy with Cody Cook

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I welcome back long-time friend of the show Cody Cook to discuss his brand-new book The Anarchist Anabaptist: Essays on Radical Christianity and Freedom. In this book he explores the relationship between his Anabaptist faith and libertarian political philosophy. We discuss the meaning and history of the Anabaptist movement, its relationship to the wider Protestant world, and the differences of opinion between various Anabaptist groups. Cody explains the difference between pacifism and non-violence, paedo- and credobaptism, and why many modern Anabaptists are politically progressive. We discuss the John Howard Yoder scandal and how it impacted his legacy, and Cody critiques the political perspectives of N.T. Wright and Michael Bird. Buy a copy of the book today!

Media Referenced:

Buy The Anarchist Anabaptist:

LCI Link: https://libertarianchristians.com/book/the-anarchist-anabaptist/

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0AtxLAa

Interview on LCP: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/episode-389-the-anarchist-anabaptist-with-cody-cook/

https://anarchistanabaptist.com/

https://www.cantus-firmus.com/

Cody on X: CantusFirmusCC

Ep 182: What We Believe Part 2 | “According to Scripture”

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

What We Believe Week Two: According to Scripture

Week Two in a seven part series entitled "What Do We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

"Gospel" means good news, and Paul uses the term to describe the message about Jesus and the beliefs of Jesus followers. In Romans 1:2, Paul explains that his Gospel is "according to Scripture", meaning that the message Jesus is the completion of the Old Testament story. .

Here are the three discussion questions from this week:

1. Why is it important that Jesus is the center of God's story?

2. Is it important that we understand the Old Testament? Why or why not?

Part 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-179-what-we-believe-part-1-the-gospel/

Ep 181: How the Gospel Writers Copied Each Other with James Barker

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. James Barker, associate professor of New Testament at Western Kentucky University, who authored the brand-new book Writing and Rewriting the Gospels: John and the Synoptics, out now on Eerdmans. In this book Dr. Barker discusses the synoptic problem, the question of the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and offers a defense of the Farrer hypothesis, which argues Mark was the first gospel to be written, Matthew used Mark, and Luke used both. He discusses ancient rhetorical techniques, writings styles and media, and the ‘trajectory’ of editing. He then proposes that John both knew and used the synoptics, and that the development of early Christology helpfully illustrates the literary development of the gospels.

Media Referenced:

Writing and Rewriting the Gospels: https://a.co/d/aQAdPq4

James Barker Academia: https://wku.academia.edu/JamesBarker

Ep 180: Jesus and Capitalism

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I discuss the problem of unclear economic thinking in Biblical scholarship. Terms like ‘capitalism’ and ‘socialism’ are often left undefined by the scholars who employ them, and the vague cultural notion that ‘capitalism’ is about evil and greed while ‘socialism’ is about virtue and charity characterizes the use of economic language in scholarship on the Bible. I discuss how many excellent scholars nevertheless make Jesus out to be a modern socialist despite doing excellent historical work on ancient economic systems. I define capitalism as it is understood by the Austrian school as a theory of private capital accumulation based on absolute respect for property rights. I then explain how modern economic concepts are foreign to ancient thinkers. I read through Luke 12:13-34 and explain the historical questions which need to be asked to accurately interpret this passage and explain how modern interpreters gloss over Jesus’s statements on wealth and charity with an uncritical appeal to socialism. I then explore this dynamic by reviewing the work of two New Testament scholars, Richard Horsley and Douglas Oakman, who do excellent historical analysis on ancient economic and political systems but impose modern socialist ideas onto the texts while coming to the incorrect political conclusions that all our modern problems are a result of capitalism on ‘capitalism’, when the real problem are socialist policies that they support. They allow their biases to determine interpretive outcomes. I also reveal that I am writing a book about all of this which I hope will be published in 2026.

Media Referenced:

LVM vs. N.T. Wright: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-178-ludwig-von-mises-vs-a-christian-scholar-round-3-n-t-wright/

LVM vs. James K.A. Smith: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ludwig-von-mises-vs-christian-scholar-round-2-james-k-a-smith/

LVM vs. Michael Gorman: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ludwig-von-mises-vs-christian-scholar-round-1-michael-gorman/

James Crossley: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-169-the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/

The Political Aims of Jesus, Oakman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0800638476?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_R1NS418YPJNNEY9DRTDS_2&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1

Jesus and Empire, Horsley: https://www.amazon.com/dp/080063490X?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_NBCAC8JTEJVMTVEC3M94&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1

Ep 179: What We Believe Part 1 | The Gospel

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Right before the pandemic, in February of 2020, I took on the role of interim student ministries director at my church.

Then the world shut down.

New episodes will be released every other Thursday between January 30-April 24 2025.

Original show notes:

Week One in a seven part series entitled "What We Believe", based on Romans 1:1-5.

"Gospel" means good news, and Paul uses the term to describe the message about Jesus and the beliefs of Jesus followers. In Romans 1:1-5, Paul explains these beliefs, what he calls the "Gospel".

Here are the three discussion questions from this week:

1. How is the message about Jesus "Good News" to you?

2. How can we bring "good news" to others during this quarantine?

3. Why is it important to know what we believe about Jesus?

Part 2: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-182-what-we-believe-part-2-according-to-scripture/

Ep 178: Ludwig von Mises vs. A Christian Scholar, Round 3 (N.T. Wright)

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In the long-awaited third installment of my Ludwig von Mises vs. a Christian Scholar series, I take on the big dog himself, N.T. Wright. Wright is the world’s most famous New Testament scholar and theologian and is known for his pioneering work on the ‘New Perspective’ on Paul, Paul and empire, and the historical Jesus. I explain how his own theology of empire and the church helped lead me to libertarianism, but how Wright himself often fails to see the modern consequences of his own theological positions. I look at a passage from his book History and Eschatology where he writes a veiled critique of capitalism, and counter it with a passage from Mises’s Human Action that explains how free market capitalism actually works. This demonstrates that on a definitional level Wright doesn’t understand free markets and attributes to ‘capitalism’ economic problems that are directly caused by government intervention in the market. I then play clips from an interview Wright had with entrepreneur Phil Chen, showing that Wright fails to understand monetary theory, central banking, economic regulation, and markets. I counter his points with selected readings from the works of Mises, demonstrating how an understanding of the Austrian school of economics would better help Wright better apply his theology to modern social and economic problems.

Media Referenced:

Round 1: Mises vs. Gorman: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ludwig-von-mises-vs-christian-scholar-round-1-michael-gorman/

Round 2: Mises vs. Smith: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ludwig-von-mises-vs-christian-scholar-round-2-james-k-a-smith/

‘Inflation’ defined: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-66-the-high-cost-of-inflation-and-the-war-in-ukraine/

Bitcoin explained: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/bitcoin-and-the-future-of-currency-with-adam-obrien/

Money, the Fed, and Christianity: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-99-money-the-federal-reserve-and-christian-ethics-with-jordan-bush/

Human Action: https://mises.org/podcasts/human-action-treatise-economics

History and Eschatology: https://a.co/d/8tHavlm

Money and Inflation: https://mises.org/library/book/ludwig-von-mises-money-and-inflation

Phil Chen Interview Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFR7J2-N6JM&list=PPSV

Phil Chen Interview Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2W0Jo5QAaU&list=PLQhBTXNmfWOyX5l7di2JV8ghJh4SdwcUF&index=8

Ep 177: The History, Politics, and Beliefs of Islam and Christianity with Wafik Wahba

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Wafik Wahba, professor of global Christianity at Tyndale University in Toronto, Canada. His brand-new book Global Christianity and Islam: Exploring History, Politics, and Beliefs (out February 2025 on IVP), explores the complex history of the relationship between Christianity and Islam, how they have shaped the modern world, and their theological similarities and differences. We will discuss the intricate history of Christianity and Islam, how they have shaped both society and politics in the modern world, and how Christians and Muslims understand God, Jesus, human nature, salvation, and community. This is an excellent primer on both Islam and the deeply interconnected history of Christianity and Islam.

Media Referenced:

Global Christianity and Islam: https://a.co/d/bJvbiXO

Wafik Wahba Tyndale page: https://www.tyndale.ca/faculty/wafik-wahba

Ep 176: The Gospels and Ancient Media with Rafael Rodriguez

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Rafael Rodriguez, who teaches New Testament at Pittsburg Theological Seminary. We discuss his chapter in The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus (out now on Eerdmans), where he explains what ancient media tells us about the historical Jesus. While our primary sources are the gospels as written texts, in antiquity these were not the only ways in which people were exposed to Jesus. Dr. Rodriguez explains the nature of oral tradition, and what we can know about the period between the life of Jesus and the composition of the gospels. He explains both the failures and valuable insights of form criticism, which treats each individual unit of the gospels as an isolated tradition, and argues that the methodology of the Next Quest must move beyond the assumptions of form criticism. Based on the standards of ancient media, there were no ‘original’ versions of the events recorded in the gospels, and we can’t reconstruct exactly which words Jesus did and did not say. Rodriguez makes the compelling case that the diversity and divergences between the synoptic gospels are a necessary product of the ancient media environment, and do not present an obstacle to our faith. Taking these historical insights into consideration will give us a more nuanced impression of who Jesus was.

Media Referenced:

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus: https://a.co/d/6nQxo23

Rafael Rodriguez Academia: https://pts.academia.edu/RafaelRodriguez

Helen Bond interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-167-the-gospels-as-biography-with-helen-bond/

James Crossley interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-169-the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/

Adele Reinhartz interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-173-the-jewishness-of-jesus-with-adele-reinhartz/

Chris Keith video interview: https://youtu.be/B96XmTRQ3jo?si=MG_A0hpqT_-_s4NV

Ep 175: Why We Can’t ‘Get Behind’ the Gospels with Chris Keith

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Chris Keith, research professor of New Testament and early Christianity at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society. He is the co-editor of The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, out now on Eerdmans press, and he contributes a chapter to the volume entitled ‘Beyond What is Behind’. In this chapter he proposes that historical Jesus research needs to move beyond the idea that we can somehow ‘get behind’ the texts of the gospels and find unvarnished, uninterpreted historical information about Jesus. He discusses the rich legacy of form criticism, influenced by legendary scholars like Rudolf Bultmann, and examines how the operating assumption in Jesus scholarship has been that some individual units in the gospel tradition may give us perfect glimpses into the life of Jesus himself. Keith argues that the so-called ‘criteria of authenticity’ have failed to produce this result, and that all of our sources about Jesus are, by definition, interpretations of his life. We should instead try to look at the impact that Jesus had on his followers which gave rise to the sources we have, and explore the wider social, political, and historical contexts in which Jesus lived to get a sense of who he was. All we can every really know about Jesus is the ‘gist’ of his life, ministry and teaching. Keith stresses the need for humility when doing historical research and the important role that imagination plays in reconstructing the past.

Media Referenced:

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus: https://a.co/d/3cjjthL

Chris Keith on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Keith/author/B0028OM79S?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

James Crossley Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-169-the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/

Helen Bond Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-167-the-gospels-as-biography-with-helen-bond/

Adele Reinhartz Interview: https://youtu.be/LeypHVQVMF8

Ep 174: Patience and the Fruits of the Spirit (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This is a recording of a sermon I preached on Sunday, November 17, 2024. It is a part of our sermon series on the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ in Galatians 5:22-23. In this sermon, I talk about patience. I admit that I struggle to be patient, explaining why we live in a low patience society and how that affects the relationships we have with other people. I then explain how our patience is modeled after God’s patience. I explore the patience of God in 2 Peter 3, showing that God is patient with us because he wants all to repent. We then look at our own patience in Colossian 3, where Paul explains that patience means we must be forgiving to others as God forgives us. I then give some concluding thoughts on how we can better develop patience, and end with James 1:19-20.

Ep 173: The Jewishness of Jesus with Adele Reinhartz

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Adele Reinhartz, professor of religious studies at the University of Ottawa in Canada. She contributed a chapter to The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus (out now on Eerdmans press) where entitled ‘Beyond the Jewish Jesus Debate’, in which she argues that historical Jesus researchers (and everyone else!) simply must take the Jewish identity of Jesus for granted. She explains why Biblical interpreters throughout the ages have either ignored or downplayed the Jewishness of Jesus and the negative impact that has had on our interpretation of him. We then explore how Jesus’s matrilinear descent, the presentation of Jesus by his biographers, and his wider Jewish context anchor his identity fully within Judaism. We discuss the controversial use of the term ‘the Jews’ in John, Jesus’s conflicts with the Pharisees, the mission of Paul to the gentiles, and the propensity for New Testament scholars to ‘grade’ the Jewishness of Jesus, as well as how grounding our understanding of Jesus in his Jewish identity will shape the future of New Testament scholarship.

Media Referenced:

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus: https://a.co/d/7SgiWSJ

Dr. Reinhartz Academia page: https://uottawa.academia.edu/AdeleReinhartz

Dr. Reinhartz BlueSky: ancientjewreview.bsky.social

Helen Bond Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-167-the-gospels-as-biography-with-helen-bond/

James Crossley Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-169-the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/

Ep 172: The Dark Side of American Christian Culture with Matthew Barber and Josh Williams

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk to my friends Matt Barber and Josh Williams about the dark side of growing up in American Christian churches. All of us were products of 90’s and 2000’s church culture; I was raised in the Lutheran church and they were raised in the Nazarene church. They share some of the stories, both funny and serious, about the weird, frustrating, and harmful experiences they had growing up in the church, and we discuss the awkward relationship that Christians have with American culture. We also explore the direction of the church and how we wound up where we are today. As an added bonus, we debate whether or not Adam had a belly button. If you were ever surprised, hurt, intrigued, or weirded out by church culture, this episode is for you. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Matt Barber episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/future-christian-higher-education-dr-matthew-barber/

Josh Williams episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-power-of-stories-leaving-ministry-changing-beliefs-podcasting-josh-williams-podbless/

PodBless YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxeNCR8iQwItepJVh6vPU2Q

X: @podbless

PodBless website: https://linktr.ee/PodBless

Ep 171: Six Essential Books of 2024

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In my third-annual ‘six books’ Christmas special, I present the six books that had a major impact on my thinking that were published in 2024. I have read a lot of great literature this year and it was very difficult to condense my list to only six. Here are the 2024 essential books finalists:

Trump’s War on Capitalism, David Stockman

National Divorce, Jason Fry

Paul and Imperial Divine Honors, Clint Burnett

Christmaker, James McGrath

Jesus and His Promised Second Coming, Tucker Ferda

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, James Crossley and Chris Keith

I have interviews with five of the six authors, and the first book, Trump’s War on Capitalism, I covered extensively in an episode I recorded on Trump. Links to all the books and the interviews below. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Trump’s War on Capitalism, David Stockman: https://a.co/d/bRxtwQH

Episode on Trump: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-156-the-libertarian-case-against-donald-trump/

National Divorce, Jason Fry: https://a.co/d/dfY4NIX

Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-161-national-divorce-and-peaceful-secession-with-jason-fry/

Paul and Imperial Divine Honors, Clint Burnett: https://a.co/d/coy5tDs

Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-125-paul-imperial-divine-honors-and-the-roman-empire-with-clint-burnett/

Christmaker, James McGrath: https://a.co/d/j5uje0d

Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-134-john-the-baptist-with-james-mcgrath/

Jesus and His Promised Second Coming, Tucker Ferda: https://a.co/d/1IEIIMn

Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-159-jesus-and-his-promised-second-coming-with-tucker-ferda/

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, James Crossley and Chris Keith: https://a.co/d/ekFExPf

Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-169-the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/

Six Essential Books 2023: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-97-six-essential-books-of-2023/

Six Essential Books 2022: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/six-books-that-shaped-my-political-thinking-and-theology/

Ep 170: Converting to Catholicism and Libertarian Activism with Amity Dolby

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Amity Dolby, a lifetime member of the Libertarian Party who serves as the treasurer of the LP of Central Virginia. Amity had been a life-long protestant, but recently converted to the Catholic church. We talk about her upbringing in the protestant world, her dissatisfaction with several protestant churches and the inconsistencies she saw in their teachings, and her interest in the Catholic faith. She describes her conversion, going through RCIA, and the spiritual depth and community she experiences as a Catholic. We also talk about her libertarian activism, the role of the LP, the controversies surrounding Trump and the Mises Caucus, and the prospects for libertarian success in the future, as well as how her Catholic faith intersects with libertarian philosophy.

Media Referenced:

Amity on X: @amitylee13

The Coming Home Network: https://chnetwork.org/

Let Them Live: http://letthemlive.org/

The Lamb’s Supper: https://a.co/d/gegMX4N

Catharine Pakaluk on Catholic social teaching: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-103-the-social-and-economic-teachings-of-the-catholic-church-with-catharine-pakaluk/

Michael Pakaluk on Catholic teaching: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-122-what-protestants-misunderstand-about-the-catholic-church-with-michael-pakaluk/

Catharine Pakaluk on large families: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-123-why-women-are-choosing-to-have-more-children-with-catherine-pakaluk/

Trent Horn on Catholic teaching: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-148-a-catholic-take-on-the-reformation-sola-scriptura-economics-and-more-with-trent-horn/

Matthew Leavering on Catholicism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-149-roman-catholicism-the-pope-mary-the-eucharist-and-ecumenicism-with-matthew-levering/

Ep 169: The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus with James Crossley

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. James Crossley, who teaches at Cambridge in England and MF Oslo in Norway. He explains the goals of the ‘Next Quest’ for the historical Jesus, which is an attempt to outline the next phase of historical Jesus research. He contributes the opening article in the new book The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, out now on Eerdmans, where he outlines the goals of the Next Quest. He discusses his frustrations with historical Jesus research over the last several years and the problems with previous attempts to reconstruct Jesus. Instead of attempting to find an uninterpreted Jesus behind the gospels, the Next Quest will emphasize the material and cultural forces that lead to the production of the sources we have about Jesus. It will also offer a new analysis of issues like class and economics, attempting to reconstruct the social world in which Jesus operated, as well as bringing in ideas from other fields such as religious studies and the humanities. It will place a heavy emphasis on the reception history of Jesus scholarship and analyze the social context of Jesus scholarship to see what impact the context of Jesus researchers has on their work. This is an important and insightful attempt to push historical Jesus research in a new direction.

Media Referenced:

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus: https://a.co/d/bgZtkxA

James Crossley Cambridge Bio: https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/staff/professor-james-crossley

James Crossley MF Oslo Bio: https://mf.no/en/staff/james-crossley

CenSAMM: https://censamm.org/about/people/crossley

James Crossley on X: @thejcmort

Helen Bond on the Gospels as Biography: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-167-the-gospels-as-biography-with-helen-bond/

Ep 168: Kindness and the Fruits of the Spirit (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This is a recording of a sermon I preached on Sunday, November 10, 2024. It is a part of our sermon series on the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ in Galatians 5:22-23. I preached on ‘faithfulness’ a few weeks before (link below in the show notes), and in this sermon I explain ‘kindness’. I discuss the lack of kindness among Americans today and why Christians should not give into the temptation to be unkind. I explain how the Greek word that is translated as ‘kindness’, chrestotes, is a rare term in the New Testament, and then explore two passages in Ephesians that use this term. The first, Ephesians 2:1-7, describes God’s kindness towards us, which is known by God’s good intentions for us and His willingness to act on those good intentions. I then explain how our kindness towards others is modelled on God’s kindness towards us, which is based on Ephesians 4:25-5:2. I then reflect on how we can develop an attitude of kindness towards others.

Ep 167: The Gospels as Biography with Helen Bond

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Helen Bond, professor of Christian Origins and New Testament at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and cohost of the Biblical Time Machine podcast. She has a chapter in the new book The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, out now on Eerdmans, where she argues that the gospels need to be understood as an expression of ancient Greek biography. Dr. Bond explains how ancient biography works as a genre, that the goals of ancient biography are to recount the life of a great person so that others can imitate them, and why the goal of ancient biography isn’t simply historical accuracy but rather representing the ‘gist’ or the ‘impact’ that the subject had on those who encountered them. She also explains how the gospels contain anecdotes that were skillfully woven into a narrative by the writers, how the gospels reflect the oral culture of antiquity, and why we should be less concerned about determining whether individual stories and sayings in the gospels happened exactly as they were told and more concerned with the overall impression of Jesus the gospel writers are trying to impart. We then discuss the Next Quest and how recovering the gospels as biography will help move historical Jesus research forward.

Media Referenced:

Helen Bond Bio: https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/persons/helen-bond

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HMRULC/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=62f6a737-f5de-43aa-aa9c-5d5dc01d12b6&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1

Biblical Time Machine Podcast:

Listen on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-time-machine/id1648738323

Listen on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/7cNljZzhe4w3zL9t0MaOZH?si=9G0vB9NVRDe5XZZVDfOGVg

The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus: https://a.co/d/6oqI7qd

Craig Blomberg Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-162-johns-gospel-and-the-historical-jesus-with-craig-blomberg/

James Crossley on the Next Quest: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-169-the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/

Ep 166: Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West by Krister Stendhal

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this bonus Thanksgiving episode I read an article entitled The Apostle Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West by legendary New Testament scholar Krister Stendhal. Originally published in Swedish in 1960 (published in English as a chapter in his book Paul Among Jews and Gentiles), Stendhal argues that the west has missed the historical context in which Paul was writing. The western tradition, starting with Augustine and reaching its height with Luther, has assumed that Paul was extremely introspective and found relief from the guilt of his sin through the grace of Jesus. Stendhal argues that this isn’t the case; based on several claims in Paul’s letters that he was a devout, faithful, and upright Jew, there is little indication that Paul had a guilty conscience. The real historical context of Paul is the relationship between Jews and gentiles, and the extremely important 1st century issue of gentile believers in Jesus and law obedience. This article had a massive impact on New Testament studies, anticipating both the New Perspective and the Paul Within Judaism school, and I find his article extremely convincing and compelling. I hope you enjoy it!

Media Referenced:

Article PDF: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/569543b4bfe87360795306d6/t/5a4d41fa085229a032376713/1515012617149/01Stendahl.pdf

Paul Among Jews and Gentiles: https://a.co/d/bdACCuW

Henry Cadbury Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/henry-cadbury-anti-war-biblical-scholar-warned-against-modernizing-jesus/

Woodrow Wilson and Medieval Scholarship: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-91-how-woodrow-wilson-invaded-medieval-europe/

NT Review Podcast on Stendhal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ury30mLfcLU

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and Youtube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 165: The Book of Revelation with Christopher Holmes

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Christopher Holmes, the Director of Biblical and Theological Education at Frist Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, about his brand-new book Unspoiled Endings: Reclaiming the Book of Revelation from Misuse and Neglect, out now on Fortress Press. The book is an accessible introduction to the book of Revelation, and in this episode he explains the historical and practical significance of Revelation. He describes the challenges of reading Revelation, understanding it as a part of the genre of apocalyptic literature, reading strategies that help us interpret difficult passages, its prophetic nature, what it says about the church, judgement, worship, evil, and hope, and much more. This is the perfect introduction to a complex but important book that will help you better understand and apply the urgent message of Revelation. If you have ever been confused or scared about the contents of Revelation, this one is for you!

Media Referenced:

Unspoiled Endings: https://a.co/d/hey8Ryn

Chris Holmes Staff Bio: https://www.firstpresatl.org/staff

YouTube: @revdrchrisholmes

Office Hours Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMlp8n6T3aAoxB-uw5kn2NAdqv8M9q7i4&si=q3qmdQVuvrrgN--H

TPLP EP 3 on Revelation: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ludwig-von-mises-vs-christian-scholar-round-1-michael-gorman/

John Walton on Prophecy: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-109-understanding-old-testament-prophecy-with-john-walton/

Sermon on Revelation: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-136-the-book-of-revelation-sunday-sermon/

Ep 164: Atonement, Trust, and Reconciliation with Teresa Morgan

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I speak with Dr. Teresa Morgan, the McDonald Agape Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Yale Divinity School, about her brand-new book Trust in Atonement: God, Creation, and Reconciliation, out now on Eerdmans Press. In this book, Dr. Morgan argues that the Greek word pistis, which is generally translated as ‘faith’ or ‘belief’, should often be understood as ‘trust’. She outlines a new model of atonement, compatible with other models, in which trust is central to understanding God’s at-one-ment with humanity. Atonement, Morgan contends, is the restoration of trust between God and humanity based on the trustworthiness of Christ. We explore the way in which trust helps reconcile God, humanity, and creation, trust as a process, how Jesus mediates trust, and the powerful potential for trust to reshape the world.

Media Referenced:

Trust in Atonement: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467466912/trust-in-atonement/

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/e2OUhMC

Teresa Morgan Bio: https://divinity.yale.edu/faculty-and-research/yds-faculty/teresa-morgan

Ep 163: Faith and the Fruits of the Spirit (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This episode is a sermon I preached at my church on Sunday, October 27, during a series covering the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. My topic for the week was faith and faithfulness. I explore how the concept of faith is central to Galatians and the rest of the New Testament, and why it would make sense for Paul to incorporate it into his list of spiritual fruit. When then look at the Greek word behind faith/faithfulness, pistis, and explain how it is a dynamic term that can be translated in many different ways. While pistis generally denotes faith/faithfulness in English, Biblical scholar Nijay Gupta argues that it is understood as ‘belief’, ‘trust’, and ‘obedience’ in various New Testament passages. We explore faith as ‘belief’ in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, faith as ‘trust’ in Romans 1:16-17, and faith as ‘obedience’ in James 2:14-26. I also explain how ‘faith’ is what brings us into a relationship with God but is developed and refined by the Holy Spirit if we allow Him to help us grow.

Media Referenced:

Nijay Gupta, Paul and the Language of Faith: https://a.co/d/gduqK89

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Ep 162: John's Gospel and the Historical Jesus with Craig Blomberg

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Craig Blomberg about his brand-new book ‘Jesus the Purifier: John’s Gospel and the Fourth Quest for the Historical Jesus’, out now on Baker Academic. Blomberg reviews the history of the first three ‘Quests’ for the historical Jesus, explaining how historical Jesus research has developed over time. He explains why, from the beginnings of modern Jesus research, the gospel of John was almost universally rejected as an historical source for reconstructing the life of Jesus. He then demonstrates that many advances have been made in studies of John over the last 40 years, and argues that John is indeed a viable historical source, offering us insight into the life of Jesus that is missing in synoptic-oriented research. He explores the theme of ‘purity’ in the gospel of John and explains how it must go back to the historical Jesus himself. He then explains how a fourth quest needs to incorporate John as a historical source and why the proposed ‘Next Quest’ will be incomplete without a reevaluation of John.

Media Referenced:

Jesus the Purifier: https://a.co/d/ifeRf8d

Craig Blomberg Bio: https://denverseminary.edu/directory/blomberg-phd-craig/

Blomberg Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Craig-Blomberg/author/B001HCY7S6?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 161: National Divorce and Peaceful Secession with Jason Fry

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Jason Fry, author of the brand-new book National Divorce: A Plan for Peace, in which he makes the argument for the breakup of the United States. A native Texan who has been working in the Texas secession movement for years, Jason makes the case that Americans are more divided than ever and should be allowed to peacefully part ways. He explains the philosophy of national divorce and secession and demonstrates how complex issues like infrastructure, entitlements, defense, and trade could easily be managed by seceding states. He also discusses why Christians in particular should support national divorce.

Media Referenced:

Book Website: https://www.national-divorce.com/

Jason on X: @JasonKFry

Ep 160: I Can’t Support Trump or Harris

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk about the reasons why I can’t support either Trump or Harris, why America is Babylon, and why I don’t believe that the election will change anything. I hope I am wrong about the third one. I had an interview fall through and I recorded this for YouTube; the links for the video are posted below. I am going to try to put out more video content in the weeks to come! Enjoy this short bonus episode and subscribe over on YouTube! Also, check out my new article for LCI where I explain why the New Testament does not support socialism!

Media Referenced:

Original YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpYODuozDfQ

Subscribe on YouTube: @ProLibertyPod

My LCI article on Socialism: https://libertarianchristians.com/2024/10/26/no-the-new-testament-does-not-teach-socialism/

Ep 159: Jesus and His Promised Second Coming with Tucker Ferda

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Tucker Ferda, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is the author of the brand-new book Jesus and His Promised Second Coming: Jewish Eschatology and Christian Origins, out now on Eerdmans Press. In this book Ferda challenges a long-standing assumption in New Testament scholarship by arguing that the hope for Jesus’ second coming was not a product of the early church but originated with the historical Jesus himself. Tucker explains the reception history of the second coming, demonstrating that the early church and pre-Enlightenment Christians all believed Jesus taught of his own second coming, and how that perspective shifted during the Enlightenment. New Testament scholarship has essentially assumed that Jesus couldn’t have predicted his own second coming, and the question has been ignored in modern scholarship. Ferda disagrees. Working backwards from Paul, through the Gospels, to the historical Jesus himself, Ferda contends that the belief in the second coming only makes sense if it was originated by Jesus himself, and shows that his view of his own death, interim, and second coming is completely compatible with 2nd temple Jewish eschatology. We then discuss the intended impact of his work on NT scholarship and the forthcoming ‘Next Quest’ for the historical Jesus.

Media Referenced:

Jesus and His Promised Second Coming: https://a.co/d/5l7E3dX

Tucker Ferda Faculty Page: https://www.pts.edu/ferdat

Tucker Ferda on Academia: https://pts.academia.edu/TuckerFerda

Ep 158: The Chase Oliver Interview with Chase Oliver

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is a recent replay of a Greenroom conversation that I moderated between libertarian presidential nominee Chase Oliver and Jacob Winograd. We ask Chase about his campaign, what motivated him to run, and how he has travelled around the country spreading libertarian ideas. We then explore some of the controversy surrounding his campaign and members of the Mises Caucus and allow him to respond to the inter-libertarian criticism. We then talk about the broken two-party system and his commitment to ending the wars and debt through libertarian principles as well as what he hopes to accomplish during his presidential run.

Media Referenced:

Support Chase Oliver: https://votechaseoliver.com/

Chase Oliver on X: @ChaseForLiberty

Jacob Winograd on X: @BiblicalAnarchy

Ep 157: The Libertarian Case for Donald Trump with Dave Casey and Jacob Winograd

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is a discussion that I had with Dave Casey (host of Dave vs Goliath Podcast), moderated by Jacob Winograd, about whether libertarians should for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. I made the case that libertarians should vote for Chase Oliver, and Dave made the case that libertarians should vote for Trump. Dave offered a thoughtful and realistic presentation of why it makes sense for libertarians to vote for Trump without excusing his record, why no libertarian should support Harris, and why he has problems with the Chase Oliver campaign. Since I explained my thoughts last episode (157) about why I believe Christian libertarians should not vote for Trump, I wanted to present a rational alternative view to my position. Dave’s reasons for supporting Trump are entirely logical, and I hope that presenting the other side of this conversation will help you think about the consequences of this election and help explain why many libertarians are choosing to vote for Trump. Make sure you give Dave Casey a follow!

Media Referenced:

Dave Casey Twitter: @davevsgoliath1

Dave’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RGeHxZadf9me6ECRnxHe6

Jacob Winograd: @biblicalanarchy

Ep 156: The Libertarian Case Against Donald Trump

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I make the Christian Libertarian case against Donald Trump. As a Christian, I do not put my hope in the political process, and while I do believe that Trump is marginally better than Kamala Harris, his policy record is atrocious and completely at odds with my values. I explain the difference between voting for a candidate and actively supporting them, while acknowledging that libertarians like Dave Casey have made reasonable and thoughtful arguments in favor of voting for Trump without fully endorsing him. I also explain why I understand how libertarians living in swing states might reasonably cast a ballot for Trump. I then look at the hypocrisy of many progressive Christians when it comes to politics, and how they uncritically and, in my view, hypocritically endorse and support Kamala Harris and her administration’s war crimes. I discuss my X interactions with two of these progressive Christians (who I believe are otherwise good and respectable people) and why casting a vote for Trump would compromising my principles as a Christian and a libertarian. I then explain the three main reasons why I can’t vote for Trump: his socialist economic policies that harmed the American economy and only fueled the boom cycle; the war crimes he committed in the middle east, his provocation of Russia, and staffing his administration with neocon war hawks; and being centrally responsible for the disaster that ensued during the Covid pandemic. I make the case that Christians should never support either socialists or war criminals, and that Donald Trump is both. I then briefly explain why I can confidently vote for Chase Oliver and discuss my appearance on The Fountainhead Forum podcast where I made the case for Chase.

Media Referenced:
Fountainhead Forum conversation about Chase: https://youtu.be/WZ0kXmlhERI?si=ifjXLd5VgyWsW0oK
Trump’s War on Capitalism: https://a.co/d/hCyop9Q

Ep 155: Christianity and Nonviolence with Cody Cook

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with the great Cody Cook about his brand-new article entitled How Do You Know a Christian, published at Plough, in which he argues that Christians should be characterized by non-violence. We discuss the how the writers of the Bible conceptualize non-violence, how the early church almost universally affirmed non-violence, self-defense, and pacifism. Cody also explains why the anabaptist tradition has always gotten this right, how anabaptist thought corresponds to libertarianism, why many protestant traditions are wrong about violence, and how this conversation relates to the theological debate about the relationship between faith and works.

Media Referenced:

How Do You Know a Christian: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/early-christians/how-do-you-know-a-christian

Cody’s Website: https://www.cantus-firmus.com/about/

Cody on X: @CantusFirmusCC

Cody on LCI: https://libertarianchristians.com/?s=cody+cook

Ep 154: Insiders and Outsiders (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is the recording of a sermon that I preached on Sunday, September 15, on the difference between insiders and outsiders in the church. I explain why, by definition, every group needs boundaries and discuss how 1st century Jews understood the boundaries between insider and outsider to be defined by the Jewish law. I then explore the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 and how God’s gift of the Spirit to gentiles caused a controversy among the Jewish leaders of the church, with some claiming that gentiles need to follow the law to become ‘insiders’ and others arguing that faith and the Spirit are enough. The church affirms the idea that what defines the insider from the outsider are faith and the Spirit. I then read through Galatians 3 and show how Paul addresses the problem of Jewish leaders backsliding and claiming that gentiles should embrace the law, and how Paul demonstrates persuasively that all of those who have faith and have been given the Spirit are now fully apart of the family of Abraham. I look at the consequences of this Biblical view of the boundary between insiders and outsiders, which includes getting along with Christians from other traditions and patiently submitting to the gradual moral development of the Spirit. Finally, I challenge my church to understand the distinction between insiders and outsiders in non-oppositional terms; the family of Abraham is called to be a blessing to the nations therefore we have a missional obligation to those outside of the church. It is our responsibility to help the outsiders become insiders. Enjoy!

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Ep 153: Atheists for Liberty with Cherry Teresa

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Cherry Teresa, vice president of the organization Atheists for Liberty. We discuss the organization, why Cherry is an atheist, her concerns about religion in general and Christianity in particular, Jesus, ethics and morality. We also explore the need for open and honest dialogue and a willingness to ask difficult questions. She also explains why it seems that so many atheists are on the political left, how politicians use religion to buy votes, and how liberty-minded Christians and atheists can work together to achieve our common political goals.

Media Referenced:

Cherry on X: @cherryteresa

Cherry’s Website: https://cherryteresa.com/wp/

Cherry on Youtube: @CherryTeresa

Atheists for Liberty on X: @AtheistsLiberty

Website: https://www.atheistsforliberty.org/

YouTube: @AtheistsforLiberty

Ep 152: The Old Testament and the Messiah with Kevin Chen

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Kevin Chen, professor of Old Testament Studies at Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California, about his brand new book ‘Wonders from Your Law’, out now on IVP. In this book he argues that nexus passages, which are texts that bring together major themes and motifs from throughout the Old Testament, demonstrate both a textual unity and a theological center to the entirety of the Old Testament. He shows that the eschatological messiah (Jesus) is the center of Old Testament theology and how several critical nexus passages help readers better understand this important concept.

Media Referenced:

Wonders From Your Law: https://a.co/d/7rU371q

Kevin Chen Bio: https://www.ivpress.com/kevin-s-chen

Ep 151: The Presidential Debate and the 2024 Election with Kelly Patrick

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Kelly Patrick, host of The Kelly Patrick Show, about the current state of American politics. We discuss the awful legacy of 9.11 and why most Americans believe in political propaganda. Kelly then shares his thoughts on the Trump/Harris debate and the lack of any substantial policy proposals on offer by either candidate. We also discuss the state of the 2024 race, make predictions about the election, and his choice to write in Thomas Massie for president.

Media Referenced:

Kelly on Twitter: @kellypatrick502

Kelly’s website: https://livesportscaster.com/

Kelly’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jcUjwBQTukBGwC4wvP7K4?si=034e4f36488e484d

Ep 150: The Kingdom of God (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I share a sermon that I preached at my church on Sunday, August 18, 2024. In this sermon I discuss the Kingdom of God. I explain how Christians have traditionally misunderstood this very important concept, it’s centrality to the message and mission of Jesus, how Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom of God conflicts with a more popular understanding proclaimed by the Pharisees, and how Jesus presents a series of parables in Matthew 13 that reframes the way his audience should understand the Kingdom.

I also play acoustic guitar in the band at my church and was on the schedule when I preached this sermon. The outro music of this episode is a live recording of the intro music we played before the service; I am on the acoustic guitar. Hope you enjoy it!

Ep 149: Roman Catholicism, the Pope, Mary, the Eucharist, and Ecumenicism with Matthew Levering

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Matthew Levering, a Catholic theologian who teaches at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Illinois. He is the author of the brand-new book Why I Am Roman Catholic, out now on IVP, where he explains why he is committed to the Roman Catholic Church. We discuss his conversion to Catholicism, what he finds appealing about the Catholic church, and some of the challenges that are posed by his Catholic faith. He explains important aspects of Catholic theology like the Pope, Mary, and the Eucharist, and we discuss how Catholics and protestants can learn to work together and build ecumenical bonds.

Media Referenced:

Why I am Roman Catholic: https://a.co/d/3a6Arkh

Matthew Levering Bio: https://usml.edu/staff/matthew-levering-ph-d/

Trent Horn Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-148-a-catholic-take-on-the-reformation-sola-scriptura-economics-and-more-with-trent-horn/

Michael Pakaluk on Catholic Theology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-122-what-protestants-misunderstand-about-the-catholic-church-with-michael-pakaluk/

Catherine Pakaluk on Catholic Social and Economic Teachings: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-123-why-women-are-choosing-to-have-more-children-with-catherine-pakaluk/

Ep 148: A Catholic Take on the Reformation, Sola Scriptura, Economics, and More with Trent Horn

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Trent Horn, a Catholic apologist at Catholic Answers, author, and host of the ‘Counsel of Trent’ podcast. We discuss his background in Catholic apologetics, why he debates protestants like James White, and why he believes in the Catholic church. He then explains the Catholic position on the Reformation, Sola Scriptura, liberation theology, Vatican II, economics, and political statements made by the Pope. He provides an excellent articulation of all these issues from the Catholic perspective. Check it out!

Media Referenced:

Trent on X: @Trent_Horn

Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/

Trent Horn Website: https://www.trenthorn.com/about/

Can a Catholic Be a Socialist: https://a.co/d/f8Vf4wo

Why We’re Catholic: https://a.co/d/5muGMiE

Catholic Catechism: https://a.co/d/gGYr0hW

Michael Pakaluk on Catholic Theology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-122-what-protestants-misunderstand-about-the-catholic-church-with-michael-pakaluk/

Catherine Pakaluk on Catholic Social and Economic Teachings: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-123-why-women-are-choosing-to-have-more-children-with-catherine-pakaluk/

Ep 147: A Conversation About Biblical Inerrancy with Jacob Winograd

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I present a conversation that I had with Jacob Winograd, host of the Biblical Anarchy podcast, about Biblical Inerrancy. This took place on his previous show, the Daniel 3 podcast. As I clarified my positions on Protestantism, the creeds, and inerrancy in the previous episode (146, available everywhere), I thought that this conversation would help highlight my position on Biblical inerrancy and further clarify my previous statements on the subject. Jacob and I both believe in the authority of scripture, and we discuss why he prefers to retain the language of ‘inerrancy’ while I prefer the terms ‘authority’ and ‘reliability’. Our perspectives on Biblical interpretation are remarkably similar, and I hope that this helps demonstrate how a conversation between two Christians that have similar views can lead to a fruitful and productive dialogue which sheds light on important theological issues. Make sure you check out Jacob’s show over at libertarianchristians.com!

Media Referenced:

Ep 146: Protestantism, Christian Creeds, and Biblical Inerrancy Revisited

The Biblical Anarchy podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/biblical-anarchy/

Jacob on X: @BiblicalAnarchy

Original Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/live/tXjzzEoegXA?si=X6turLc250U5-kC9

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 146: Protestantism, Christian Creeds, and Biblical Inerrancy Revisited

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I revisit three of my most controversial episodes (5, 19, and 57) that discussed the creeds of the Christian church and Biblical inerrancy. Most of the negative feedback from my show has been generated by these two episodes, and I wanted to revisit them one more time to clear up any potential misunderstandings. First, I explain how the common denominator among all protestants is the belief in the authority of scripture and why that should shape our understanding of the creeds and Biblical inerrancy. I then explain how I agree with every statement of the Apostle’s Creed and discuss the importance of creeds in general while showing that the creeds are incomplete because, understandably, there are many important aspects of the Biblical witness that can’t be fit into a short summary statement of important beliefs. I discuss how creedalism can sometimes screen out the teachings of Jesus, Christian ethics, and discipleship generally because they address mostly doctrinal statements, and that we need to understand the creeds within the larger framework of scripture so we don’t neglect other essential aspects of our faith. I then turn once again to Biblical inerrancy, showing how it has been misappropriated by fundamentalists, progressives, and skeptics and used in ways that undermine the authority of scripture and cause interpreters to unjustifiably impose modern ideas about science and history back into the text. I also explain how defenders of the Chicago Statement, such as R.C. Sproul, have a hermeneutical method that is nearly identical to my own, and why retaining the language of ‘inerrancy’ can work if it is carefully defined. I then explain why I prefer the terms ‘authority’ and ‘reliability’ over ‘inerrancy’ while acknowledging that many people I know who hold to ‘inerrancy’ are in complete agreement with me on the way in which the Bible ought to be interpreted. I hope this episode helps clarify my position on these important issues! Check out the upcoming episode (147, drops Thursday) for a conversation I had with Jacob Winograd of the Biblical Anarchy podcast about inerrancy.

Media Referenced:

Ep 5: The Authority of Scripture and the Creeds of the Early Church: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/authority-scripture-creeds-early-church/

Ep 19: Biblical Inerrancy w/ Tim Price: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/biblical-inerrancy-problems-timothy-price/

Ep 57: The Chicago Statement: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/chicago-statement-on-biblical-inerrancy-a-critical-analysis/

Ep 145: Liberty is the Solution with Trenton Hale

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Trenton Hale. Trenton is a young libertarian activist and writer who specializes in foreign policy, history, and economics. We discuss his journey to libertarianism at a young age, his published books and articles, working for Students for Liberty, and promoting libertarian philosophy at Western Kentucky University. He then explains how the culture wars, the actual wars, and the Fed are destroying this country, the sad state of the 2024 election cycle, and how liberty can solve the many social, political and economic problems plaguing America today.

Media Referenced:

Trenton Hale on X: @TrentonHale13

Trenton on Instagram: @casual_libertarian

The Shadows of FDR: https://a.co/d/1h2imd1

The Failed Idea: https://a.co/d/0VuSzk6

Freedom for All: https://a.co/d/dlDy1br

Ep 144: Ephesians and the Church (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I share a sermon I preached at my church on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Using passages out of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I explain the significance of our membership in God’s universal church. I explore the boundaries around the church and how Paul determines who is and who is not a part of the church (Ephesians 1:13-14), God’s purposes in calling the church (Ephesians 2:10 and 3:10), and how the church will accomplish its mission of revealing God’s wisdom to a world that desperately needs it (Ephesians 4:1-24). I then explain why the Church is God’s ‘Plan A’ and how there is no backup plan. I hope that this helps you understand better our identity as Christians and the need to live like missionaries to those that don’t yet know God!

Ep 143: Biblical Narratives, Biblical Illiteracy, Education, and Tolkien with George Harrell

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to George Harrell, a high school humanities teacher with Kepler Education, an online Christian education program, who is also the executive director of the Buchanan Forum, an organization promoting the relationship between liberty and theology. We have a very wide-ranging conversation that is centered on American Biblical illiteracy and how the west has lost sight of the very important narratives contained in the Christian scriptures. We also discuss the difference between public and free-market education, the problems facing our public schools and the ignorance of the average student, the excellent work of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and the 2024 election.

Media Referenced:

George on X: @geharrell

George Harrell blog: https://www.shotglassofhistory.com/

Kepler Education X: @KeplerEducation

Kepler Education: https://kepler.education/

Buchanan Forum on X: @BuchananForum

The George Buchanan Forum: https://www.tgbf.org/

Ep 142: Why We Can Trust the Bible with Benjamin Shaw

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Benjamin Shaw, who teaches at both Liberty University and Colorado Christian University. He is the president of Core Apologetics and the author of the brand-new book “Trustworthy: Thirteen Arguments for the Reliability of the New Testament”, which is out now on IVP. He discusses his unusual introduction into the field of apologetics and why he believes that Christians need accessible resources to help them defend their faith. We then look at several of the topics he discusses in the book, which are all designed to show that the New Testament is historically reliable. He examines textual criticism, when and by whom the NT was written, how we can determine if an event recorded in the NT actually happened, what we can learn from non-canonical sources, how the NT canon was formed, and much more. He then explains the work he does for Core Apologetics and resources that Christians should utilize for better understanding apologetics.

Media Referenced:

Trustworthy: https://a.co/d/4tySwrw

Ben Shaw bio: https://www.ivpress.com/benjamin-c-f-shaw

Core Apologetics: https://www.coreapologetics.com/

Ben’s Appearance on Faith in the Folds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppalBftM8B4

Ben Laird interview on the canon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/how-the-new-testament-was-formed-with-benjamin-laird/

Ep 141: Religious Discrimination by California’s Government with Sundar Iyer

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Sundar Iyer, a successful American entrepreneur and businessman, about how the California Department of Civil Rights (CRD) openly discriminated against him on the basis of religion. Sundar grew up in India and is himself not religious, but after a disgruntled employee complained to the CRD, the CRD assigned Sundar the religion of ‘Hindu’ and wrongly claimed that he was harassing this employee because of his caste. Sundar explains why this case makes no sense, the long history of CRD harassing peaceful citizens, and how he is fighting back. We also discuss the dangerous precedent that government agencies like the CRD pose and why religious freedom is essential to the American way of life. Please support Sundar by sharing this interview and supporting his work! The public needs to know this story!

Media Referenced:

Contact Sundar: sundaes@gmail.com

For more information: Castegate.com

Ep 140: Is ‘Democracy’ a Scam? with Laurie Calhoun

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I welcome back Laurie Calhoun, an author and senior fellow at the Libertarian Institute. Laurie published a recent article at the Libertarian Institute entitled “Sham-ocracy, Scam-ocracy” in which she explores how the rhetoric of democracy has been used in pursuit of very anti-democratic ends. We discuss how democracy theoretically means ‘the rule of the people’ and how the political and media class as co-opted it to mean something much different. We explore how ‘Russiagate’, the Trump trials, and his attempted assassination are undemocratic, how European challengers to right-wing political parties claims they are a threat to democracy, and Trump’s own failure to embody democracy during his presidency. She then explains how war is the greatest threat to democracy, how both parties participate in the warfare state, why the Cold War and the War on Terror were not democratic, and if World War II can properly be described as a ‘just’ war. We close by reflecting on the downsides of Democracy and the need for constitutional restraints and free speech.

Media Referenced:

https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/sham-ocracy-scam-ocracy/

Laurie Calhoun at the Libertarian Institute: https://libertarianinstitute.org/author/lcalhoun/

Blog: https://thedroneage.wordpress.com/

Laurie on X: @laurielcalhoun

Mises Article on French Elections: https://mises.org/power-market/warmongers-win-french-legislative-election-while-everyone-else-loses

Ep 139: The Book of Revelation and Choosing Jesus (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I share a sermon I preached at my church on Sunday, June 30th. We are in the middle of a series called ‘Choices’, and I made the decision to explore what the book of Revelation tells us about making the choice to follow Jesus. I explain how to understand Revelation historically, exploring the author, the original audience (the seven churches in Asia minor), and the genre, which is called by historians and Biblical scholars ‘apocalyptic literature’. I then explain how Jesus’ position at the right hand of the Father makes him both king and priest over all the earth, and how who have placed our faith in him are his kingdom. I then look at the church in Laodicea in chapter 3, showing how they had become lukewarm because of their material comforts and that they needed to repent and trust in Christ. I discuss how American Christians can be easily distracted by our own wealth and possessions, and how Revelation shows that if we believe in Christ as King and our identity as his people we cannot afford to ignore our responsibility. I close by examining how the vision of the throne room (Revelation 4-5) and the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22) challenge us to take Jesus seriously.

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Ep 138: American Marxism with Noah Khrachvik

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Noah Khrachvik, a Marxist and co-director of the Midwestern Marx Institute. He explains the dialectics of Marxism and why true Marxists are inherently populist. He demonstrates that Marxism is different from both postmodernism and critical theory, and why the American left has sold out their principles. We then have a long discussion about the Federal reserve, the military-industrial complex, and the Covid regime where he explains why communists should be against all of them. We also discuss the chaotic 2024 election cycle and the future of the United States. There is a surprising amount of agreement between the two of us on almost all the most important issues of our time!

*My recording software defaulted to my computer microphone; I apologize for the less-than-stellar sound quality on my end!

Media Referenced:

Noah Khrachvik on X: @khrachvik

Midwestern Marx on X: @MidwesternMarx

Midwestern Marx Website: https://www.midwesternmarx.com/

Midwestern Marx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidwesternMarx

Ep 137: Left vs. Right Libertarianism, Reason Magazine, Trump, and New Hampshire with Jeremy Kauffman

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Jeremy Kauffman, an entrepreneur and libertarian activist from New Hampshire. A recent article in Reason magazine was critical of the current direction of the Libertarian Party, and Jeremy debated the merits of the claim, as well as Reason’s funding and audience, with several Reason staffers, including Zach Weissmueller, who shared his perspective with me in my last episode. Jeremy talks about the philosophical differences between left-wing and right-wing libertarianism, arguing that Reason caters to the left, and argues that libertarians need to understand and be honest about their ideological commitments if we want to adequately express libertarian ideas. We also discuss the purpose behind the controversial messaging of LP New Hampshire and why he thinks it is effective, his senate run in 2022, the Libertarian National Convention, Trump, Oliver, the Covid Vaccine, the Free State project, and the 2024 presidential election.

For Zach Weissmueller’s take on the controversy, check out Ep 136: Reason Magazine, the Mises Caucus, and the Libertarian Party.

Media Referenced:

Jeremy Kauffman on X: @jeremykauffman

Liz Wolfe Article: https://reason.com/2024/06/25/how-the-libertarian-party-lost-its-way/

War is Gay campaign ad: https://youtu.be/kdfym6LKpQ0?si=DbjInfDn351m8cJm

Ep 136: Reason Magazine, the Mises Caucus, and the Libertarian Party with Zach Weissmueller

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Zach Weissmuller, senior producer at Reason magazine and cohost of the ‘Just Asking Questions’ podcast with Liz Wolfe. Wolfe recently published a piece for reason entitled ‘How the Libertarian Party Lost It’s Way’, which is critical of the current direction of the LP. It generated a lot of conflict between Reason staffers and Mises Caucus-oriented libertarians, and Zach discusses the article, the controversy surrounding it, and his own video work on the Mises Caucus. We discuss the purpose of the Libertarian Party, the controversial messaging coming from some LP state affiliates such as the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire, the Chase Oliver campaign, the rift within the libertarian movement between so-called ‘left’ and ‘right’ libertarians, where Reason is located on that spectrum, and the prospects for libertarian unity and advancing libertarian ideas. We then discuss the current state of the 2024 presidential race and the potential for electoral chaos.

Media Referenced:

Zach Weissmueller on X: @TheAbridgedZach

Liz Wolfe Article: https://reason.com/2024/06/25/how-the-libertarian-party-lost-its-way/

Zach’s ‘Reno Reset’ Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsgFdPqOAhk

Zach’s 2024 LP Convention Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky63JKjIBzE

Just Asking Questions podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBuns9Evn1w9K02WT8x-gzSI-UdeeXFG9&si=LSQaKOht85ZjkV81

Reason TV: https://www.youtube.com/@ReasonTV

Ep 135: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbors with Caleb Campbell

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Caleb Campbell, pastor of Desert Springs Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona, about his brand-new book ‘Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor’, out now on IVP. In this book he argues that we should view Christian nationalism as a missionary opportunity, seeking to lovingly lead Christian nationalists back to Jesus. He discusses his experiences with TPUSA, why Christian nationalism has become so popular, the characteristics of the average Christian nationalists, and how to prepare our hearts to lovingly engage with them. As an added bonus, I ask him about the threat of progressive Christianity and conspiracy theories.

Media Referenced:

Disarming Leviathan: https://a.co/d/6vgKv9U

Caleb Campbell Twitter: @calebphx

Disarming Leviathan Website: DisarmingLeviathan.com

Disarming Leviathan Twitter: @DisarmingL

Ep 134: John the Baptist with James McGrath

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I welcome back Dr. James McGrath to discuss his brand-new book “Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist”, out now on Eerdmans press. In this book Dr. McGrath crafts a biography of John in which he offers a fresh look at the historical sources in an attempt to understand who John was and why he was so influential. McGrath explores John’s early life, including the tension between being the son of a priest and a Nazerite, they symbolic significance of his wilderness location and his baptisms, his critique of the Jewish temple, his understanding of messianic hope, his conflict with the Jewish authority, and how his legacy impacted the ministry of Jesus. McGrath correctly claims that you can’t understand Jesus without understanding John, and he explains why we need to take a fresh look John the Baptist.

Media Referenced:

Christmaker: A Life of John the Baptist: https://a.co/d/cuxrD60

James McGrath Blog: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionprof/

James on Twitter: @ReligionProf

James McGrath Eerdmans Page: https://www.eerdmans.com/author/james-f-mcgrath/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 133: The Evils of Inflation

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explain inflation and the negative effects it has on society. I provide the correct definition of inflation, which is an increase in the supply of money relative to the amount of goods and services in an economy. I explain how the Federal Reserve, which controls the nation’s money supply and monetary policy, creates inflation by printing new money. It is this injection of new cash into an economy that creates higher prices, which has been mistakenly referred to as inflation. I read a passage from Ludwig von Mises that he wrote in the early 1960’s in which he explains how politicians and other beneficiaries of inflationary monetary policy shifted the traditional definition of inflation to simply mean ‘higher prices’ so that they could blame the negative results of their policies (higher prices for consumer goods) on individuals and businesses. I then read though a recent article written by Jeffery Tucker (found on Zerohedge) that explains how increasing the money supply hurts the average person trying to live within their means. If you have struggled to understand how inflation works and the damage it causes, this episode is for you!

Media Referenced:

The Price of Everything, the Value of Nothing: https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/price-everything-value-nothing

On Money and Inflation, Mises: https://mises.org/library/book/ludwig-von-mises-money-and-inflation

Ep 66 on Inflation and War: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-66-the-high-cost-of-inflation-and-the-war-in-ukraine/

Ep 132: Was the Apostle Paul Really Anti-Imperial? with Najeeb Haddad

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with New Testament scholar Dr. Najeeb Haddad, who has written two very compelling books critiquing the popular perspective in Biblical studies that the apostle Paul was actively opposed to the Roman empire. We discuss the history of the Paul and empire debate and explore some of the key scholars and interpretive methods that have been used to justify the belief that Paul was anti-imperial, and Najeeb demonstrates that many of these methods are not supported by historical evidence. He explains how Paul understands the Roman empire to be a part of the Old Creation and is more focused on spreading the Gospel of the New Creation to all who will listen. He then explains why a lot of anti-imperial scholarship ignores the dignity of human beings by focusing only on systems, how scholars easily bring their own political biases into their work, and the nuanced anti-imperial reading of Paul offered by Christoph Heilig. This conversation provides a lot of historical nuance that everyone interested in the relationship between Christianity and politics ought to know.

Media Referenced:

Najeeb Haddad on Twitter: NTHaddad

Najeeb Haddad on Academia: https://ndm.academia.edu/NajeebTHaddad

Paul, Politics, and Empire: https://a.co/d/8WMaZxg

Paul and Empire Criticism: https://a.co/d/8WMaZxg

Interview with Christoph Heilig: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-apostle-and-the-empire-dr-christoph-heilig/

Interview with Clint Burnett: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-125-paul-imperial-divine-honors-and-the-roman-empire-with-clint-burnett/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 131: Christian Nationalism with Stephen Wolfe

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Stephen Wolfe, author of ‘The Case for Christian Nationalism’ about the thesis that he outlines in the book and why he believes that Christian Nationalism is the solution to our political problems. This is not a debate; I ask him about various aspects of his work and let him explain his ideas and how they would work in practice. He defines Christian nationalism, how it dovetails with the Reformed tradition, why we need Christian laws and customs, the Christian prince, and violent revolution. The last 25 minutes of the show is a great dialogue between Stephen and I about the many surprising similarities between my libertarianism and his paleoconservatism, as well as where we diverge. You won’t want to miss this one!

Media Referenced:

Stephen Wolfe on Twitter: @PerfInjust

Buy The Case for Christian Nationalism: https://a.co/d/1JGcPkg

American Reformer: https://americanreformer.org/

Alex and Stephen Greenroom Debate: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/stephen-wolfe-alex-bernardo-christian-nationalism-christian-libertarianism/

Ep 130: Everyone is Wrong About Romans 13 (Including Me)

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I explain why I am unhappy with everyone’s interpretation, including my own. Christians from every political perspective want to either claim Romans 13 validates their position or try to explain it away theologically, and I don’t believe that either of these approaches are historically correct. I examine the many shortcomings with popular interpretations of Romans 13, including incorrect assumptions about the nature of scripture, privileging theological readings of the text over historical ones, the failure to integrate this text with either its context in Paul’s letter to the Romans and other aspects of Pauline thought, reading it anachronistically as if it addresses modern, post-Enlightenment political questions, and our own limited knowledge of the Greco-Roman world. This episode is sure to offend everyone equally. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Romans 13 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/libertarian-romans-13/

Ep 129: Four Strategies for Reading the Bible (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This episode is a recording of a sermon I preached on Sunday, May 19th at my church. In this sermon, I outline four reading strategies that will help guide Christians to a better understanding of the Bible. I discuss how the Bible is a library, not a book, that the Bible was written for us but not to us, that the Bible must be understood in its historical context, and that the Bible should challenge our beliefs instead of affirm them. I think that these reading strategies helped my congregation, and I hope that they help you too!

Media Referenced:

Here are the two other sermons I have preached and released on the show:

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/simon-the-zealot/

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-117-christians-should-not-be-divided-by-politics/

Ep 128: The Truth About Public Schools with Karl Streitel

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Karl Streitel, a retired high-school English and finance teacher who now works as a freelance writer and editor. Karl writes and speaks extensively about the problems with America’s public education system, and in this episode we discuss what actually happens in American public schools, why they are systemically broken, and how we can fix them. We both share stories from our experiences teaching in the public schools and Karl explains why there is no moral justification for taxpayer-funded education and compulsory schooling. This episode is an insider's take on how public schools actually operate.

Media Referenced:

Mental Lab Substack: mentallab.substack.com

The Learning Liberty Podcast: learningliberty.net

My review of Karl’s Mises article: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-116-public-schools-are-designed-to-indoctrinate-students/

Ep 127: The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul with Chris Bruno

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Chris Bruno about a brand-new book he co-wrote called The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul, which is out now on IVP Academic. This book argues that Paul did believe that Jesus was divine and that this high Christology develops in the earliest years of the church. Bruno reviews the work of four influential scholars, Richard Bauckham, Larry Hurtado, Chris Tilling, and N.T. Wright, who have each developed models for understanding Paul’s divine Christology. We then explore the most important Christological texts in Paul, including 1 Corinthians 8:6, Philippians 2:5-11, and Colossians 1:15-20, and Bruno explains how each of them demonstrate that Paul believed that Jesus was God.

Media Referenced:

The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul: https://a.co/d/5vGW9tA

Book Information: https://www.ivpress.com/the-divine-christology-of-the-apostle-paul

Dr. Chris Bruno BIO: https://www.ivpress.com/chris-bruno

Oahu Theological Seminary: https://oahuseminary.org/

Ep 126: Mormonism and Libertarianism with Michael South

Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Michael J. South. Michael is a sixth-generation Mormon who believes that libertarianism is the only political philosophy that is compatible with his Mormon faith. He explains his background as a Mormon, key teachings of the Mormon church, and how the Mormon belief in personal agency is essential to the connection between libertarianism and Mormonism. We also discuss the political commitments of the Mormon church in America and the prospects for promoting liberty among his fellow Mormons.

Media Referenced:

Michael J. South Twitter: @renegademormon

Podcast and Blog: https://renegademormon.com/

Website: themormoncaseforliberty.com

Ep 125: Paul, Imperial Divine Honors, and the Roman Empire with Clint Burnett

Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Clint Burnett, a visiting scholar at Boston College and a priest in the Anglican Church of North America serving in Knoxville, TN. In his brand-new book ‘Paul and Imperial Divine Honors’ (Eerdmans, 2024), he challenges the prevailing theory in New Testament scholarship that there was a monolithic ‘imperial cult’ of the Casers against which the early Christians reacted. He carefully examines the archaeological evidence and presents a much more nuanced picture of imperial divine honors by exploring how Christians in Philippi, Corinth, and Thessalonica experienced emperor worship differently based on local customs. This book has dramatic consequences both for the Paul and empire debate as well as how Christians should think about political engagement today.

Media Referenced:

Paul and Imperial Divine Honors: https://a.co/d/44zWUPQ

Clint Burnett Website: https://www.clintburnett.com/

Clint Burnett Twitter: @DClintBurnett1

Ep 124: Hell, Eternal Damnation, and Universalism with Derek Kubilus

Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Rev. Derek Kubilus, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Ashland, Ohio, about his brand new book ‘Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation’ (2024, Eerdmans Press), in which he argues for universalism, the belief that God will ultimately save everyone. While I am personally an annihilationist (a belief also known as ‘conditional immortality’), this book makes the provocative case that many of the passages in the New Testament which seem to refer to eternal condemnation are actually about purging and refining sin, and the model that Kubilis proposes is labeled ‘protestant purgatory’. He discusses both philosophical and Scriptural problems with the tradition belief in eternal conscience torment and challenges his audience to rethink their assumptions about hell. Even if you are not convinced by his argument, it is a clear and though-provoking take on an extremely important and controversial issue.

Media Referenced:

Holy Hell: A Case Against Eternal Damnation: https://a.co/d/664QPWe

Derek Kubilis Eerdmans Interview: https://eerdword.com/interview-with-derek-ryan-kubilus/

Derek Kubilis Twitter: @DerekKubilis1

Ep 123: Why Women are Choosing to Have More Children with Catherine Pakaluk

Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with economist Catherine Pakaluk, who teaches at the Catholic University of America, about her brand-new book Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth, in which she gives an economic, social, political, and theological account of why many women are choosing to have multiple children. In this well-reasoned and researched book, she explains why western civilization has deprioritized childbearing, why many women are still choosing to have multiple children anyway, the economic and social impact of childbearing, and how this all relates to the Austrian theory of subjective value. She also explains why having and raising children is so important and offers advice to young people who are on the fence about having kids.

Media Referenced:

Hannah’s Children: https://a.co/d/2dZ6NiN

Catherine Pakaluk Academic Page: https://business.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/pakaluk-catherine/index.html

Catherine Pakaluk Twitter: @CRPakaluk

The Social and Economic Teachings of the Catholic Church: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-103-the-social-and-economic-teachings-of-the-catholic-church-with-catharine-pakaluk/

Ep 122: What Protestants Misunderstand about the Catholic Church with Michael Pakaluk

Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Michael Pakaluk, a Catholic philosopher who teaches at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Pakaluk explains many of the doctrines, teachings, and beliefs of the Catholic church that protestants often fundamentally misunderstand. We explore topics such as the sources of authority in the Catholic church, Mary, praying to the saints, the relationship between faith and works, purgatory and indulgences, transubstantiation, and much more! This is an essential conversation for anyone interested in the dialogue between Catholics and protestants.

Media Referenced:

Dr. Michael Pakaluk Professional Page: https://business.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/pakaluk-michael/index.html

Twitter: @michael_pakaluk

Ep 121: Submit to the Authorities? | 1 Peter 2:13-17

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore 1 Peter 2:13-17, where Peter exhorts several churches in Asia minor to ”submit for the Lord’s sake to every human institution (2:13)”. While an isolated reading of this particular passage might lead to the conclusion that Christians should never challenge their government, a close reading of the text reveals a much more complex picture. I discuss how every Biblical text must be read it its historical, cultural, and rhetorical context to understand what the original author was attempting to communicate. I then establish that the apostle Peter is the genuine author of 1st Peter. The purpose of the letter is to remind Peter’s audience of their identity in Christ which sets them apart from the non-believers around them and encourage them to remain faithful in the midst of suffering. They are to faithfully testify to the Jesus the Christ through their actions. I explain how Peter’s commentary on government and authorities is a part of a section that reminds women to submit to their husbands and slaves to their masters (2:13-3:8) and that by doing so they are faithfully testifying to the cross, not legitimizing the power of human government, patriarchal marriages, and slavery. I also explore Peter’s messianic theology, where he explicitly states that Christ has dominion over all creation (4:11, 5:11) and refers to Rome as ‘Babylon’ (5:13). This passage is the ‘Romans 13’ of the Catholic epistles and deserves the detailed exegetical treatment it receives here. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3:3

Benjamin Laird Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/how-the-new-testament-was-formed-with-benjamin-laird/

Holly Carey Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-93-the-female-disciples-in-the-gospels-with-holly-carey/

Romans 13 Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/libertarian-romans-13/

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-105-jesus-and-the-rich-young-ruler/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 120: Fixing Education Through the Free Market with Lisa Watson

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Lisa Watson, free-market education activist and host of the School’s Out podcast for the Herzog Foundation. Lisa discusses her journey from an atheist social justice warrior leftist to a Christian and a conservative, why the progressives capture important institutions like the public schools, how the public education establishment is failing America’s students, and how free-market opportunities such as school choice, private school, microschooling, and homeschooling would be more beneficial to American students and taxpayers than the current government monopoly. She discusses the strategies for achieving a free market in education and her optimism about its success.

Media Referenced:

Lisa Watson Twitter: @WatsonSpeaking

School’s Out Podcast: https://schoolsout.buzzsprout.com/

The Herzog Foundation: https://herzogfoundation.com/

Ep 119: What the Bible Says About God’s Kingdom with Stephen Dempster

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Dr. Stephen Dempster about his new book ‘The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God’s Reign’, out now on IVP Academic. In this book Dr. Dempster explores the theme of God’s kingdom through the Bible. We look at God’s kingdom purposes in creation, how humans in general and Israel in particular fail to build the kingdom, how the kingdom is ushered in by Jesus, and how God’s kingdom will one day be fully restored. We also discuss how Christians ought to live in light of the Bibles inaugurated eschatology, why many western Christians have ignored the theme of kingdom, and how the kingdom of God shapes our relationship to the kingdoms of men.

Media Referenced:

The Return of the Kingdom: https://a.co/d/cdiaO6q

Press Page: https://www.ivpress.com/the-return-of-the-kingdom

Stephen Dempster Bio: https://www.ivpress.com/stephen-g-dempster

Ep 118: The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights with David Beito

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. David Beito, who is a research fellow at the Independent Institute and professor emeritus at the University of Alabama, about his brand-new book ‘The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights’, in which he explains how the Roosevelt administration and his supporters systematically eroded Constitutionally-protected rights. Not only do we discuss the Japanese internment camps, but we look at how his administration loyalists spied on American citizens, censored newspapers and radio producers, persecuted black Republicans, and criminally prosecuted World War II dissenters. This book is an incredible presentation of a rarely told chapter of American history that you won’t want to miss!

Media Referenced:

The New Deal’s War on the Bill of Rights: https://a.co/d/8bIAOVW

David Beito Academic Page: https://history.ua.edu/people/david-t-beito/

Independent Institute: https://www.independent.org/

Ep 117: Christians Should Not be Divided by Politics (Sunday Sermon)

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I play a recording of a sermon that I preached at my church on Sunday, March (not May as I accidently say in the intro) 10, 2024, entitled Give Us Division. This is a part of a larger series called Give Us a King, where we explore what the Bible says about kingship. I discuss how politics are inherently divisive because they are about power, and why we were not created to rule over one another. I explain that, because Jesus is the only true king, we are loyal to him alone and should not let politics divide us as Christians. I really enjoyed preparing for and preaching this sermon, and I think that you all will like it as well! As an added bonus, I also taught a four-week course on the Gospel at my church that I reference in the sermon, and I will include a link to the website I made for the class below. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:
https://sites.google.com/view/gennazgospel

Ep 116: Public Schools are Designed to Indoctrinate Students

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I explore a recent Mises Wire article written by Karl Streitel entitled Government Schools are Propaganda Machines, in which he argues that homeschool students are less subject to indoctrination than their public school counterparts. I discuss my own experience as a public school teacher and explain how these schools are not designed to give students the critical thinking skills they need to succeed in a dynamic economy and the institutional failures that have created this problem. I then read and comment on Streitel’s excellent article, supplementing his argument with my own personal anecdotes and experiences. If you want to understand why our schools are failing from the perspective of an insider, this episode is for you. Also, it should go without saying that all of the views presented in this episode are my own and do not necessarily reflect the perspective of my school or school district.

Media Referenced:

https://mises.org/wire/government-schools-are-propaganda-machines

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-68-our-mediocre-public-schools-with-connor-boyack/

https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/turning-down-teacher-tenure/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 115: How to Respond to the Decline of the Church with Randy Lovejoy

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with pastor and author Randy Lovejoy, who writes on the Substack MakeGoodHappen and is trying to push the conversation about church beyond traditional boundaries. Drawing on his wide experience in ministry, Randy explains why the church in the west is in decline and what we can do to fix it. He explains how Christian nationalism and progressive Christianity are both in part a response to this decline, and why we can and should be having creative conversations about saving the western church. This is a wide-ranging and informative conversation that you won’t want to miss!

Media Referenced:

Randy’s Substack MakeGoodHappen: https://substack.com/@randylovejoy

Facebook and Instragram: The Lovejoy Collective

Website: randylovejoy.com

Faith Ventures Appearance: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/faith-ventures-ep-13-the-courage-of-entrepreneurship-with-randy-lovejoy/

Ep 114: A Debate About Liberty with Ezra Wyrick and Joshua Eakle

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Ezra Wyrick and Joshua Eakle discuss the differences between their political philosophies. Joshua is a self-described classical liberal and Ezra is a libertarian with anarchistic leanings. They discuss the difference between these two positions, as well as where they agree and disagree on several contentious issues such as the war in Ukraine, economics, the government response to Covid, the proper size of the state, voting, Trump and Biden, and the Libertarian party. This is a respectful and thoughtful dialogue that highlights differing approaches to achieving a free society, and both guests do an incredible job of outlining their positions. Check it out!

Media Referenced:

Ezra Wyrick on Twitter: @Ezra4Liberty

Joshua Eakle on Twitter: @JoshEakle

Project Liberal: @ProjectLiberal

Students for Liberty: @sfliberty

Ep 113: Jesus and the Rise of Nationalism by Halvor Moxnes

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I review the book Jesus and the Rise of Nationalism by Halvor Moxnes, which explores the relationship between the rise of modern nationalism and the rise of historical Jesus research in the 19th century. He explains how this new conception of nationalism, along with biography writing and a reconceptualization of ‘homeland’, shaped the intellectual context of extremely influential New Testament scholars. He looks at the work of Fredrich Schleiermacher and D.F. Strauss in the German states, Ernst Renan in France, and George Adam Smith in the United Kingdom and shows how their portrayal of the historical Jesus was influenced by nationalist ideals. Instead of presenting us with a picture of Jesus that situates him in his own time, these scholars turn Jesus into a figure that makes sense within the political landscape of the 19th century. I then explore how Moxnes’ critique can be turned against his own suggestion at the end of the book that we should, correctly, abandon nationalistic portrayals of the historical Jesus by replacing them, incorrectly in my view, with 21st century ideas about globalism and critical theory. I then explain how all of our attempts to modernize Jesus will fail and why we need to do our best to situate Jesus in his first century context.

Media Referenced:

Jesus and the Rise of Nationalism: https://a.co/d/9bZu3Xc

Halvor Moxnes Biography: https://wipfandstock.com/author/halvor-moxnes/

Fredrich Schliermacher Biography: https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schleiermach

Gorge Adam Smith Biography: https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/smith-sir-george-adamdeg

The Socialist Roots of Modern Biblical Studies: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-92-the-socialist-roots-of-modern-biblical-studies/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 112: Progressive Christian Nationalism

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this short episode, I read through my article Progressive Christian Nationalism, where I argue that progressive Christianity and Christian nationalism are structurally identical. While they support different policy agendas, they both believe that their theological values should be imposed on society by law, that this will bring about earthly and heavenly good, and that these laws need to be imposed at the federal (i.e. national) level. I then talk about why both conservative and progressive Christian commentators will ignore the real problems facing our society in 2024, which are Federal Reserve policy and the never-ending warfare state.

Media Referenced:

https://libertarianchristians.com/2023/10/09/progressive-christian-nationalism-left-right-authoritarian/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 111: Progressive Christianity with Cody Cook and Doug Stuart

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Cody Cook and Doug Stuart about progressive Christianity. We examine the rise of progressive Christianity and its current popularity, why many evangelicals are deconstructing and moving to the left, and the ideological similarities between progressive Christianity and Christian nationalism. We then explore why Christian libertarianism is a better alternative to both systems and how progressive Christians and Christian nationalists will develop politically over the coming years, especially as we get closer to the 2024 presidential election. This is a great introduction and response to the progressive Christian movement.

Media Referenced:

The Libertarian Christian Institute: libertarianchristians.com

Doug Stuart Twitter: @dougstuart

Libertarian Christian Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/libertarian-christian-podcast/

Cody Cook Twitter: @CantusFirmusCC

Cantus-Firmus Podcast: https://www.cantus-firmus.com/podcast/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 110: The Church in the Shadow of Empire with Preston Sprinkle

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Preston Sprinkle about his new book Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire. In Exiles, Dr. Sprinkle articulates a political theology for the church, arguing that Christians should see themselves as set apart from the nations by rejecting empire and proclaiming the gospel. We look at the Biblical foundation of his political theology and why we should identify with Christ instead of other political allegiances. We also explore the current state of anti-imperial New Testament scholarship and how the church should apply the insights presented in this book.

Media Referenced:

Exiles: https://a.co/d/2YJjRv3

Preston’s Website: https://www.prestonsprinkle.com/

Preston on Twitter: @PrestonSprinkle

Theology in the Raw: https://theologyintheraw.com/podcasts/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 109: Understanding Old Testament Prophecy with John Walton

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk to Old Testament scholar Dr. John Walton about his brand-new book The Lost World of the Prophets: Old Testament Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature in Ancient Contexts, out now on IVP Academic. In this conversation, we explore how prophecy in the Old Testament developed throughout the course of Israel’s history, how prophecy fits into the cultural context of the Ancient Near east, why prophecy is primarily about speaking on behalf of God and not predicting the future, the relationship between prophecy and covenant, apocalyptic literature, and how prophecy should shape our understanding of the mission of the church and the future of God’s creation. This is an incredible introduction to a very complex topic that all Christians and libertarians need to understand.

Media Referenced:

The Lost World of the Prophets: https://a.co/d/8RWoHaR

John Walton’s Academic Page: https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/faculty/john-walton/

John Walton IVP: https://www.ivpress.com/john-h-walton

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 108: Political Predictions for 2024 with Jacob Winograd

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Jacob Winograd, host of the Biblical Anarchy podcast, about his political predictions for American politics in 2024. We discuss the depressing state of American foreign policy, the federal debt and spending crisis, and if there will be accountability for Epstein’s associates and the politicians and bureaucrats that lied about Covid. We then discuss the presidential election, Trump and Biden, and the prospects of success for the Libertarian party in 2024.

Media Referenced:

Jacob Winograd Twitter: @BiblicalAnarchy

The Biblical Anarchy Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/biblical-anarchy/

Take Human Action PA Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-human-action-pa/id1575925285

Take Human Action PA Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7qvCAl0xiFPTFzvjDPTpIQ?si=fd6b7b753c9644dc

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 107: Socialism as Explained by a Socialist with Erik (@AlphaclassARC)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk to Erik of @AlphaclassARC, who is a self-described Marxist from Sweden, about why he believes that socialism is the best way to organize an economy. In this wide-ranging conversation he defines socialism and Marxism, explains the problem with the left-right dichotomy in politics, argues for the success of socialist policies around the world, and criticizes organizations like the World Economic Forum. We also discuss our mutual opposition to American military imperialism and why many people around the world view US foreign policy with skepticism. This was a fun conversation and I know that you all will enjoy it!

Media Referenced:

Eric on Twitter: @AlphaclassARC

Revolutionary Blackout: https://www.youtube.com/@revolutionaryblackout7315; @RevBlackNetwork

Second Thought: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondThought

The Deprogram Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thedeprogram9999; @TheDeprogramPod

Midwestern Marx: https://www.youtube.com/@MidwesternMarx; @MidwesternMarx

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 106: Darwin, Natural Selection, and the Bible with Dru Johnson

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Dru Johnson about his new book What Hath Darwin to Do With Scripture, published by IVP. In this book, Dr. Johnson demonstrates that there are conceptual overlaps between the concerns of natural selection and the worldview of the Biblical authors. He explores how the ideas of scarcity, fitness, and generation, all of which were important for a Darwinian understanding of natural selection, were also concerns that are address in scripture. He explores both the similarities and differences in the way natural selection and the Bible handle these issues. We then explore how Dr. Johnson’s model can help us move beyond the impasse of the contemporary creation/evolution debate.

Media Referenced:

What Hath Darwin to Do With Scripture?: https://a.co/d/b1SwLuv

Dru Johnson on Twitter: @dru_johnson

Dru Johnson’s Website: drujohnson.com

IVP Author Page: https://ivpress.com/dru-johnson

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 105: Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I discuss the story of the rich young ruler, which is found in Mark 10:17-22 and its parallels in Matthew 19:16-22 and Luke 18:18-23. I outline the problems with the dominant two-source theory of the synoptic problem in New Testament studies and advocate for the Farrer-Goulder-Goodacre Theory, which posits that Mark was written first, followed by Matthew, and that Luke used both as a source. I then explain the importance of oral tradition on the development of the Gospels and how traditions like the story of the rich young ruler must be interpreted within the larger framework of the Gospel narratives themselves and the tradition units with which they were transmitted. In all three Gospels, the exchange with the rich young ruler is preceded by stories that demonstrate the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the need to accept Jesus with the humility of a child. Those traditions contextualize the response that Jesus has to the rich young ruler, which demonstrates that his attitude towards his wealth is idolatrous and similar to the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. We then look at how this text doesn’t support socialism and how a historically grounded interpretation of this story demonstrates the dangers of wealth and the responsibility that the wealthy have towards those that are in need.

Media Referenced:

Mark Goodacre Website: https://markgoodacre.org/

Mark Goodacre’s NT Pod: https://podacre.blogspot.com/

Questioning Q, Edited by Goodacre: https://a.co/d/hVTovfA

Jesus Remembered, James Dunn: https://a.co/d/e0oz2BW

Mark as Story, Rhodes, Dewey, and Michie: https://a.co/d/fYQIgo9

Greed as Idolatry, Brian Rosner: https://a.co/d/73gVoJR

Episode on 1st Timothy 5-6: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/1-timothy-5-6-widows-wealth-and-the-specter-of-socialism/

Episode on Biblical Interpretation: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/rules-of-engagement-hermeneutics-biblical-interpretation/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 104: What Biblical Scholars Want Everyone to Know About the New Testament with James McGrath

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk to Dr. James McGrath about his new book ‘The A to Z of the New Testament: Things Experts Know That Everyone Else Should Too’, out now on Eerdmans Press. ‘The A to Z of the New Testament’ is an introduction to New Testament scholarship that is presented in alphabetical order and covers hundreds of important foundational scholarly interpretive issues. Dr. McGrath explains the birth narratives, resurrection, interpretation and intertextuality, the Synoptic Problem, the book of Revelation, women in the New Testament, and much more. This is an excellent one-stop shop to NT interpretation; enjoy the episode and buy the book!

Media Referenced:

The A to Z of the New Testament: https://a.co/d/6p9jbce

James McGrath Blog: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionprof/

James on Twitter: @ReligionProf

James McGrath Eerdmans Page: https://www.eerdmans.com/author/james-f-mcgrath/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 103: The Social and Economic Teachings of the Catholic Church with Catherine Pakaluk

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Catherine Pakaluk, economist at the Catholic University of America, about the social and economic teachings of the Catholic church. The Catholic Catechism is the rule of faith for Catholic Christians, and in a section on the 7th Commandment, the church explains its teaching on social and economic issues. Dr. Pakaluk explains why the Catholic church is extremely critical of socialism, and why certain passages that seem to challenge the notion of free markets make sense within the larger framework of Catholic theology and are not an impediment to economic freedom. There are a lot of very important economic, social, and theological issues that are addressed in this episode, and you won’t want to miss it!

Media Referenced:

Catherine Pakaluk Academic Page: https://business.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/pakaluk-catherine/index.html

Catherine Pakaluk Twitter: @CRPakaluk

Can a Catholic be a Socialist w/ Trent Horn: https://a.co/d/jcuPhZb

Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth: https://a.co/d/gQBv0gr

Catechism in a Year, Ownership of Goods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/day-313-ownership-of-goods/id1648949780?i=1000634219714

Catechism in a Year, The Goods of Others: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/day-314-goods-of-others/id1648949780?i=1000634340376

Catechism in a Year, The Church’s Social Doctrine: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/day-315-the-churchs-social-doctrine/id1648949780?i=1000634446429

Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII, paragraphs 1-15; https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum.html

2. Quadragesimo Anno, Pope Pius XI, paragraphs 44-62; https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19310515_quadragesimo-anno.html

3. Centesimus Annus, Pope John Paul II, see especially 10, 11, 13, and also 43-48; https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_01051991_centesimus-annus.html

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 102: Why We Still Need a King

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this bonus episode, I read through a recent article published by 1517.org entitled ‘The Fact of Our Need for a King’. It is an Advent reflection on the Biblical significance of kingship, the perils of rejecting God as king, and why our ultimate hope must be placed in Jesus, the one true king. I also briefly discuss why I think that Twitter (or X) is a garbage dump and why American Christmas has become a pagan holiday. Check it out!

Media Referenced:
https://www.1517.org/articles/the-fact-of-our-need-for-a-king

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 101: Demystifying Evil with Ingrid Faro

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Dr. Ingrid Faro, author of the new book Demystifying Evil (2023, IVP Academic), which explores the how the Bible addresses the problem of evil. Dr. Faro provides a Biblical definition of evil, explains how the concept is developed throughout scripture, how humans are complicit in the problem of evil, and how unseen spiritual forces influence evil. We then talk about how God addresses evil and how humans play a major role in reducing the amount of evil in the world.

Media Referenced:

Buy Demystifying Evil: https://a.co/d/b6JIF46

Ingrid Faro’s Website: https://www.ingridfaro.com/

Ingrid Faro Twitter: @faro_ingrid

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 100: Ending the War on Drugs with Christina Dent

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

*My recording software defaulted my microphone to my built-in computer mic, and I was not aware of this until after we finished recording. I apologize in advance for the below-average sound quality of my microphone.

In this episode I talk to Christina Dent. Christina is the founder and president of the organization End it for Good, which challenges the popular narrative that the best way to solve drug abuse and addiction is through the criminal justice system. Christina argues that the war on drugs has been a failure and that instead of criminalizing drug use we need to take a restorative approach to addiction. She discusses her move as a conservative Christian away from the criminal justice approach to drugs, how the problem of drug abuse and addiction has impacted our society, and how ending the drug war might actually enable us to solve the problem of drug abuse in our country.

Media Referenced:

End it for Good: https://enditforgood.com/

End it for Good Twitter: @EndItForGoodMS

Curious: https://a.co/d/1Aklh2L

Christin Dent on Twitter: @ChristinaBDent

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 99: Money, the Federal Reserve, and Christian Ethics with Jordan Bush

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk to Jordan Bush, executive director of Thank God for Bitcoin Media and co-author of the book Thank God for Bitcoin. We discuss the Federal Reserve, central banking, the production of money and how money functions, and why Christians need to think about the morality of these issues. We discuss alternatives to fiat currency such as gold and bitcoin, and Jordan suggests some helpful resources for those who want to learn more. This episode is an excellent introduction to the philosophy and problems of central banking and fiat currency and how Christians can thoughtfully reflect on those issues.

Media Referenced:

Jordan Bush on Twitter: @jmbushwrites

Thank God for Bitcoin Media Twitter: @ThankGodforBTC

Thank God for Bitcoin website: tgfb.com

Thank God for Bitcoin book: https://a.co/d/482hYOk

The Ethics of Money Production, Hulsmann: https://a.co/d/eShcXFT

Honest Money, North: https://a.co/d/7WekvSi

The Bitcoin Standard, Ammous: https://a.co/d/9HjwKzS

The Little Bitcoin Book: https://a.co/d/hmPWuXz

Adam O’Brein on Bitcoin: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/bitcoin-and-the-future-of-currency-with-adam-obrien/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 98: Medieval Christianity and the Road to Religious Freedom

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This episode was originally recorded for Cody Cook's podcast Cantus-Firmus. In our conversation, we discuss medieval Christianity, the Enlightenment, and the long road to religious freedom in the west. I am a social studies teacher and my class covers the global middle ages, and it was a lot of fun to take a dive into historical issues that I teach in the classroom and draw comparisons to their theological, social, and political relevance. This was a really fun conversation that addresses a different but related set of topics that I cover on the show, and I know you are going to enjoy it!

Media Referenced:
Cantus-Firmus Podcast: https://www.cantus-firmus.com/podcast/
Brent Nongbri – Before Religion: A History of a Modern Concept
Edward Dolnick – The Clockwork Universe: Isaac Newton, the Royal Society, and the Birth of the Modern World
James Hannam – The Genesis of Science: How the Christian Middle Ages Launched the Scientific Revolution
Lars Brownworth – Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization
Tom Holland – Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World
Augustine of Hippo – City of God

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 97: Six Essential Books of 2023

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this special Christmas episode, I recommend six books (and two runners-up) published in 2023 that I know all listeners of this show will find interesting! I give a brief synopsis of each book and explain why you should spend your hard-earned Christmas money on them. They are, in the order they appear in the episode:

A Jewish Paul, Matthew Thiessen

The Beginning and End of All Things, Edward Klink

Understanding Zionism, Anne Perez

You Will Own Nothing, Carol Roth

Questioning the COVID Company Line, Laurie Calhoun

Pax, Tom Holland

Our runners-up were:

Being God’s Image, Carmen Joy Imes

The Great Reset, Michael Rectenwald

Amazon and podcast interview links can be found below. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:

Six Books that Shaped My Political Thinking and Theology: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/six-books-that-shaped-my-political-thinking-and-theology/

A Jewish Paul, Matthew Thiessen
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/5MBPKcy

The Beginning and End of All Things, Edward Klink
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/7O1Jki4
Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-63-the-beginning-and-end-of-all-things-biblical-creation-with-edward-klink/

Understanding Zionism, Anne Perez
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/eaW8cz9
Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-83-understanding-zionism-with-anne-perez/

You Will Own Nothing, Carol Roth
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/flbmlep

Questioning the COVID Company Line, Laurie Calhoun
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/bCoIS5l
Episode 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-73-questioning-the-covid-company-line-with-laurie-calhoun-part-1/
Episode 2: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-74-questioning-the-covid-company-line-with-laurie-calhoun-part-2/

Pax, Tom Holland
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/emBPSXZ

Honorable Mention: Being God’s Image, Carmen Joy Imes
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1GXiHiv
Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-69-being-gods-image-with-carmen-joy-imes/

Honorable Mention: The Great Reset, Michael Rectenwald
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/gir8fjB

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 96: The Liberty Book Club with Shaun Collins and Joel Ellenwood

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk with Shaun Collins, host of the podcast Buds n’ Reality, and Joel Ellenwood, the great Infinite Zeal Syndicate, about the books in libertarian theory that have most shaped their worldviews. We discuss the reasons why it is important to read, what books every libertarian ought to know, and personal favorite books. Joel demonstrates why Abraham Lincoln was not, in reality, a good president, and Shaun explains why we should remain skeptical of mainstream narratives. You won’t want to miss this one!

Media Referenced:

Shaun Collins Twitter: @BudsnReality

Buds n’ Reality Podcast: budsinthebasement.com

Joel Ellenwood Twitter: @_InfiniteZeal

Infinite Zeal Merch: https://linktr.ee/infinitezealsyndicate

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 95: The Liberty Movement in the Country of Georgia with Herman Szabo

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I speak with Herman Szabo, a libertarian from the country of Georgia who was elected to Georgia’s parliament in 2020. He talks about the Georgian equivalent of the LP, which is called the Girchi Party, how he and three other Girchi members were elected into parliament, and the accomplishments of the liberty movement in that country. He also discusses the problems facing Georgia and how the Girchi Party sponsors the Church of Biblical Freedom, which enables Georgian citizens to challenge military conscription. We also discuss Ukraine-Russia, Javier Milei, and the global future of libertarianism. You won’t want to miss this one!

Media Referenced:

Girchi Party Wikipedia Page: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girchi

Herman Szabo Twitter: @HermanSzabo

Girchi Party Twitter: @GirchiParty

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 94: The Libertarian Christian Institute’s Core Values

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this brief episode, I discuss the core values of the Libertarian Christian Institute, all of the great content we produce, and how you can support our work. I am proud to be a part of LCI’s Christians for Liberty Network, and if you enjoy this show you will find a wide range of excellent content, including other podcasts and articles (several of which were written by me!) over on our website. Check us out today at https://libertarianchristians.com/.

Media Referenced:

LCI’s Core Values: https://libertarianchristians.com/about/

Donate to LCI: https://libertarianchristians.com/donate/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 93: The Female Disciples in the Gospels with Holly Carey

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I talk to Holly Carey, professor and chair of the Biblical Studies department at Point University in Georgia, about her brand-new book Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels, published by Eerdmans in October 2023. We discuss the role that women play as disciples in the four gospels and the book of Acts, as well as the experience of women in antiquity and the ways in which interpretation of the Gospels can and should shape how we read other New Testament texts about women in the church. Dr. Carey explains how often overlooked texts can radically reshape the way that women are presented in the Bible and how these insights have major implications for the practice of the modern church. This is an excellent conversation that you will not want to miss!

Media Referenced:

Women Who Do: https://a.co/d/b17zueH

Holly Carey Point University: https://point.edu/about/faculty/holly-carey/

Instagram: @Hjcarey33

Facebook: Holly Ritchie Carey

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 92: The Socialist Roots of Modern Biblical Studies

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In F.A. Hayek’s book The Counter-Revolution of Science, he explains the significance of two French thinkers, Henri de Saint Simon and Auguste Comte, who, by applying the language and methods of the natural sciences to social phenomenon, are responsible for the dramatic rise of socialism, totalitarianism, and the idea of the technocratic state. Even though these names have largely been forgotten to history, their ideas were wildly popular during the 19th century and merged with Hegelianism in Germany, leading to the works of Marx and Engles. In passing, Hayek refers to two prominent 19th century Biblical scholars, David Fredrich Strauss and Ernst Renan, both of whom were influenced by Saint-Simonian ideas. Both of these scholars were deeply influential in the development of modern Biblical scholarship, and both had ties to the nationalist and statist movements that swept Europe during this time. Strauss was the most influential member of the Tubingen School in Germany, which set the parameters for modern Biblical scholarship, and Renan had an outsized influence in France. I outline as a preliminary theory the significance of these two figures being attached to Saint-Simonian ideas and how that has quite possibly shaped the presuppositions of all modern Biblical scholarship down to this day. I also explain how Albert Schweitzer correctly sets both of their work in the context of Hegelianism but missed the Hegelian merger with Saint-Simonianism. We need a Biblical scholar who can take these ideas further, and I plan on addressing this interesting insight in more detail in later shows.

Media Referenced:
The Counter-Revolution of Science, F.A. Hayek
The Quest for the Historical Jesus, Albert Schweitzer
Approaches to Paul, Magnus Zetterholm
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/first-three-quests-historical-jesus-reimarus-wright/
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/next-quest-historical-jesus/
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-90-the-counter-revolution-of-science-by-f-a-hayek/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 91: How Woodrow Wilson Invaded Medieval Europe

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this special Thanksgiving bonus episode, I read an excerpt from Norman Cantor’s Inventing the Middle Ages, which is a history of 20th century medieval scholarship. In this book he describes the ways in which the social and cultural contexts of 20th century medievalists were projected back into the Middle Ages, shaping our historical understanding of that period. The two most influential American medievalists were Charles Haskins and Joseph Strayer, both of whom were dedicated Wilsonians and whose scholarship on medieval government suspiciously conformed to Woodrow Wilson’s theory of government. Haskins was one of three academics who accompanied Wilson during his post-WWI tour of Europe and was in part responsible for creating the dysfunction that led to WWII and the Cold War. Strayer found himself working for the CIA during the 1950s. This is a really challenging and interesting read that makes us think about both how we interpret history and how contemporary intellectual trends influence the way we understand reality.

Media Referenced:

Inventing the Middle Ages, Norman Cantor

The Quest for the Historical Jesus, Albert Schweitzer

Powers and Thrones, Dan Jones

Henry Cadbury and Modernizing Jesus Episode: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/henry-cadbury-anti-war-biblical-scholar-warned-against-modernizing-jesus/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 90: The Counter-Revolution of Science by F.A. Hayek

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I review the main arguments of F.A. Hayek’s 1952 book ‘The Counter-Revolution of Science’, in which he outlines the rise of socialist and totalitarian thought in the early 19th century. Hayek’s main point in this brilliant and insightful book is that the methods and language of the natural sciences were illegitimately applied to the study of society and created the conditions under which French thinkers began to believe that history, politics, and economics operated under natural laws that could be discovered and then applied to society by central planners. He explores how the work of Henri de Saint-Simon and Auguste Comte in the early 19th century laid the foundation for modern authoritarian thinking, how these ideas spread to Germany and fused with Hegelianism, and their abiding influence on all branches of social studies, including economics and theology. He explores the historical context of these thinkers and demonstrates the many philosophical flaws and idiosyncrasies in their work. This book is technical, illuminating, relevant, and well-worth the read.

Media Referenced:
The Counter-Revolution of Science, F.A. Hayek

Episode on Marxism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/marxism-social-political-creed/

Episode on The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/what-does-it-mean-to-believe-science/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 89: My Libertarian Journey, Biblical Interpretation, and Postmodernism

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This episode is a re-release of an interview that I gave on Doug Stuart's show The Libertarian Christian Podcast. In this interview, I explain how I became a libertarian, how I think the Bible is best interpreted in its historical context, and why I believe that epistemological postmodernism offers valuable insights into the limits of human knowledge. This was a very fun interview and it gives you an insight into my methodological approaches to both the Bible and politics. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:
The Libertarian Christian Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/libertarian-christian-podcast/

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 88: The COVID Vaccines and Functional Medicine with Jared Seigler

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk to Jared Seigler, a Certified Functional Medical Provider, about the Covid vaccines. He talks about his time in the service and his increasing skepticism towards mainstream government and media narratives, the horrible track record of big Pharma, and the way many were manipulated into taking the Covid vaccine. We do a deep dive into the science behind mRNA technology, why it doesn’t work as advertised, and the long-term dangerous health consequences that are resulting from vaccine injury. We then discuss function medicine and why exercise and clean eating are the best methods for insuring a healthy lifestyle. This is a very detailed episode that you will not want to miss.

We did deal with some technology issues during the interview that may effect the quality of the audio. I apologize in advance!

Media Referenced:

Jared’s Website: https://drjaredseigler.com/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 87: The 2024 Libertarian Presidential Race with Joshua Smith

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Joshua Smith, host of Break the Cycle, longtime libertarian activist, and candidate for the 2024 LP presidential nominee. He explains his time in the service, how he became a libertarian, the work he has done for the Libertarian Party, and why podcasting is so important. He then explains his position on several important issues, including American’s escalating militarism, the Covid regime, the economy, and religious freedom. We also discuss the current state of American politics, the goals of an LP presidential run, and what distinguishes Joshua from other libertarian candidates.

Media Referenced:

Support Joshua Smith: http://joshuasmith2024.com/

Follow Joshua on Twitter: @JoshuaAtLarge

Break the Cycle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi_H-O6VnCqCEO3BdIE7M5A

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 86: Rethinking the Police with Daniel Reinhardt

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Daniel Reinhardt, a career police officer-turned academic, about his new book Rethinking the Police, out in November 2023 on IVP Academic. In our conversation, Daniel explains how modern policing, which was originally conceptualized through Christian values, has changed over time to create police cultures that dehumanize the people they are intended to serve and lead to chronic abuses of power. He then explains how his proposed model of police leadership, the servant-shepherd model, could change many of the structural problems facing policing and return to its original intention of keeping the peace. We also talk about popular misconceptions of policing in popular culture, the real challenges that active-duty officers face on the job, the war on drugs and the militarization of the police, and what the average person needs to know about the profession.

Media Referenced:

Rethinking the Police: https://a.co/d/bje1W69

IVP Academic Link: https://www.ivpress.com/rethinking-the-police

SBTS Student Life Profile: https://www.sbts.edu/students/student-life/

Author IVP Page: https://www.ivpress.com/daniel-reinhardt

Daniel Reinhardt on Twitter: @DanReinhardt5

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 85: Correcting Popular Economic Fallacies with Caleb Fuller

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Caleb Fuller, associate professor of economics at Grove City College, about several popular economic fallacies, including:

Corporate greed causes inflation
Price controls are an effective way of “controlling” said inflation
The minimum wage is a free lunch to low-skilled workers
Racial discrimination is costless to the discriminator
China is “beating” us at trade
Rent control expands housing availability for the poorest
Trade or immigrants “steal” domestic jobs
Women earn less than men for performing the same work

We also discuss the history of the Austrian school, why Christians need to study economics, and some suggested reading material for those who want to do further research. This is a massive episode that demonstrates how easy it is for economic myths to be widely accepted and why we need to think more carefully about the economy. Check it out!

Media Referenced:

Our Economic Illiteracy: https://mises.org/wire/our-economic-illiteracy

No Free Lunch: https://a.co/d/2Dvv12D

Caleb Fuller’s Website: https://calebsfuller.com/

Caleb Fuller on Twitter: @CalebSFuller

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 84: Israel, Hamas, War Propaganda, and Collateral Damage

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I follow up my conversation with Dr. Anne Perez on the history of Zionism by looking at two articles that explore different aspects of the current conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The first is an article written by Matthew Petti for Reason Magazine in which he explains how the messaging in the media and from the political class shapes our understanding of the war and makes us callous to the real pain and suffering being experienced by innocent people on both sides of the conflict. We then look at an article written by the great Dave DeCamp over at Antiwar.com about how the Israeli president is claiming that there are no innocent civilians in Gaza because the people voted for Hamas, and the obvious problems with assertion. Within the context of these two articles and my discussion with Dr. Perez, I explain the necessity of thinking historically and contextually about the situation, the problem with war lies and propaganda, and the morality of the theory of ‘collateral damage’. I hope you enjoy this episode!

Media Referenced:

Reason article: https://reason.com/2023/10/12/americas-broken-lurid-view-of-foreign-wars/

Dave Decamp article: https://news.antiwar.com/2023/10/15/israeli-president-says-theres-no-innocent-civilians-in-gaza/

Dr. Anne Perez Interview on Zionism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-83-understanding-zionism-with-anne-perez/

Laurie Calhoun on the Just War Theory: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/critique-of-the-just-war-theory-laurie-calhoun/

Antiwar Website and Twitter: antiwar.com | @antiwarcom

Dave DeCamp Twitter: @DeCampDave

Matthew Petti Twitter: @matthew_petti

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 83: Understanding Zionism with Anne Perez

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Dr. Anne Perez about her brand-new book Understanding Zionism (Fortress Press, 2023), which is a history of the modern Zionist movement and those who support and oppose it. In our conversation Dr. Perez explains the history and diversity of the Zionist movement, why Israel as a nation has always struggled to maintain a balance between democracy and Jewish identity, Christian support for Zionism, the many groups that oppose Zionist ideas, and where the Zionist movement and the state of Israel are headed in the future. This was recorded two days before the October 2023 outbreak of violence between Israel and the Palestinians and provides critical historical context for understanding contemporary Middle Eastern politics.

Media Referenced:
Buy Understanding Zionism: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Zionism-Perspectives-Anne-Perez/dp/1506481167?ref_=ast_author_dp

Dr. Anne Perez on Academia: https://ucdavis.academia.edu/AnneMarino

Anne’s Blog: https://letjusticerolltide.substack.com/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 82: The Decline of American Christianity

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I analyze an article published by Dr. Matthew Bates entitled ‘Conscience Uncoupling from the Church is the New Temptation, about why many people are leaving the church, how to know if someone might be willing to stay, and how we can tell if someone has an authentic faith. Bates makes a lot of very important points, and I supplement his review with comments based on my own experience as a Christian and in ministry as well as explore some of the reasons why I think people are leaving the church and what we can do to bring them back. There are a lot of really important issues that I touch on in this episode, and I hope to follow some of these threads in the future!

Media Referenced:
Matthew Bates Article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/june-web-only/church-attendance-dones-conscious-uncoupling-new-temptation.html

Matthew Bates Interview: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-gospel-and-allegiance-to-king-jesus-with-matthew-bates/

Review of Thomas Kidd’s book Who is an Evangelical?: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/who-is-an-evangelical-thomas-kidd/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 81: Widows, Wealth, and the Specter of Socialism | 1 Timothy 5-6

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I explore the historical background and theological implications of 1st Timothy 5-6. In these two sections of Paul’s letter, Timothy is given advice about how the church at Ephesus ought to provide for widows in need and also how those that are wealthy have an obligation to be charitable. I explain how these are often interpreted through the lens of modern socialist economic theories and why these passages do not, in fact, support socialism. I also explain why the Bible shouldn’t be used to directly support any modern economic theories and why we don’t need the Bible to affirm capitalism. These are very important passages in the New Testament for understanding the Christian position on wealth and charity and there are many important principles that should be drawn from them.

Media Referenced:

Jeffers, James: The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 80: The Republican Candidate for Governor of Kentucky with Daniel Cameron

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Daniel Cameron, the Attorney General of Kentucky and the Republican candidate for governor in Kentucky’s 2023 gubernatorial election. Cameron is running against incumbent Democrat Andy Beshear during a cycle in which the Libertarian Party of Kentucky is not running a candidate, making Cameron an attractive choice for Kentucky’s libertarians. He explains how Beshear mismanaged the response to Covid-19 and outlines his major policy proposals, which are centered around education, the economy, and crime. He aims to close the gap for Kentucky students that was created because of the pandemic by creating additional learning opportunities and addressing attendance, as well as incentivizing teachers to remain in the profession. He seeks to eliminate the state income tax and reform welfare and other social benefits, and he wants to ensure that Kentucky is safe from criminal activity. He also states that he is in favor of the Defend the Guard movement and as a general principal believes in the 10th Amendment and states’ rights over the encroachments of the federal government and is politically aligned with Kentucky senator Rand Paul and congressman Thomas Massie. Even if you are not a Kentucky resident, this interview is well worth the listen!

Media Referenced:
Daniel Cameron’s Campaign: https://cameronforkentucky.com/
Daniel Cameron on Twitter: @DanielCameronAG
Attorney General Twitter: @kyoag

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 79: The Libertarian Party with Jacob Winograd

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Jacob Winograd, who hosts the Biblical Anarchy podcast for LCI. Outside of his work for LCI, he is heavily involved in both the Libertarian Party and the Mises Caucus; he is the chair of the York County, PA LP affiliate, the chair of the LPPA Social Media Committee, and a Mises Caucus PA State Organizer and Strategist. We discuss the current state of the Libertarian Party, the goals of the Mises Caucus, libertarian infighting, the debate between the Mises Caucus and the Classical Liberal Caucus, the controversy surrounding LP New Hampshire, and the libertarian presidental candidate field. This conversation is both an excellent introduction to the Libertarian Party and a great way to begin the next election cycle.

Media Referenced:
The LP Mises Caucus: https://lpmisescaucus.com/
The Libertarian Party: https://www.lp.org/
Biblical Anarchy Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/biblical-anarchy/
Jacob on Twitter: @BiblicalAnarchy
LP Mises Caucus Pennsylvania: LPMisesCaucusPA

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 78: Simon the Zealot (Sunday Sermon)

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I give you the recording of a sermon I preached at my church on July 9, 2023. This sermon was a part of a series on the disciples of Jesus. I choose to focus on Simon the Zealot, a disciple for which there is a small amount of historical material in the New Testament but whose title ‘zealot’ reveals several significant insights into the ministry of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, and the mission of the church. While this episode is, of course, not explicitly political, listeners of this show should find a lot of important parallels between the content of my sermon and the subjects I discuss on this show. I hope you enjoy it!

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 77: The War Crimes of Bush and Obama

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I critique a recent episode of Phil Vischer’s podcast The Holy Post, in which his co-hosts Skye Jethani and Katlyn Schiess discuss the Christian faith of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. I argue that they dramatically miss the most important aspect of their presidencies, during which both men committed horrendous war crimes. I review the war crimes of Bush and Obama and contrast that record with the casual conversation they had about their faiths. I also critique a conversation that took place on the show about Oliver Anthony’s Rich Men North of Richmond, where a nuanced discussion about welfare is collapsed into an unfounded theory of racial ‘dog-whistling’ as well as how Oliver’s commentary on Jeffery Epstein is dismissed as ‘Q-Anon’ adjacent. Both of these claims demonstrate my main point that even when admirably breaking with the right-wing trajectory of American evangelicalism, the commentators on The Holy Post still conform to the parameters of acceptable discourse set by the corporate press and fail to address the most important issues facing our society.

Media Referenced:
The Holy Post Episode: https://www.holypost.com/post/579-how-the-bible-is-used-abused-in-politics-with-kaitlyn-schiess

Scott Horton, Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terror: https://a.co/d/0TVOy5w

Laurie Calhoun, We Kill Because We Can: https://a.co/d/0aDohMn

Obama Is a War Criminal: https://harvardpolitics.com/obama-war-criminal/

The Intercept Article: https://theintercept.com/2017/01/30/obama-killed-a-16-year-old-american-in-yemen-trump-just-killed-his-8-year-old-sister/

TPLP Episode on the torture programs: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/against-george-w-bushs-cia-torture-program-roundtable/

Laurie Calhoun on the ‘Just War’ Theory: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/critique-of-the-just-war-theory-laurie-calhoun/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 76: Bitcoin and the Future of Currency with Adam O’Brien

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Adam O’Brien, the founder and CEO of Bitcoin Well, who explains everything you need to know about bitcoin. We discuss how bitcoin functions, why it is safe, how it avoids the pitfalls of fiat currency, and why it can create economic stability. We also explore the problems with our current monetary system, the threat of central banks, how to avoid radical inflation, and the dangerous rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies. Adam argues that bitcoin is an excellent investment and could become the future of decentralized currency.

Media Referenced:
Adam O’Brien on Twitter: @adamobrien_
Bitcoin Well on Twitter: @TheBitcoinWell
Adam’s Website: https://www.adamobrien.ca/
Bitcoin Well Website: https://bitcoinwell.com/
Looking Glass Website: https://lookingglasseducation.com/codl/
Bitcoin is Generational Wealth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rnqst5qCgA

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 75: Ministry in Politically Divided Times with Kevin Burr

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Kevin Burr, discipleship Minister at King’s Crossing Church of Christ in Corpus Christie, Texas and host of the podcast Faith in the Folds, about the challenges facing ministers and the church in politically divided times. We discuss political divisions between Christians, the rise of progressive Christianity, deconstruction, exvangelicalism, and Christian nationalism, how Christianity became associated with right-wing politics in the US, how church leaders can responsibly address contentious political issues, and what the Bible tells us about Christian political engagement.

Media Referenced:

Kevin Burr Twitter: @kbburr

Faith in the Folds Twitter: @faithinthefolds

Faith in the Folds Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/faithinthefolds/

Faith in the Folds Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLaLhEOui1uJi_1UrqP7oA

Kings Crossing Church of Christ: https://www.kingscrossingcoc.com/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 74: Questioning the COVID Company Line with Laurie Calhoun (Part 2)

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This is the second of two installments of a long interview I had with Laurie Calhoun, senior fellow at the Libertarian Institute, on her brand-new book Questioning the COVID Company Line: Critical Thinking in Hysterical Times. This book is a brilliant collection of essays that explores every facet of the COVID pandemic. In this second part, we discuss the weaponization of ‘misinformation’, government censorship, the relationship between government and big pharma, the mRNA ‘vaccines’ and alternative treatments, mandates, and, finally, the origins of the pandemic. This episode deals with the most controversial and important aspects of the Covid age, and you will not want to miss it!

Media Referenced:

Questioning the COVID Company Line: https://a.co/d/ijhXMWR

Laurie Calhoun at the Libertarian Institute: https://libertarianinstitute.org/author/lcalhoun/

Blog: https://thedroneage.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @laurielcalhoun

Ep 50: A Critique of the Just War Theory: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/protestant-libertarian-podcast/

Ep 15: The Military Industrial Cult: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/military-industrial-cult-laurie-calhoun/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 73: Questioning the COVID Company Line with Laurie Calhoun (Part 1)

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This is the first of two installments of a long interview I had with Laurie Calhoun, senior fellow at the Libertarian Institute, on her brand-new book Questioning the COVID Company Line: Critical Thinking in Hysterical Times. This book is a brilliant collection of essays that explores every facet of the COVID pandemic. In this first part, we discuss the death of critical thinking during the Covid era, how the same financial incentives and propaganda that support the military-industrial complex were employed during Covid in the name of ‘public health’, the problem with the slogan ‘trust the science’, the role of government organizations like the CDC, and Anthony Fauci’s rise to power.

Media Referenced:
Questioning the COVID Company Line: https://a.co/d/ijhXMWR

Laurie Calhoun at the Libertarian Institute: https://libertarianinstitute.org/author/lcalhoun/

Blog: https://thedroneage.wordpress.com/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 72: The Freakonomics of Jesus?

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I read through an article published last fall entitled The Freakonomics of Jesus by John Bombaro. In it, he explores how Jesus understood our relationship as His followers to wealth and money, and how we need to think about economics as Christians in general. While it is a great article and I agree with much of what he says, I critique the use of the term ‘capitalism’, explain how many of the economic problems he correctly identifies in his article are caused by state intervention into the economy, and demonstrate how the free market can solve these problems. I also discuss why so many Christian scholars get economics wrong and how passages like Matthew 6 and 1 Timothy 6 provide us with a model of voluntary charity for those who can afford to help others.

Media Referenced:
The Freakonomics of Jesus: https://www.1517.org/articles/the-freakonomics-of-jesus
Capitalism and the Historians: https://mises.org/library/capitalism-and-historians-0?gclid=Cj0KCQjwwvilBhCFARIsADvYi7JOSVee5yxfgvdpmxX5L1oM2ex9nOgJHKiKvV9vp4OSXIvep6-NhSIaAhqMEALw_wcB

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 71: Running for President as a Libertarian with Chase Oliver

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Chase Oliver, who is running to become the libertarian presidential candidate nominee. Chase ran for senate as a libertarian in Georgia in 2022 and forced a contentious run-off election. During his senate race, he received over 80,000 votes and roundly defeated the incumbent democrat in a televised debate. In our conversation, Chase talks about some of the biggest issues he would face if elected president, including Ukraine, pandemic response, increasingly centralized political authority, and drug reform. We then look at his philosophy of libertarianism, what is wrong with our current two-party system, and how libertarians can beat the electoral odds that are rigged in favor of the duopoly.

Disclaimer: Interviews with political candidates do not imply an endorsement nor serve as promoting the candidate.

Media Referenced:

Support Chase Oliver: https://votechaseoliver.com/

Follow Chase on Twitter: @ChaseForLiberty

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 70: Healthy Living, Veganism, and Yoga with Matt and Jessica Rice

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Matt and Jessica Rice. They are the people behind the Plant-Based Caucus, a group within the Libertarian party that advocates for veganism and healthy living. Matt and Jessica explain why they decided to become vegans and the research that supports a whole-foods, plant-based diet. We talk about the benefits of eating clean and exercising regularly, and why yoga is an excellent way to stay in shape. Check it out!

Media Referenced:
Follow Matt: @PlantBASEDlp

https://nutritionstudies.org/the-china-study/… https://a.co/d/1bJ27mm - ‘The China Study,’ “the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted”

https://revelationscafefilm.com - Revelations Cafe documentary. Faith-based vegetarian/vegan cafe outside Tampa, FL

https://amazon.com/Dialogues-Ethical-Vegetarianism-Michael-Huemer/dp/1138328294… - Book by Libertarian Vegan Michael Huemer, psychology professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder

https://plantpurenation.com/pages/plantpure-nation-movie… - Link for Plant Pure Nation documentary

https://gamechangersmovie.com - Movie about the successes of vegan/plant-based athletes

https://plantpurecommunities.org/watch-film/ - documentary about successes of plant-based diets for people who have type 2 diabetes

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exam-room-by-the-physicians-committee/id1312957138… - Exam Room podcast by the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine. “Raise your health IQ with a fun and inspiring plant-based podcast from nutrition experts at the Physician’s Committee”

https://nutritionfacts.org/book/how-not-to-die/… https://a.co/d/9zY6kzK - Information about, and link to buy, the book ‘How Not to Die’ by Michael Greger and Gene Stone.

https://netflix.com/us/title/80174177s=i&trkid=13747225&vlang=en&clip=81030320… -What the Health documentary on Netflix

http://dresselstyn.com/site/books/prevent-reverse/about-the-book/… https://a.co/d/cKFJ4gu - ‘Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure’ by Caldwell Esselstyn

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 69: Being God's Image with Carmen Joy Imes

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, who is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University, about her brand-new book ‘Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters’, out now on IVP Academic. Dr. Imes explains how we as humans bear the image of God, what it means for how we understand our place and our purpose in creation, the reality of the human condition, the meaning of the incarnation, and our future hope. This is a wide-ranging conversation that explores exactly what it means to be made as ‘God’s image’.

Media Referenced:

Buy Being God’s Image: https://a.co/d/51AflTa

Buy Carmen’s other books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07BNPY56Q?ingress=0&visitId=53dd8dae-be63-4001-bb7d-fbbcbd23d2f3&store_ref=ap_rdr&ref_=ap_rdr

Carmen’s Blog: https://carmenjoyimes.blogspot.com/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CarmenJoyImesPhD

Twitter: @carmenjoyimes

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 68: Our Mediocre Public Schools with Connor Boyack

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Connor Boyack, a libertarian activist and author, about his new book Mediocrity: 40 Ways Government Schools are Failing Today’s Students, which he co-wrote with Corey DeAngelis. Connor explains why American schools have been falling behind for decades, the increasing politicization of education, why schools have lowered academic and behavioral expectations, the power of the teacher’s unions, and much more. This episode will help you understand the challenges facing our public education system today and think about what needs to be done to enable it to change for the better.

Media Referenced:
Buy Mediocrity: https://a.co/d/8zMykTJ

Connor’s Websites:
https://connorboyack.com
https://libertas.org
https://tuttletwins.com

Connor’s Social Media Pages:
@cboyack
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cboyack
https://www.facebook.com/libertasutah
https://www.facebook.com/TuttleTwins

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 67: Creating the Canon: How the New Testament Was Formed with Benjamin Laird

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Dr. Benjamin Laird, associate professor of biblical studies at Liberty University, about his brand-new Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament, which is out now on IVP Academic. In our conversation, we discuss how the 27 documents that became the New Testament were produced, including the process of writing and how they were shared, copied, and spread. Laird then explains how they came to be identified as a collection of writings, critiquing both popular myths and explaining how the works that became the New Testament were identified as authoritative soon after they were written. Finally, Dr. Larid explains how the New Testament writings are all associated with the apostles, which makes them both authoritative and historically reliable. You won’t want to miss this!

Media Referenced:
Dr. Benjamin Laird: https://www.liberty.edu/divinity/faculty/benjamin-laird/
Creating the Canon IVP Page: https://www.ivpress.com/creating-the-canon
Buy Dr. Laird’s Other Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Benjamin-Laird/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABenjamin+Laird

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 66: The High Cost of Inflation and the War in Ukraine

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I explain how inflation is an increase in the quantity of money, and how that growth of the money supply ultimately leads to higher prices and hurts consumers. We explore how many Americans are feeling increased financial insecurity, how the Federal Reserve controls the American money supply, and why ‘price inflation’ is a term used by politicians and bureaucrats to place the blame for higher prices on businesses instead of their manipulation of the monetary system, taxes, and regulation. We then explore how the military industrial complex also creates higher prices, since the government must tax and inflate to pay for our wars. We play a clip of president Eisenhower’s famous ‘Military Industrial Complex’ speech, and reveal how the War on Terror and the war in Ukraine benefits the politicians, bureaucrats, and defense contractors while hurting the rest of us. We then take a brief look at the Bible and how we can think about these issues theologically.

Media Referenced:
Robert Aro, Fewer Americans Say They Are Doing Okay Financially: https://mises.org/power-market/fewer-americans-say-they-are-doing-okay-financially

Eric Boehm, COVID Stimulus Spending Played ‘Sizable Role’ in Inflation: https://reason.com/2023/02/02/covid-stimulus-spending-played-sizable-role-in-inflation/

Ludwig Von Mises, On Money and Inflation: https://a.co/d/760ohVE

Walt Zlotow, Billions in Weapons, Zero Negotiations, Reveal Real US Agenda in Ukraine: https://www.antiwar.com/blog/2022/04/29/billions-in-weapons-zero-negotiations-reveal-real-us-agenda-in-ukraine/

Cost of the 20-Year War on Terror: https://www.brown.edu/news/2021-09-01/costsofwar

Lloyd Austin Raytheon Connection: https://www.opensecrets.org/revolving/rev_summary.php?id=82688

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 65: ‘The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel’ with Cody Cook

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Cody Cook and I discuss The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel, a document being drafted and revised by a group of evangelical leaders who want to produce a clear definition of ‘Christian nationalism’. This take is in many ways more nuanced that Stephen Wolfe’s The Case for Christian Nationalism, and Cody and I examine several claims made in the statement and show how they are at odds with both a libertarian and a Christian understanding of politics. This episode marks the conclusion of a trilogy of episodes that I have released on Christian nationalism. Listen to this one and then check out those other episodes!

*Please note that the statement is being continually revised; we are addressing claims made in the second version, which was published on May 23, 2023. Those claims may change in future revisions.

Media Referenced:
The Statement on Christian Nationalism and the Gospel: https://www.statementonchristiannationalism.com/

Twitter Page: @CGNStatement

Ep 60: The Case Against Christian Nationalism: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/12780590

Ep 62: A Reformed Critique of Christian Nationalism with Stephen Angliss: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/12877729

Cody Cook’s Website: https://www.cantus-firmus.com
Twitter: @CantusFirmusCC
Cantus Firmus Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cantus-firmus/id926516807

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 64: The Gospel and Allegiance to King Jesus with Matthew Bates

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Matthew Bates of Quincy University about two very important books. The first is his brand-new book entitled Why the Gospel, which explores the nature of the Gospel message and why it matters for the church. The second is his provocative 2017 book Salvation by Allegiance Alone, in which he argues that the term ‘faith’ should be understood as allegiance to Jesus as king. We discuss how the Gospel is the announcement of the kingship of Jesus, sealed by his death, resurrection, and ascension, and what it means for Jesus to be king of the world. We then explore how the faith we place in the Gospel should linguistically and historically be understood as allegiance to Jesus as king, which is central to the message of the Gospel, and the practical and theological consequences of this understanding of both ‘Gospel’ and ‘faith’. You won’t want to miss this one!

Media Referenced:
Matthew Bates Website: http://www.matthewwbates.com/
Matthew Bates Twitter: @MatthewWBates
Matthew Bates Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.bates.144/
Matthew Bates Quincy University: https://www.quincy.edu/directory/matthew-bates/
Buy Why the Gospel: https://a.co/d/75xR1gq
Buy Salvation by Allegiance Alone: https://a.co/d/bijcO1W

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 63: The Beginning and End of All Things: Biblical Creation with Edward Klink

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Edward Klink III, who goes by ‘Mickey’, about his new book The Beginning and End of All Things: A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation, published by IVP Academic. In this sweeping book, Mickey explores the Biblical significance of creation, arguing that the world that God has made is inherently good and that human beings play an integral role in the story of creation. We discuss the entire Bible, framed by Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22, and show how God is working in and through creation to redeem and restore the good world that He has made. This is a very powerful conversation that reshapes the way we think about God, the world, humanity, and eschatology. Listen to this episode and buy a copy of his book! You won’t regret it!

Media Referenced:
Buy The Beginning and End of All Things: https://a.co/d/iu9Ew3x

Mickey Klink’s Church: https://www.hefc.net/about-us/our-staff/member/1396164/

Mickey’s IVP Page: https://www.ivpress.com/edward-w-klink-iii

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 62: A Reformed Critique of Christian Nationalism with Stephen Angliss

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Stephen Angliss, senior pastor of Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church in Graham, Washington, about Christian nationalism. Stephen is a reformed Baptist who has read and is critical of Stephen Wolfe’s book The Case for Christian Nationalism, which I reviewed and critiqued in episode 60. Wolfe claims to be reformed, and Stephen offers a theological rebuttal to Wolfe from within reformed theology. We explore the significance of God’s covenant with Noah, the relationship between the church and Israel, dispensationalism, the scriptural basis of natural law, and much more! Stephen helpfully defines and defends the reformed tradition and demonstrates why Wolfe’s argument doesn’t work.

Media Referenced:
Stephen’s Twitter Account: @Stephen_Angliss
Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church: https://www.grahamemmanuel.org/
Check out the church page to hear Stephen’s sermons and learn about his ministry!
Ep 60: The Case Against Christian Nationalism: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-60-the-case-against-christian-nationalism/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 61: The Libertarian Christian Caucus, CrossFit, and Public Schools with Kara Smith

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Kara Smith, who is a co-founder of the Libertarian Party Christian Caucus, an advocacy group designed to advance the ideas of libertarianism with other Christians and represent Christian interests within the Libertarian Party. We talk about the creation and vision of the Christian Caucus, and the exciting goals that they have set for future work. Kara is also a CrossFit trainer and a mother of three, so we discuss both the importance of staying healthy and what schooling is like in her home state of California.

Media Referenced:
Twitter: @LPChristCaucus

IG: @christiancaucusLP

Facebook: Christian Caucus LP

Website (under construction): http://christiancaucuslp.org

Email: caucuschristianLP@gmail.com

Message us to join our discord or get involved!

Prime Act info: https://congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3835/cosponsors…

Defund planned parenthood

Contact your reps for both: http://house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative…

Kara’s Twitter: @karafrancis808

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 60: The Case Against Christian Nationalism

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I respond to Stephen Wolfe’s popular book The Case for Christian Nationalism, which has become the most significant written work on modern Christian nationalism. Based on a drafted review I wrote for the Libertarian Christian Institute, I look at six important concepts that Wolfe outlines in his book and respond to each of them. I critique Wolfe’s presentation of Christian nationalism with Biblical interpretation, theology, and political philosophy. If you need a concise primer on Christian nationalism and the Christian libertarian response, this is the show for you! Here are the six concepts we cover in the show:

I. Defining ‘Christian Nationalism’
II. Nationalism and Government are a Part of God’s Good Creation
III. A Christian Nation Needs Christian Laws
IV. The Christian Prince
V. The Justification of Violent Revolution
VI. American History

Media Referenced:
Stephen Wolfe, The Case for Christian Nationalism
Philip Gorski and Samuel Perry, The Flag and the Cross
F.A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
James Lindsay on Christian Nationalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=123ccXk3O8Q

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 59: Anarchy and Christianity with Jacob Winograd

Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Jacob Winograd, host of the Biblical Anarchy podcast, joins me on this episode to discuss anarchism. The word 'anarchy' is often used synonymously with terms like 'chaos', 'disorder', and 'lawlessness', but Jacob argues that anarchy actually means not giving one institution in society a monopoly on power and instead producing cooperation and peace through decentralized, voluntary association and hierarchy. He contends that we have misunderstood the word and that it is the ideal political arrangement. We then discuss the compatibility between anarchy, the Bible, and Christian faith, and explore the current state of the liberty movement in the US.

Media Referenced:

Jacob Winograd Twitter: @BiblicalAnarchy

The Biblical Anarchy Podcast: https://libertarianchristians.com/shows/biblical-anarchy/

Take Human Action PA Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-human-action-pa/id1575925285

Take Huiman Action PA Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7qvCAl0xiFPTFzvjDPTpIQ?si=fd6b7b753c9644dc

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 58: Political Expression, Civil Rights, and Catholic Libertarianism with Stephanie Slade

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Stephanie Slade is a senior editor at Reason magazine, a fellow at the Action Institute, and a media fellow at the Institute for Human Ecology at the Catholic University of America. She wrote a recent piece for Reason where she explores the relationship between political expression and civil rights. She argues against the claim made by Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential hopeful, that political expression should be a civil right. Slade demonstrates that making political expression a protected class is a threat to freedom of association and that organizations and business should not be forced to accept those that hold political views that are radically contradictory to their own and explains why political expression is essential for a free society. We also discuss her Catholic faith, the state of libertarianism within Catholicism, and what she finds appealing about the Catholic tradition. You won't want to miss this one!

Media Referenced:
Political expression and civil rights: https://reason.com/2023/02/22/no-vivek-ramaswamy-political-expression-shouldnt-be-a-civil-right/

How the Right Started the Culture Wars: https://reason.com/2017/03/23/christians-started-the-wedding/

Stephanie Slade on Twitter: @sladesr

Stephanie Slade Website: https://about.me/sladesr

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 57: The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: A Critical Analysis

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we analyze the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, a document drafted in 1978 and signed by over 200 evangelical scholars and church leaders. The Chicago Statement articulates the formal evangelical understanding of the doctrine of inerrancy, which states that the Bible is without error in everything that it affirms, including modern conceptions of history and science. I argue that the doctrine of inerrancy as outlined by the Chicago Statement undermines both the authority of scripture and our ability to interpret the Bible historically. We will go line-by-line through the text and explore both the strengths and inconsistencies of this historical doctrinal summary. I will ultimately argue that the categories of authority, reliability, and inspiration are superior to inerrancy and allow us to faithfully interpret the Bible in its historical context without imposing upon it our modern intellectual ideas and categories.

Media Referenced:

The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrency: https://www.etsjets.org/files/documents/Chicago_Statement.pdf

The Chicago Statement Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Statement_on_Biblical_Inerrancy

The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, Mark Noll: https://a.co/d/9jYqzgo

Deserting the King, David Beldman: https://a.co/d/i87rl02

Jesus Remembered, James Dunn: https://a.co/d/3bIc5Px

My Episode on Biblical Interpretation: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/10705266

Timothy Price on Biblical Inerrancy: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/11181723

Conversation on Biblical Anarchy Podcast, Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXjzzEoegXA&t=1082s

Daniel 3 Podcast, Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/daniel-3-ep-92-protestantism-and-inerrancy-w/id1575925285?i=1000596725706

Daniel 3 Podcast, Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qxdj7JzZzsWdcKf19nJpQ?si=SJgHiIMBQEacTQQwC2OGXw

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 56: How Libertarian Politics and Christianity Can Solve Our Problems with Mike Mains

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Mike Mains. Mike is a libertarian city council member from the great city of Harrison, Ohio, and has been fighting to make his city freer and more prosperous for several years. Mike has some incredible ideas about bringing liberty to local communities as well as excellent insights into how libertarian politics would make the world much freer. We talk about the fractured state of libertarian politics and why we need a more ecumenical and supportive coalition of libertarians from various backgrounds if we want to see the liberty movement succeed. Mike also talks about his Christian faith and about the real differences that faith has made in his life. We discuss why the world needs to see a united church and the relationship between Christianity and libertarianism. Enjoy!

Mike on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mike.mains1
https://www.facebook.com/mainsforcouncil/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HarrisonMXPark

Website: https://mainsforcouncil.org/

Mike on Instagram: modalguy

Mike on Twitter: @MainsForCouncil on Twitter

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 55: Health Freedom, the Medical-Industrial Complex, and How Holistic Nutrition Can Change Your Life with Wendy Massey

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I talk to Wendy Massey. Wendy is a registered nurse who specialized in emergency and trauma for nearly two decades. She is a holistic nutrition specialist who runs Massey Wellness, a company that specializes in holistic lifestyle transformation. She is also the author of the brand-new book The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide to Simplify Clean Eating. We discuss her background as a trauma nurse, how her son’s illness led her to holistic health, the way that government organizations like the FDA produce bad information about health, the problems with big pharma and the medical-industrial complex, the government’s failed response to Covid, and how dieting and exercise are the keys to being a truly free person.

*There are a few technical issues in the first 8 minutes due to my terrible WIFI. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Media Referenced:

Massey Wellness: https://masseywellness.com/

Wendy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendySueMass/

The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide to Simplify Clean Eating: https://a.co/d/0s7nxFe

Ep 46: It’s Time to Address Covid-19: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/12179436

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 54: What Really Happened at the Asbury Revival? with Timothy Price and Kevin Burr

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode, Timothy Price and Kevin Burr have a conversation about the Asbury revival that took place at Asbury Theological Seminary in February of 2023. Kevin Burr earned his doctorate from Asbury and is generally optimistic and supportive of what has been called a legitimate revival. On his podcast Faith in the Folds, he devotes two episodes to exploring the significance of the events that took place. Timothy Price is more skeptical. In an article he published at Academia, Retrospective, the Only Way to Determine Revival, he expresses six points of skepticism regarding the Asbury revival and urges his readers to think critically about what took place on Asbury’s campus. In this episode, Tim and Kevin discuss their differing perspectives on the revival, both the benefits and potential drawbacks of the revival, and present their own individual cases for what really happened at Asbury in February 2023. This is not one you will want to miss!

Media Referenced:

Timothy Price:
Retrospective, the Only Way to Determine Revival, Timothy Price: https://www.academia.edu/97280998/Retrospect_The_Only_Way_to_Determine_Revival
https://www.labyrinthoftheworld.com/blog
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl4QyjjZguldLs-78cmGp_Q
https://independent.academia.edu/TimothyPrice8
https://www.facebook.com/tim.price.3766/
https://twitter.com/SlickPen50
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5523543-timothy-l
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-price-95443b42/

Kevin Burr:
Faith in the Folds, Is There an Awakening at Asbury, Part 1: (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/episode/07YDEgYUmQ8K95Non76bwt?si=7f2cf76127484771
(Apple) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-there-an-awakening-at-asbury-with-thomas-lyons-part-1/id1556286100?i=1000600277812

Faith in the Folds, What is Really Happening at Asbury, Part 2:
(Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lIqPxc0TLHWNe5JGuxfSy?si=3b3cd4f7c97a4855
(Apple) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-really-happening-at-asbury-with-thomas-lyons-part-2/id1556286100?i=1000600628895

Faith in the Folds Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithinthefolds2034
Faith in the Folds Twitter: @faithinthefolds
Kevin Burr Twitter: @kbburr

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 53: Romans 13:1-7

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We look at one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament, Romans 13:1-7. Paul appears to break with the consistent attitude of skepticism towards human power found nearly everywhere else in the Bible, and seems to contradict other statements that he makes within the letter to the Romans! We are going to break this passage down historically and see how it fits into Paul’s 2nd temple Jewish context, the early church, and the rhetorical setting of Romans, as well as how it works within the overall picture of government painted by the writers of the Bible. Before listening to this episode, I would check out Episodes 28, 29, 35, and 41. Links will be posted below.

Episode Outline:
I. Review of the Previous Three Weeks
II. The Problem of Romans 13:1-7
III. The Historical Context of Romans
IV. The Narrative Context of Romans
V. Romans 13:1-7
VI. Concluding Thoughts

Media Referenced:
Romans 13:1-7 in the Context of Imperial Propaganda, Neil Elliott (found in Paul and Empire, edited by Richard Horsley.
The Apostle and the Empire, Christoph Heilig
The Third Temptation, Austin Rogers
After Paul Left Corinth, Bruce Winter
Paul and the Faithfulness of God, N.T. Wright
Ep. 28 | ‘The Anatomy of the State’ by Murray Rothbard (Part 1): https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/11505612
Ep. 29 | ‘The Anatomy of the State’ by Murray Rothbard (Part 2): https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/11612075
Ep. 35 | ‘The Apostle and the Empire’ with Dr. Christoph Heilig: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/11883844
Ep. 41 | 1 Samuel 8: A Biblical Critique of Monarchy: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/11665477

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 52: Why We Can’t Unhitch the Old Testament from Christianity with Cody Cook

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk once again to Cody Cook, author of the book Unhitched: Why Jesus Can’t Be Divorced from The Old Testament. In this book, Cody critically examines the work of three prominent Christian thinkers who make various arguments that Christians ought to marginalize or outright ignore the Old Testament. We explore the work of Keith Giles, Greg Boyd, and Andy Stanley. Cody explains how many of their ideas have precedents that are rooted in antiquity and demonstrates the deficiencies and contradictions in their arguments. Cody then presents his personal interpretive framework for understanding the Old Testament and gives those that struggle with the Old Testament suggestions for better understanding the works that are included within it. This is one you will not want to miss!

If you are interested in getting this book for free, check out Cody's Amazon site where you can download Unhitched (as well as his other works) on Kindle and no cost until Friday, March 24, 2023. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:
Un-hitched: Why Jesus Can’t Be Divorced From The Old Testament: https://a.co/d/eLUmfK7
Cody Cook’s Website: https://www.cantus-firmus.com
Twitter: @CantusFirmusCC
Cantus Firmus Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cantus-firmus/id926516807

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 51: The World Economic Forum with Clint Russell of Liberty Lockdown

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week I sit down with Clint Russell, the host of the wildly popular podcast Liberty Lockdown, to talk about the World Economic Forum. Clint has a background in mortgages and finance and understands the current economic and political dilemmas that plague our society today. Clint explains how the World Economic Forum (WEF), a group of political and business elites that meet in Davos, Switzerland every year, plans to use the rhetoric of ecological climate catastrophe to remake the global economy, finance, and politics. We explore how the WEF attempts to direct governments and businesses though their Young Global Leaders program and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores. We then explore the importance of free speech and why the term ‘conspiracy theory’ might not actually be a bad thing. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Media Referenced:
Clint on Twitter: @LibertyLockPod
Liberty Lockdown Website: https://libertylockdownpodcast.com/
Liberty Lockdown Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/liberty-lockdown/id1138657182
Liberty Lockdown Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/47zBxoqrvRr8Fxn87DlIUh?si=d1f1892b1cda4491

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 50: A Critique of the ‘Just War’ Theory with Laurie Calhoun

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down once again with Laurie Calhoun. Laurie is a philosopher, a cultural critic and an author. She is a senior fellow at the Libertarian Institute, where she regularly writes articles analyzing war and the military industrial complex. We discuss her 2013 book War and Delusion, which is a devastating philosophical and empirical critique of the ‘just war’ theory, which posits that there are conditions under which a war can be justly waged. We explore the inconsistencies of the just war theory, the medieval Christian assumptions that undergird it, the ways in which it has been consistently applied to legitimate American foreign policy, and how it has ultimately led us to war in Ukraine.

Media Referenced:
War and Delusion, Laurie Calhoun
Other Articles: https://libertarianinstitute.org/author/lcalhoun/
Blog for We Kill Because We Can: https://thedroneage.wordpress.com/aboutlauriecalhoun/
Twitter: @laurielcalhoun
Ep. 15 | The Military Industrial Cult: https://theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.buzzsprout.com/1978104/11111308

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 49: Becoming a Christian, the Future of Global Christianity, and Nigerian Politics with Econ Bro

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I once again talk to the great Econ Bro, the man behind the excellent Twitter account @TruEconBreau. He talks about his journey to Christian faith in Nigeria, the future of global Christianity, and the current state of Nigerian politics and economics. This is a fascinating and eye-opening conversation that you will not want to miss!

When we recorded this episode, there was a massive thunderstorm in Kentucky and wifi connectivity problems in Nigeria. The lapses in sound quality are due to those issues, but we prevailed and the episode came together well! I apologize in advance for any inconsistencies in sound in this episode.

Follow Econ Bro: @TruEconBreau

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 48: Why ‘Disinformation’ is Difficult to Define with Jacob Sullum of Reason Magazine

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk to Jacob Sullum, senior editor at Reason magazine, about a recent piece he wrote entitled The Perils of Trying to Curtail Hazily Defined ‘Disinformation’. In this article, he discusses a recent rating given to Reason by an organization called the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) that named Reason as one of the ’10 riskiest online news sources’ in the United States. In this interview, we discuss the subjectivity that is inherent in popular conceptions of ‘disinformation’, how the criteria used by the GDI are deeply contradictory, how the GDI received funding from the State Department, and why free speech and the 1st Amendment are so important. Jacob provides a wide-sweeping and insightful analysis of the massive contemporary (mis)use of the term ‘disinformation’ and the ways in which organizations often wrongly apply it in popular discourse.

Media Referenced:
The Perils of Trying to Curtail Hazily Defined ‘Disinformation’, Jacob Sullum: https://reason.com/2023/02/15/the-perils-of-trying-to-curtail-hazily-defined-disinformation/
Jacob Sullum on Reason: https://reason.com/people/jacob-sullum/
Jacob Sullum on Twitter: @jacobsullum
Global Disinformation Index Website: https://www.disinformationindex.org/

Ep 47: The Power of Stories, Leaving Ministry, Changing Beliefs, and Podcasting with Josh Williams of Podbless

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Today I talk to my friend Josh Williams. Josh is the host of Welldagum, a podcast where guest share funny and enlightening personal stories, and, more recently, Podbless, where he and his guest hosts explore the intersection between faith and everyday life. In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion about the power of stories, leaving ministry, changing your political and theological beliefs, podcasting, and Christian faith. We recorded this one live in my wife’s office and it turned out great! You are going to enjoy it!

Media Referenced:
Every Podbless Link: https://linktr.ee/PodBless
Podbless on Twitter: @podbless
Josh on Twitter: @welldagum
Welldagum Podcast Twitter: @welldagumpod
Welldagum Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jCiM9q9tCbPe8aaea5Zrn?si=e8c5290827864307

Ep 46: It’s Time to Address Covid-19

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

I finally devote a full episode to Covid-19. I discuss why I believe that holistic health (exercise, dieting, and drinking water) is the best method for ensuring health and building an immune system. Then we talk about how the FDA’s budgeting method allows pharmaceutical companies to craft regulations that benefit their financial interests at the expense of competition and the health of the American public. We then look at how the World Economic Forum, the World Health Organization, John Hopkins, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation planned a pandemic response in 2018 and 2019 that was eerily similar to the blueprint used by the political class and the media in 2020. We then look at a few articles that demonstrate that the response to Covid by the government and media was not based on evidence or statistics, and how that lead to an over-counting of deaths and an overestimation of the efficacy of the MRNA vaccines. We finish off by discussing the side effects of the vaccines and how we should try to move the conversation about Covid forward.

Media Referenced:
FDA’s Budget Summary: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-basics/fact-sheet-fda-glance
Obesity Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
Hydration Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html
The Great Reset, Michael Rectenwald
WSJ Covid Boondoggle Article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-vicious-circle-of-covid-boondoggles-and-bad-data-fema-cdc-states-death-certificates-overcounting-11674735182
Analysis of Vaccine Efficacy Article: . https://thenationalpulse.com/2022/07/22/unvaccinated-people-remain-contagious-with-covid-19-for-shorter-period-of-time/
Vaccine Injury Article: https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/latest-tragedy-sudden-adult-death-syndrome

Ep 45: Why Christianity and Libertarianism Make Sense with Doug Stuart of the Libertarian Christian Institute

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk to Doug Stuart, the CEO of the Libertarian Christian Institute, which is an organization that explores the relationship between libertarianism and Christian thought. He is the coauthor of the book Faith Seeking Freedom and hosts the Libertarian Christian Podcast. We discuss Doug’s background, the work he does for LCI, the relationship between libertarianism and Christianity, how other libertarians perceive Christianity, and, of course, critical race theory. This is not one to miss!

Media Referenced:
The Libertarian Christian Institute Website: https://libertarianchristians.com/
Follow LCI on Twitter: @LCIOfficial
Doug Stuart on Twitter: @dougstuart
The Libertarian Christian Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-libertarian-christian-podcast/id1207358020
The Libertarian Christian Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2LbALJXYGC9PHOgHQfUbVv?si=40d580ed13d24b16

Ep 44: The Next City Councilman of Jacksonville, FL with Eric Parker

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk to Eric Parker, who is running for city council in Jacksonville, Florida. Eric is an Army veteran who now works in the electronics industry and wants to bring libertarian principals to Jacksonville. He is running against an establishment Republican in a two-person race, and the winner of the primary decides who will win the seat. Today we are going to talk about Eric’s background, his campaign, his vision for his city, and his political worldview.

Remember to vote in the primary! Early voting starts March 6, and the primaries will be held in Jacksonville on March 21!

Eric’s Campaign Website: https://www.ericparkerforjax.com/
Eric’s Twitter Handle: @Eric904

Ep 43: Covid, Ukraine, Congress, the WEF, and Liberty with Ezra Wyrick

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Ezra Wyrick is back on the show to discuss some of the most important problems facing our world today. He talks about his recent appearance on the Tom Woods Show, Covid, Ukraine, Congress, the World Economic Forum, his endeavors with Mises Magazine and the Youth Liberty Coalition, and the relationship between Christianity and libertarianism. Ezra is a young rising star in the liberty movement and I promise that you will not want to miss this episode!

Episode Outline:
a. The Tom Woods appearance
b. The current debates about Covid
c. The war in Ukraine
d. The Republican control of the house
e. The World Economic Forum
f. Faith and libertarianism
g. Mises Magazine and Liberty Youth Coalition
h. The state of the Republicans and Democrats
i. The 2024 election and the future of the country

Media Referenced:
Ezra’s Twitter: @Ezra4Liberty
Ezra’s Substack: https://ezrawyrick.substack.com/
Liberty Youth Coalition Website: https://libertylyceum.com/
Liberty Youth Coalition Twitter: @LibertyYouthCo
Give to the Liberty Youth Coalition: https://www.givesendgo.com/sparkliberty

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Recent Appearances:
Daniel 3 Podcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXjzzEoegXA&t=4465s
Daniel 3 Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qxdj7JzZzsWdcKf19nJpQ?si=xJyT9KsBSPKdCcPKoIYImg
Libertarian Christian Podcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXfv6UG4fwI
Libertarian Christian Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bOGyAaqKH6rtfo0nvbWXI?si=5ba9e6dc36124d6e
Libertarianism Does Not Require Making Jesus Into a Modern Man: https://libertarianchristians.com/2023/01/31/libertarianism-does-not-require-making-jesus-into-a-modern-man/

Ep 42: How the West Brought War to Ukraine with Benjamin Abelow

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode I sit down with Benjamin Abelow, who is the author of ‘How the West Brought War to Ukraine: Understanding How U.S. and NATO Policies Led to Crisis, War, and the Risk of Nuclear Catastrophe’. We discuss this book, and Abelow gives us an incredible summary of the historical context of the war, the extent of western provocations towards Russia, and the prospects for peace following the conflict. If you want to understand the war in Ukraine, this episode is absolutely essential!

Abelow believes that Western policies in Ukraine are badly misguided and are causing great harm to the people of Ukraine, Europe, the United States, Russia, and the rest of the world. Abelow previously worked in Washington, DC, where he lobbied Congress about nuclear arms policy. He holds a B.A. in European history from the University of Pennsylvania and a medical degree from Yale University. His other areas of interest include the psychology of trauma, including war trauma.

Check out Abelow's Work:
How the West Brought War to Ukraine: https://a.co/d/a3peKpx
Benjamin Abelow’s website: www.BenjaminAbelow.com
Benjamin Abelow’s Academia Page: https://independent.academia.edu/BAbelow

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show’s profile! Thanks!

Ep 41: 1 Samuel 8 | A Biblical Critique of Monarchy

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we explore how the writer of 1 Samuel 8 expressed concerns about Israel’s monarchy in particular and human government in general. We set 1 Samuel in the context of the Old Testament’s narrative of Israel’s covenant with God and the consequences of failing to remain faithful. We will compare this with Murray Rothbard’s observation in Anatomy of the State that the state has a monopoly on violence and generates revenue through coercion. We then look at some of the Biblical and practical conclusions that our reading of 1 Samuel 8 generates. This is a great preliminary dive into the Bible’s political theology!

Episode Outline:
I. A Review of Rothbard’s Anatomy of the State
II. The Dangers of Importing Modern Ideas into Ancient Texts
III. Context: The Covenantal Narrative of the Old Testament
IV. 1 Samuel 8
V. The Bible’s Problem with Monarchy
VI. Concluding Thoughts

Media Referenced:
John Walton. The Lost World of Genesis 1
David Beldman, Deserting the King
Tzvi Novick, An Introduction to the History of Israel
My Old Testament Introduction: sites.google.com/genuot

Ep 40: Why the Pledge of Allegiance is Un-American with Tom Mullen

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

On this episode, I sit down with Tom Mullen, and author and host of the Tom Mullen Talks Freedom podcast, to discuss an article he wrote a few years back for the Foundation of Economic Education entitled ‘Why the Pledge of Allegiance is Un-American. We discuss the problem of pledge-making to the state, why phrases like ‘one nation’, ‘under God’, and ‘indivisible’ are at odds with historic American values, and how decentralization can solve many of our complicated political problems. We also explain why pledging allegiance to a state is incompatible with the values of all religious people. This is a fascinating conversation about American history, politics, and libertarian philosophy. Enjoy!

Media Referenced:
Why the Pledge of Allegiance is Un-American: https://fee.org/articles/why-the-pledge-of-allegiance-is-un-american/
Tom Mullen’s Website: www.tommullentalksfreedom.com
Tom Mullen on Twitter: @ThomasMullen

Ep 39: Can the Pastors Save Our Divided Country?

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I look at an article published in the fall of 2022 by Barna Group, an organization that does research related to Christianity and American culture. The article, which is entitled Does a Divided Public Look to Pastors for Guidance?’, looks at the statistics surrounding which people or institutions Americans trust to make a positive change in society. Shockingly, many Americans, even those that don’t go to church, still think that religious leaders should give guidance on issues that divide our nation. I break down the article, and then offer a theological reflection of it based on Revelation 5, 1 Timothy 3, and James 4. I argue that Jesus is the messiah, that we are his people, and that church leaders enable us as the people of God to make a positive difference in the world.

Media Referenced:
https://www.barna.com/research/midterms-pastors-guidance/

Ep 38: The Christian Right Wants to Weaponize State Power

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we look at a recent piece published at Reason Magazine by Stephany Slade entitled ‘Against Game of Thrones Christianity’, in which she argues that there is a growing tendency among members of the Christian right to use state power against their political opponents. According to Slade, this represents an abandonment of classical liberalism and is antithetical to Biblical teaching. I read and comment on this excellent article, and then provide a Biblical reflection on the problematic use of state power by those that claim to follow a crucified Messiah.

Media Referenced:
‘Against Game of Thrones Christianity’ by Stephanie Slade: https://reason.com/2022/12/24/against-game-of-thrones-christianity/
Stephany Slade on Twitter: @sladesr

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 37: Henry Cadbury: The Anti-War Biblical Scholar Who Warned Against Modernizing Jesus

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Henry Cadbury (1883 – 1974) was a Quaker Biblical scholar. He was an outspoken critic of the anti-German propaganda being pushed by the US media during World War I and was also critical of Woodrow Wilson’s passing of the Selective Service Act, which would draft members of religious organizations who opposed violence into non-combat roles in the military. His critique of the war propaganda cost him his teaching position and Haverford University. He would go on to write in 1937 the incredible book The Peril of Modernizing Jesus, in which he argued that interpreters of Jesus often impose modern categories and concepts upon his thinking. This process of modernization obscures the understanding of who he was as a historical figure and is often a thinly veiled attempt to use Jesus to legitimate our own theological, social, and political biases. We look specifically at Cadbury’s explanation of the appropriation of Jesus to defend modern social and political programs as well as why Jesus couldn’t have been a libertarian, a conservative, or a progressive because those categories didn’t exist in the ancient world. Henry Cadbury is a Biblical scholar who is both worthy of respect and whose work is still deeply relevant.

Media Referenced:
The Perils of Pacifist Dissent During WWI: https://www.friendsjournal.org/henry-cadbury-afsc-haverford/
The history of the Quaker movement: https://quaker.org
The Peril of Modernizing Jesus, Henry Cadbury

Ep 36: Six Books That Shaped My Political Thinking and Theology

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It is the holiday season, which means you will most likely be receiving at least one Amazon gift card! In this short Christmas special, I present six books, three written about the Bible and the church and three written about politics and economics, that shaped my political worldview and led me to a uniquely Christian version of libertarianism. Below is the list, with Amazon links for your convenience. Happy reading, and merry Christmas!

Are You the One Who is to Come? by Mike Bird: https://a.co/d/dBD49yw
The King Jesus Gospel by Scott McKnight: https://a.co/d/7qSxDgE
The Politics of Witness by Allan Bevere: https://a.co/d/hYw3xO5
Economic Facts and Fallacies by Thomas Sowell: https://a.co/d/70aieGx
The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek: https://a.co/d/5kq85GS
Enough Already by Scott Horton: https://a.co/d/3O9tehv

Ep 35: ‘The Apostle and the Empire’ with Dr. Christoph Heilig

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Christoph Heilig, who is on the faculty of theology at the University of Basel in Switzerland. He has written extensively on the relationship between Paul and the Roman empire, and his recent book The Apostle and the Empire analyzes the debate in New Testament scholarship surrounding Paul’s supposedly ‘hidden’ criticism of Rome. Heilig explains, contrary to many prominent strands of New Testament scholarship, that Paul did not have a veiled critique of Rome but openly expresses his discomfort with the Roman empire. He explains the significance of 2 Corinthians 2:14 and the way in which Paul’s language would have been in conflict with Roman political ideology. We also discuss the most politically contentious passage in the New Testament, Romans 13:1-7. This is not a conversation you will want to miss!

Media Referenced:
Follow Dr. Heilig on Twitter: @ChristophHeilig
Buy The Apostle and the Empire: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802882234?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_VGCEYTT2BRFMWJXQW0P8
Dr. Heilig on Academia: https://unibas.academia.edu/ChristophHeilig (You can download some of his work for free!)

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 34: A Very Libertarian Christmas with Cody Cook

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down with Cody Cook, an author and podcaster who explores the relationship between Christianity and anarchism. Many of his interests overlap with the Protestant Libertarian Podcast, and I know that you are going to love everything that he has produced! After getting to know Cody, we talk about two articles that he has written exploring the relationship between Christmas and libertarian thinking. He gives us some very interesting historical and theological insights into how Christians need to reflect on the true message of Christmas, and how, as always, Jesus is the real reason for the season. Enjoy!

Media Referenced;
The State vs. Christmas: https://stream.org/the-state-vs-christmas/
Swords into Plowshares: What WWI and Nagasaki Should Remind Us About Christmas: https://libertarianchristians.com/2021/12/22/christmas-swords-plowershares/
Cody Cook’s Website: https://www.cantus-firmus.com
Twitter: @CantusFirmusCC
Cantus Firmus Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cantus-firmus/id926516807

Ep 33: The Resurrection, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Hope of Israel with Dr. Brandon D. Crowe

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brandon D. Crowe, professor of New Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, to discuss his 2020 book The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles. In this book, he argues that the resurrection of Jesus is the central theme of the book of Acts, and we discuss the historical, exegetical, and theological significance of the resurrection. Our conversation is a great introduction not only to his book but to the meaning and centrality of the resurrection to Christian faith and doctrine. As an added bonus, we discuss the relationship between Biblical studies as a historical discipline and theology, and we discuss the fundamentals of Reformed theology. I highly recommend this book!

Media Referenced:
The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles, Brandon D. Crowe
Amazon link: https://a.co/d/4JSRSKa
Dr. Crowe’s faculty page at Westminster: https://faculty.wts.edu/posts/?facultyfilter=189
Westminster Theological Seminary on Twitter: @WestminsterTS

Ep 32: Ludwig von Mises vs. A Christian Scholar, Round 2 (James K.A. Smith)

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

*Episode originally recorded in August 2022.*
In round two of Ludwig von Mises vs. a Christian scholar, we look at the brilliant Christian philosopher James K.A. Smith’s collection of essays called ‘The Devil Reads Derrida’. There is a lot of great content, but his definition of capitalism and libertarianism are at odds with the tradition of Austrian economics. We compare his statements with Ludwig von Mises’ great essay ‘Liberty and Property’ in an attempt to offer a more holistic understanding of capitalism. I agree with Smith on most other issues, and I would highly recommend his exceptional book ‘Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism’, which is the best introduction to both postmodern philosophy and it’s relevance for the church.

Episode Outline:
I. Capitalism and Misunderstanding Economics
II. James K.A. Smith
III. Liberty and Property
IV. Capitalism Accomplishes Christian Goals

Media Referenced:
Liberty and Property, Ludwig von Mises (https://mises.org/library/liberty-and-property)
The Devil Reads Derrida, James K.A. Smith
Great Society, Amity Shlaes
Meltdown, Tom Woods
The Road to Serfdom, F.A. Hayek
James K.A. Smith’s Website: https://jameskasmith.com
Smith on Twitter: @james_ka_smith

Ep 31: The War in Ukraine: A Short Introduction

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Happy bonus Thanksgiving episode! I wanted to organize my thoughts on the current war in Ukraine and, on this episode, I look at a few short articles and narrate an introductory overview that explains my current understanding of the conflict. The media, the military industrial complex, political interests, and history all shed light on the reason for US involvement in this eastern European conflict. As always, it is much more complicated than we have been led to believe. Take a listen while you are preparing yourself for the holiday festivities!

Media Referenced:
Benjamin Abelow, How the West Brought War to Ukraine

Playing Russian Roulette With Ukraine: https://southseattleemerald.com/2022/10/06/opinion-playing-russian-roulette-in-ukraine-with-rep-adam-smith/

NATO’s New Order: https://origins.osu.edu/article/natos-new-order-alliance-after-cold-war?language_content_entity=en

America’s Ukraine Hypocracy: https://www.cato.org/commentary/americas-ukraine-hypocrisy#

Ron Paul on Ukraine: https://original.antiwar.com/paul/2022/11/21/is-washingtons-dangerous-ukraine-boondoggle-starting-to-unravel/

Thomas Massie’s opposition to the war: https://www.businessinsider.com/marjorie-taylor-greene-thomas-massie-vote-against-ukraine-russia-bills-2022-5

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 30: What the Bible Says About Women in Ministry with Econ Bro

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

On this episode, I talk to Econ Bro, a Christian and a libertarian from Nigeria, who runs the excellent Twitter account @TruEconBreau. We had an exchange about women in ministry online, and we agreed that we wanted to have an extended discussion about the issue. Econ Bro takes the position that while women are gifted in many ways, the Bible prohibits them from leading men in church. I take the position that the Bible does allow for women in ministry. We have a thoughtful, friendly, and thorough conversation about the topic. This episode will leave you thinking!

Episode Outline:
I. Econ Bro explains how he became a Christian.
II. Econ Bro explains how he became a libertarian.
III. What’s happening in Nigerian politics?
IV. Our conversation about women, leadership, and the Bible.

Media Referenced:
1 Timothy 2:8-15
1 Corinthians 14: 34-35
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Romans 16:1-7
Junia: The First Woman Apostle, Eldon J. Epp

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 29: ‘The Anatomy of the State’ by Murray Rothbard (Part 2)

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We are look at the second half of libertarian philosopher, economist, and historian Murray Rothbard’s worldview-changing 1974 essay Anatomy of the State, looking particularly at how the state often overcomes its constitutional limits.

Episode Outline:
I. Review of Part 1
II. Section 4: How the State Transends its Limits
III. Section 5: What the State Fears
IV. Section 6: How States Relate to One Another
V. Section 7: History as a Race Between State Power and Social Power
VI. Concluding Thoughts

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 28: ‘The Anatomy of the State’ by Murray Rothbard (Part 1)

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

We are reviewing the first half of Murray Rothbard’s classic essay Anatomy of the State, in which he argues that the state can be defined as the entity that maintains a monopoly on violence in a given geographical area and that the state generates revenue through coercion. This is a classic in libertarian political philosophy and will be the way in which we define the concept of ‘state’ on this podcast. We look at the implications of Rothbard's ideas for a Christian understanding of the state and how we might begin to think about the way in which power is manifested in our society.

Episode Outline:
I. Who is Murray Rothbard, and what is Anatomy of the State
II. Section 1: What the State Is Not
III. Section 2: What the State Is
IV. Section 3: How the State Preserves Itself
V. Threatening the State

Media Referenced:
Murray Rothbard Biography: https://mises.org/profile/murray-n-rothbard
Anatomy of the State PDF: https://mises.org/library/anatomy-state
Enemy of the State podcast series: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enemy-of-the-state-murray-rothbard/id1170131270

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 27: Voting ‘No’ on Kentucky’s Proposed Abortion Restriction with Bethany Bernardo

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0400

I sit down with my wife and first ever co-host Bethany Bernardo and discuss the amendment to Kentucky’s constitution that will be on the ballot in November. Issue 2 will read "Are you in favor of amending the Constitution of Kentucky by creating a new Section of the Constitution to be numbered Section 26A to state as follows: To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion?" While we both are strongly against abortion on moral and theological grounds, we think that there are problems with this amendment. We discuss why we will likely be voting ‘no’ on the amendment in this episode while acknowledging that libertarians can have legitimate differences on this issue.

Media Referenced:
Lexington Herald-Leader Article: https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article267183231.html
Amendment 2 Text: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/21RS/hb91/orig_bill.pdf

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 26: The Methodist Church is Breaking Up: An Analysis

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode, we review Bonnie Kristian’s “What the Methodist Split Tells us About American Political Polarization”, which was published in Reason magazine, and explore the impending breakup of the United Methodist church, the theological, social, and political ramifications of the split, and why Christians should do a better job of trying to get along, even with other Christians that disagree with them. We look at how the church is the family of Abraham defined by faith in Jesus and the presence of the Spirit, as well as the potential threats of both the erosion of religious liberties and right-wing Christian nationalism.

Episode Outline:
I. My First Experience with a Church Split
II. The Methodist Church Is Breaking Up
III. What Conclusions Should We Draw from This?

Media Referenced:
“What the Methodist Split Tells us About American Political Polarization”, Bonnie Kristian, via Reason Magazine: https://reason.com/2022/08/10/what-the-methodist-split-tells-us-about-american-political-polarization/

Ep 25: What Does the Word ‘Love’ Mean, Anyway? | 1 John 4

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we explore the contemporary definition of the term ‘love’, analyze how it is used in both theological and political discourse, and challenge it by interpreting the how the writers of the New Testament, particularly John, have an alternative understanding of the concept. We will then look at how, as protestants, we should apply the Biblical understanding of ‘love’ to our lives and the political corollaries that emerge as a result.

Episode Outline:
I. Why We Don’t Understand Love as a Society
II. The Historical Context of 1st John
III. 1 John 4:7-11
IV. How Do We Apply This New Definition of Love?

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 24: Turning Down Teacher Tenure

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

I am a public school teacher. I am also a libertarian. How did this happen? In this episode, I explain why I became a teacher and why teacher tenure is a bad idea. I am eligible to receive tenure this year, and I have no plans to accept it. If you have been wondering about my career and how it intersects with my faith and my principals, this is the episode you have been waiting for!

Episode Outline:
I. Why I Became a Public School Teacher
II. Teacher Tenure
III. The End of Teacher Tenure Article
IV. I am Turning Down Tenure

Media Referenced:
The End of Teacher Tenure, Chester E. Finn (https://www.hoover.org/research/end-teacher-tenure)
Kentucky Teacher Tenure FAQ: https://education.ky.gov/t eachers/Documents/Teacher%20Tenure%20FAQ%20Post.pdf
Definition of Key Terms: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48753

Ep 23: George W. Bush’s CIA Torture Program with Ray McGovern, Jennifer Copeland, and Christina Cowger

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On the first ever Protestant Libertarian Podcast roundtable, my three guests are Reverend Doctor Jennifer Copeland, who is the director of the North Carolina Council of Churches, Doctor Christina Cowger, who is the facilitator of North Carolina Stop Torture Now, an organization that has been fighting against CIA torture programs that use North Carolina-based planes, and Raymond McGovern, an army veteran and a CIA analyst for decades, who has a heroic record of opposing the excesses of the US war on terror and writes for antiwar.com. We discuss Dr. Copeland’s recent piece ‘Dishonoring the Boy Scouts of America’, in which she critiques the George W. Bush administration’s shameful record on torture. We discuss the torture programs, the CIA, rendition using North Carolina tax-funded planes, how we are programmed to legitimize the bad foreign policy decisions of the US government, why this is a bi-partisan problem, and why Christians need to take this issue extremely seriously. This is not one to miss!

Media Referenced:
Dishonoring the Boy Scouts of America: https://www.ncchurches.org/2022/09/dishonoring-the-boy-scouts-of-america/
North Carolina Council of Churches: https://www.ncchurches.org
NC Council Twitter Handle: @ncchurches
North Carolina Stop Torture Now: http://ncstn.org/content/
Dr. Christina Cowger Twitter Handle: @ChristinaNCSTN
Raymond McGovern’s Website: https://raymcgovern.com
Raymond McGovern’s Twitter Handle: @raymcgovern

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 22: The Next City Councilman of Crescent Springs, KY with Bill Schult

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Schult, who is running for city council in Crescent Springs, KY. We talk about his campaign, libertarian philosophy, local government, and how libertarian principals should be applied at the local level. Bill is a practicing Catholic who is married with four kids, and is actively involved in the Libertarian Party of Kenton County. If you are interested in thinking about how libertarian principals work at the local level, this is the episode for you!

Media Referenced:
Bill Schult’s Phone Number: 859.391.9006
Bill Schult’s Email: bill.schult@lpky.org
Libertarian Party of Kentucky: lpky.org
Libertarian Party of Kenton County Twitter: @LPKentonCounty

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 21: A Rothbardian Approach to Society with Ezra Wyrick

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk with Ezra Wyrick, the man behind the excellent Twitter account @ezra4liberty and a rising star in the libertarian movement. Ezra describes himself as a ‘Rothbardian’, someone who is committed to the political outlook of the legendary libertarian philosopher and economist Murray Rothbard. We discuss stateless approaches to a number of social issues, the relationship between libertarianism and Christianity, and the upcoming election cycle. If you want a comprehensive libertarian look at society, this is the episode for you!

Media Referenced:
Ezra Wyrick Twitter: @ezra4liberty
For A New Liberty, Murray Rothbard
Enough Already, Scott Horton

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 20: Would Jesus Forgive Student Loans? with Lawrence W. Reed

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Lawrence W. Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, about his recent FEE article entitled ‘Jesus Would Support Student Debt Forgiveness? Not So Fast’. We discuss both the economic and Biblical problem with student loan forgiveness, which he critiqued in the article. We discuss the Biden administration’s motives for student loan forgiveness, how Time magazine misinterprets Matthew 6:14 and Leviticus 25, the mechanics of the student loan industry, and, as an added bonus, the relationship between the Chicago and Austrian schools of economics. This is a great one!

Media Referenced:
‘Jesus Would Support’ Student Debt Forgiveness? Not So Fast: https://fee.org/articles/jesus-would-support-student-debt-forgiveness-not-so-fast/
Reed’s Website: https://www.lawrencewreed.com
Foundation for Economic Education: fee.org
FEE Twitter handle: @feeonline

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 19: The Problem of Biblical Inerrancy with Timothy Price

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I sit down with author Timothy Price and discuss an article he published entitled “The Problem with Inerrancy”. We discuss the challenges posed by the doctrine, why it might misguide believers into focusing on secondary theological issues instead of God, and why Biblical authority and sufficiency are better models for understanding the significance of the Bible. We also talk about the social and political implications of both inerrancy and the kingdom of God.

Check out Timothy Price's work:
https://www.labyrinthoftheworld.com/blog
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl4QyjjZguldLs-78cmGp_Q
https://independent.academia.edu/TimothyPrice8
https://www.facebook.com/tim.price.3766/
https://twitter.com/SlickPen50
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5523543-timothy-l
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-price-95443b42/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 18: The ‘Next Quest’ for the Historical Jesus

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we look at New Testament scholar James Crossley’s proposed ‘Next Quest’ for the historical Jesus, and I comment on several of the suggestions that Dr. Crossley makes for further research. The Next Quest has a lot of potential, but it could benefit from both libertarian and Austrian ideas. This is part two in the series; for a background on the quest please listen to episode 17.

Episode Outline:
I. James Crossley and The Next Quest
II. The ‘Next Quest’ for the Historical Jesus

Media Referenced:
The Next Quest for the Historical Jesus, James Crossley (https://brill.com/view/journals/jshj/19/3/article-p261_261.xml)
James Crossley Bio: https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/staff-directory/james-crossley
Next Quest Conference: https://censamm.org/blog/the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus
Next Quest Interview w/ Mike Bird: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-quest-for-the-historical-jesus-with-james-crossley/id1594458998?i=1000552524580

Ep 17: The First Three Quests for the Historical Jesus: From Reimarus to Wright

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In part one of a two part series, we take a look at the Quest for the historical Jesus, the attempt by New Testament scholars to analyze the ‘Jesus of History’ that lies behind the ‘Christ of Faith’. We will look at the three different ‘quests’ for the historical Jesus, analyze their successes and failures, and examine where gospels scholarship is today. We are doing this in an attempt to understand the proposal made by New Testament scholar James Crossley that Biblical scholars need to embark on the ‘Next Quest’ for the historical Jesus, which we look at in more detail next week!

Episode Outline:

I. The Quest for the Historical Jesus

II. The First Three Phases of the Quest

Media Referenced:

How Did Christianity Begin, James Crossley and Michael Bird

Jesus and the Victory of God, N.T. Wright

Who Is Jesus, N.T. Wright

The Quest of the Historical Jesus, Albert Schweitzer

The Aims of Jesus, Ben Meyer

Unbelievable Podcast with Bird and Crossley: Part 1 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classic-replay-how-did-christianity-begin-part-1-michael/id267142101?i=1000502489959); Part 2 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classic-replay-pt-2-how-did-christianity-begin-michael/id267142101?i=1000503193309)

Mark Goodacre’s NT Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nt-pod/id319974061

Ep 16: A Christian Libertarian for Senate with Brian Peotter

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I talk to Brian Peotter, who is running for US senate as a libertarian in the state of Colorado. We discuss his faith, his campaign, what he would like to see changed in the United States, and the direction of the national Libertarian Party. If you want to learn more about him or support his run, check out the links below!

Campaign Website: https://www.peotter.com
LP National Link: https://my.lp.org/civicrm/profile/view/?reset=1&id=997115&gid=46
Twitter: @Brian_Peotter

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 15: The Military Industrial Cult with Laurie Calhoun

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Laurie Calhoun joins the show today to talk about her new piece over at the Libertarian Institute called The MIC Cult. She is a senior fellow at the Libertarian institute, a philosopher, and an author of several books and articles, many of which discuss the military industrial complex. We discuss the military industrial complex, the war on terror, Ukraine and Russia, and war propaganda. This is not one to miss!

Media Referenced:

The MIC Cult, Laurie Calhoun: https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/the-mic-cult/

Other Articles: https://libertarianinstitute.org/author/lcalhoun/

Blog for We Kill Because We Can: https://thedroneage.wordpress.com/aboutlauriecalhoun/

Twitter: @laurielcalhoun

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 14: Why We Can’t Agree: Wittgenstein and Language Games

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We are looking at how conversations about theology and politics break down by analyzing Ludwig Wittgenstein’s classic work Philosophical Investigations. Wittgenstein argues that words have no stable meaning and that, like the rules of a game, people need to define terms during conversations if we want to be able to productively communicate with each other. We will then look at how F.A. Hayek recognizes that totalitarian regimes use the subjectivity of language to oppress people.

*This was originally supposed to be episode 10, which is why I sometimes say things like ‘last week’ and ‘next week’ referring to shows that I published weeks ago.

Episode Outline:

I. Why Conversations Fail

II. Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations (1953)

III. Having Productive Conversations as Protestants and Libertarians

Media Referenced:

The Future of Justification, John Piper

Justification, N.T. Wright

Philosophical Investigations, Ludwig Wittgenstein

The Road to Serfdom, F.A. Hayek

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 13: The Future of Christian Higher Education with Dr. Matthew Barber

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I interview Dr. Matthew Barber on the future of Christian higher education. Dr. Barber worked for nearly a decade in Christian higher education, and earned his PhD in Organizational Leadership, and he now works in business in the public sector. He has a unique perspective on the business aspects of Christian higher education because he both taught the subject and worked within the institution. We discuss what makes a Christian organization successful, why school like Liberty University are thriving where other failed, why ethical controls in Christian universities create unintended problems, the politicization of higher education, and other important issues.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 12: Is the Mises Caucus Racist; Also, what is the Mises Caucus?

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We define what the Mises Caucus is, how it will shape the future of the libertarian party, why mainstream outlets (and Reason!) are criticizing it, and how I believe the MC should proceed in the future.

Episode Outline:

I. The Mises Caucus Takes Over the Libertarian Party

II. A Short History of the Mises Caucus

III. Criticism of the Mises Caucus

IV. Why I Support the Mises Caucus, and How to Proceed

Media Referenced:

https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/libertarian-gop-alt-right/

https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2022/05/25/mises-caucus-could-it-sway-libertarian-party-hard-right

https://www.salon.com/2022/06/08/maga-nationalist-branch-is-taking-over-the-libertarian-party-and-spreading-bigotry_partner/

https://reason.com/2022/05/29/mises-caucus-takes-control-of-libertarian-party/

Dave Smith’s Take - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-response-to-the-unreasonable/id833706616?i=1000566547936]

https://reason.com/video/2022/06/15/inside-the-mises-caucus-takeover-of-the-libertarian-party/

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 11: What Does it Mean to ‘Believe the Science’?

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

We are looking at Thomas Kuhn’s classic work The Structure of Scientific Revolution, and his conclusion that science can’t explain everything and that scientists are just as subjective as the rest of us. We then look at how the government uses the myth of objective science to grow the state, as well as how science is not a threat to either the Bible or Christian faith.

Episode Outline:

I. Science, Religion, and Politics

II. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn (1962)

III. The Political Problem of Science

IV. The Theological Problem of Science

Media Referenced:

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas Kuhn

The Postmodern Condition, Jean-Francois Lyotard

The Anatomy of the State, Murray Rothbard

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 10: The Libertarian Abortion Debate

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I discuss the recent Dobbs decision by the supreme court that overturns Roe vs. Wade, why I think abortion is a moral evil but am deeply conflicted about its legality, and how there exists a healthy debate within the libertarian movement about when, where, and how abortion should be legal. We then look at Michael Gorman’s 1981 book Abortion and the Early Church to contextualize the early Christian perspective on abortion, and then take one more swipe at Gorman’s unfortunate understanding of capitalism.

Episode Outline:
I. My Mixed Feelings on the Legality of Abortions
II. I Like the Dobbs Decision
III. The Abortion Debate Within Libertarianism
IV. Abortion and the Church
V. An Economic Postscript

Media Referenced:
Abortion and the Early Church, Michael Gorman
Abortion Under the 9th and 14th Amendment, Damon Root (https://reason.com/2022/06/29/abortion-rights-under-the-9th-and-14th-amendments/)
To Avoid Civil War, Learn to Tolerate Different Laws in Different States, Ryan McMaken (https://mises.org/wire/avoid-civil-war-learn-tolerate-different-laws-different-states)
Kerry Baldwin vs. Avens O’Brien (https://reason.com/2022/06/29/two-libertarians-debate-abortion/)
The Tom Woods Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-2154-roe-overturned-historians-discuss-the-decision/id716825890?i=1000568582638
Part of the Problem: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roe-is-overturned/id833706616?i=1000568026339
The Reason Roundtable: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-wrong-with-abortion-federalism/id1155629323?i=1000567890503

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 9.1: Updates and Improvements to the Podcast

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

I wanted to give you all an update about some minor changes we will be making in the show. I want to include more current events episodes and interviews, and because of that I will no longer be saying the episode number at the begging of the show. Unfortunately, I have already recorded three shows that have the (original) episode number in the recording, so you will have to disregard them. I am also cutting the 'next week' segment of the show in case I decide to change what I want to post mid-week. I also made improvements to the sound quality of the outdo at the end of the show.

Next week we will talk about abortion, and its going to be great! This is still a big ideas show and that is not going to change, I just want to be able to deliver content that I think is important when it calls for it, and these minor changes give me more flexibility. Thank you all so much for listening, and I will see you all next Tuesday!

Ep 9: Who is an Evangelical? by Thomas Kidd

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we look at a book called Who is an Evangelical? by Thomas Kidd, an American historian at Baylor university in Texas. He defines the term 'Evangelical' and explores the political evolution of the movement from its inception to its support of Trump in 2016. As it turns out, they evangelical movement was once kind of libertarian! This is a great overview for people that want to understand how evangelical protestantism became associated with the Republican party and Trump.

Episode Outline:

I. Who is an Evangelical by Thomas Kidd

II. Defining the term ‘evangelical’.

III. Early evangelical political commitments

IV. Evangelicalism becomes more politically engaged

V. The Evangelical Right Turn

VI. The Crisis of Evangelicalism in the era of Trump

Media Referenced:

Who is an Evangelical: The History of a Movement in Crisis, Thomas Kidd

Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, Daniel Okrent

Next week, we will be attempting to define the term ‘science’ and look at some of the problems raised by Thomas Kuhn’s classic The Structures of Scientific Revolutions. We will connect this both to the government’s rhetoric on science regarding COVID and the way in which certain understandings of science have been used to criticize the Bible.

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 8: Why Good Arguments are About Ideas, Not Personality

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This week I will be encouraging us to think about why good arguments should be based on our ideas and not on the personalities of those with whom we debate. We look at the negative effect that polemics has on our society, how James and Paul encourage us to think about what we say, and ways in which we can have more productive conversations.

Next week, we will be looking at the book Who is an Evangelical by Thomas Kidd. It details the history of the evangelical movement in the US, how it became increasingly political and identified with the Republican party, and if this branch of Protestantism has a future.

Episode Outline:

I. The media cares more about personality than it does about ideas.

II. Biblical scholars also often resort to personality attacks

III. How should Christians go about arguing with others with which they disagree?

IV. How Protestants can learn to argue better.

Media Referenced:
D.A. Carson’s podcast series on the New Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-perspective-on-paul/id378879786

The Irrepressible Rothbard, Rothbard

The Foucoult Reader, Rabinow

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 7: Rules of Engagement: Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This week we are looking at what the Bible is and how we will be interpreting it on this show. We will return to these interpretive methods and analyze them in more detail on future episodes, but this will provide us with a starting point for thinking about how the Bible works.

Episode Outline:

I. Reformation and the problem of Biblical interpretation.

II. How should we interpret the Bible – hermeneutics.

III. What the Bible is not – popular fallacies.

IV. What the Bible is.

V. Morality, theology, and devotion.

VI. Danger of importing our own theological preferences into the text

Media Referenced:

Biblical Exegesis, John Hayes, Carl Holladay

How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth, Gordon Fee, Douglas Stuart

Elements of Biblical Exegesis, Michael Gorman

The Last Word, N.T. Wright

Ep 6: Marxism, a Social and Political Creed

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In part two of our mini-series on creeds, we take a look at how Marxism, and the historical philosophy of G.F. Hegel which undergirds it, has operated as a social, historical, and political creed for nearly 200 years.

Episode Outline:

I. A review of part one (episode 5)
II. Georg Fredric Wilhelm Hegel (1770 – 1831)
III. Carl Marx (1818-1883)
IV. The Interpretive Problem

Next Week: We will be discussing Biblical interpretation – how do we come to an understanding of what the authors of the Bible were trying to say, and discussing what the Bible is and is not.

Media Referenced:

Carl Marx – The Communist Manifesto

Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy

Robin Diangelo, White Fragility

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod.If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 5.1: The Podcast is Now On Twitter

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

You can now follow the Protestant Libertarian Podcast on Twitter! My handle is @prolibertypod. I still believe that social media can be toxic and am using this mostly for promotional purposes, so the best way to contact me is still theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. I will, however, update the Twitter every week so you know what is coming up on each week's episode! Plus, I will be following lots of cool protestant and libertarian thinkers for you all to explore! Check it out!

Ep 5: The Authority of Scripture and the Creeds of the Early Church

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In week one of a two-part series, we look at creeds that have defined the Christian church and examine some of the issues of thinking about the Bible through the lens of the creeds. We explore how the creeds are not just the product of theological debate within the early church but are also driven by political forces within the Roman Empire.

Episode Outline:

I. Are creeds compatible with Biblical authority?

II. The creeds that defined the church.

III. The problem with the creeds.

Next week: We will look at various political creeds and the way in which libertarianism offers both an empirical corrective to those creeds and actually solves social problems that are raised by them.

Media Referenced:

Magnus Zetterholm, Approaches to Paul

Gerald McDermott, The Great Theologians

Raymond Brown, An Introduction to New Testament

James Dunn, Did the First Christians Worship Jesus

Bart Ehrman, When Jesus Became God

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod. Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the shows profile! Thanks!

Ep 4: My Libertarian Conversion: How Protestant Ideas Shaped My Political Worldview

Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I discuss how my protestant worldview led me to embrace libertarian politics.

Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Email me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com.

If you really like what you heard and want to give me money, you can! Donate at buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast and help me feed my family!

Episode Outline:

I. Growing up in different churches.

II. Being a political nomad.

III. Taking Ideas to their logical conclusions.

Media Referenced:

Economic Facts and Fallacies, Sowell

The Road to Serfdom, Hayek

Enough Already, Horton

The Tom Woods Show, Woods

Reason Magazine, The Reason Roundtable

Ep 3: Ludwig von Mises vs. A Christian Scholar, Round 1 (Michael Gorman)

Tue, 24 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we will define both 'capitalism' and 'socialism' and discuss how Biblical scholars often get capitalism wrong. We will be doing this by comparing Michael Gorman's Reading Revelation Responsibly with The Anti-Capitalist Mentality by Ludwig von Mises.

Episode Outline:

I. Language is flexible and productive conversations need shared definitions.

II. Defining ‘Capitalism’ and ‘Socialism’.

III. Introducing Gorman and Mises

IV. Overview of Reading Revelation Responsibly.

V. A response from The Anti-Capitalist Mentality.

VI. The need for economic literacy.

Media Referenced:

Philosophical Investigations, Wittgenstein

Survey of Economics: 8th Edition, Tucker

Cruciformity, Gorman

Reading Revelation Responsibly, Gorman

The Anti-Capitalist Mentality, Mises

Next Week: My Libertarian Conversion – how reading the Bible in an ecumenical context shaped my worldview.

If you like the show and would like to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Thanks!

Ep 2: The Meaning of both ‘Protestant’ and 'Libertarian'

Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This week, we will be defining what we mean by the term 'protestant' and the term 'libertarian'. If you want to know how I am going to use these two terms in this show, listen to this episode!

Episode Outline:

I. The importance of defining terms.

II. Defining ‘Protestantism’

III. Defining ‘Libertarianism’

IV. Why disagreement is productive.

Next week, we will be looking at an example of how Biblical scholars oftentimes misunderstand economics by comparing Michael Gorman’s Reading Revelation Responsibly with LVM’s The Anti-Capitalist Mentality.

Media Referenced:

A Short Life of Martin Luther, Kaufman

The Anatomy of the State, Rothbard

What Kind of Libertarian are You, Slade: https://reason.com/2022/03/19/two-libertarianisms/

If you like the show and would like to support it, you can! Check out the Protestant Libertarian Podcast page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast. Thanks!

Ep 1: Who am I, and What am I Doing?

Tue, 10 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode I, the host, Alex Bernardo, introduce myself and talk about my background. I discuss what I want to do with the show and ask (but don't answer) the question of why so many libertarians are either not religious or Catholic. If you are interested in either protestantism or libertarianism and you want to know why I am making this show, check it out! New episodes drop every week!

Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Email me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com.

If you really like what you heard and want to give me money, you can! Donate at buymeacoffee.com/theplpodcast and help me feed my family!

Episode Outline:

I. Introduction and background.

II. Why are most libertarians either not particularly religious or Catholic?

III. What am I trying to accomplish

Ep 0: The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Teaser

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast explores the intersection between protestant Biblical studies and libertarian philosophy. We will discuss the Bible, history, culture, philosophy, and current events from both protestant and libertarian perspectives. Episodes will be uploaded once a week beginning in early May 2022.