The Libertarian Christian Podcast

If you had to let the state do one thing only, what would it be? Roads? Libraries? Primary Schooling? Why or why not? In this episode, Doug and Norman answer this question, as well as discuss the ways in which we can expand our imaginations and offer legit alternatives to state-run goods and services. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Do Christians need to be pacifists? What would that even mean or look like? Is it wrong to use a gun in self-defense? Ted Grimsrud, Senior Professor of Peace Theology at EMU, joins us to talk about the biblical roots of pacifism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Does capitalism encourage excessive consumption and greed? Why do anti-capitalists seem to have a zero-sum view of global economic resources? Should we be wary of advertising because it causes us to lose our true freedom to choose? Edd Noell, professor of Economics and Business at Westmont College and President of the Association of Christian Economists joins us to sever the connection between consumerism and capitalism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug and Norman discuss the issue of social justice. What is social justice? Why do many people have different notions of it? Is there a “libertarian Christian” way to conceive of social justice? Is there such a thing as a “social gospel”? And can the state rightly participate in enabling the common good? Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

With the death of the VW Beetle and the arrival of the self-checkout, the world is coming to an end. Or is it? Art Carden, an economist to his core, joins us to alleviate our fears about the end of the world as we know it. After it, you’ll feel fine. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

This episode was originally recorded for the Bob Murphy show, where Bob and Norman Horn have a provocative conversation that will enlighten both believers and skeptics alike. They critically analyze the tendency of American Christians to support war, in its domestic and foreign applications. Norman gives Bob the best, succinct analysis of Romans 13 he has ever encountered. Bob ends (playing devil’s advocate) by challenging Norman to explain why the Church isn’t just as exploitative as the State. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

NT Wright answers our questions about how the Church is to relate to the state and how Christians are to be followers of Jesus in our time and place. What does Church-State politics look like in the United States or in Great Britain? Are they the same? Wright answers our questions in this uniquely recorded episode. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Do religious people in the United States need to be on alert for violations of their religious freedom? What recent issues have taken place that threaten our individual liberty? Daniel Ortner joins us to talk about the Pacific Legal Foundation and how individual and religious liberty are key fights in the preservation of a just society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Troy Frasier and Joel Bourdess join us to talk about how sermons preached before the advent of audio recording can now be heard in modern language through their podcast. They share stories about the preachers, their research on the sermons, and the context in which these sermons were preached. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

If talking about politics is tough for you, our guest Hunter Baker has some helpful advice and insights about how best to approach the topics of freedom, liberty, justice, and peace. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Isaac Morehouse is more interested in creating freedom for himself and enabling others to get over obstacles to their own freedom and human flourishing, and it is always worth hearing what he has to say about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Daniel Griswold of the Mercatus Center joins us to talk about how Christians can make the case for free trade by employing moral, economic, and historical arguments. How does free trade enable us to "love thy neighbor" or raise the costs of war or improve the livelihood of the destitute? Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

We don't usually publish two episodes in a row on the same topic, but when we do, you can be sure it's really important! This week's episode features a unique audio documentary created a few years ago by our audio engineer for this podcast, Chris Williams. He succinctly presents a strong factual and logical case against abortion and then interviews two women with powerful pro-life testimonies. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Much of what is being said on the news and social media about abortion by both pro-choice and pro-life activists is just plain wrong. In this episode, three pro-life libertarian women "take the mic" to discuss some of the most common myths about abortion and to present a new way of thinking for libertarians to value both the rights of women and the unborn. While certainly compatible with Christian theology, the arguments presented herein are based on science, embryology, ethics, libertarian political theory, and free market economics. Buckle up! Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Jamin Andreas Hübner joins us to analyze the claims of democratic socialism and whether or not libertarians should take them seriously. Audio Production by Podsworth Media ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Stuart was a guest on Larry Reed’s "Reed Hour" on the Loving Liberty radio network, and joined Larry to discuss his journey to Christian libertarianism, what LCI is all about, and why democratic socialists are wrong about how to get what they want out of society. Audio Production by Podsworth Media ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Norman is joined by Dr. RC Sproul Jr to discuss his new book Growing Up With RC. Dr. Sproul's father, RC Sr., was an acclaimed theologian who passed away in late 2017. RC Jr.'s book honors his faithful gospel legacy, and in the show we pass on some Sproul-inspired lessons and memories that influence our thoughts on both theology and politics today. Audio Production by Podsworth Media ★ Support this podcast ★

Cody Cook, host of the Cantus Firmus Podcast and a theology and film buff, joins us to talk about his new book, Fight the Powers: What the Bible Says about the Relationship between Spiritual Forces and Human Governments. Learn about how the government and the Kingdom of God are at odds and how Christians ought to relate to society and the state. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Alison Morrow of GoodSchooling.net joins us to talk about homeschooling – her own journey, myths people believe about homeschooling, and how her business exists to serve homeschooling parents to achieve the educational goals for their children. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Jacqueline Isaacs, co-author of the book, "Called to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian and Libertarian", joins us to announce a forthcoming audiobook edition of her book. Jacque shares the story behind the book, the audiobook, and some behind-the-scenes stories about their creation. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Alex Salter joins us to talk about his co-authored piece in the Christian LIbertarian Review on Distributism. Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Hunter Hastings of the Center for Individualism joins us to talk about his book, The Interconnected Individual, and why we should look forward to the exciting new economic realities of the future. ★ Support this podcast ★

Capitalism has gotten a bad rap, and has many undeserved criticisms of it. Doug and Norman discuss what capitalism really is, down to its fundamentals, and answer some critical questions many have about it. ★ Support this podcast ★

Gene Epstein of The Soho Forum joins us to equip free market proponents with information on how to combat against misunderstandings about wealth, inequality, and other talking points the anti-capitalists are espousing. ★ Support this podcast ★

Randy England joins us to talk about his book, Free is Beautiful, a tremendous work on the foundations of libertarianism from a biblical and Church history perspective. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you were approached on the street and asked what libertarians believe, what would you say? Would it be succinct? Or would it take a few minutes? Doug and Norman discuss some of the basics of libertarianism, providing both succinct and elaborate answers to common questions about the non-aggression principle, property rights, justice, and more. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this joint episode with Godarchy host Mike Maharrey, we discuss a recent article from Sojourners on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's so-called biblical values of democratic socialism. The author supports the idea that AOC's politics could be derived from the Bible. Mike and Doug discuss the article in-depth using humor, sarcasm, and an economic and theological analysis. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sean Malone, Director of Media at FEE, joins us to talk about media bias, misinformation, and manipulation, as well as how to promote liberty with media in an oversaturated market for attention. Sean Malone is the Director of Media at the Foundation for Economic Education. Sean studied music performance and composition for film and multimedia at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and New York University, and has worked in various creative and producing roles in New York and Los Angeles. Sean's films have been featured in the mainstream media and throughout the free-market educational community. ★ Support this podcast ★

Elijah Thompson of Dank Pro-Life Memes and TheFetalPosition.comjoins us to talk about elevating the conversation about abortion and help bolster the arguments pro-life advocates make. ★ Support this podcast ★

Brent Waters, author of Just Capitalism, joins us to discuss globalization, its effects on poverty, the good of affluence, and how Christians should consider capitalism in an ever-growing economy. ★ Support this podcast ★

Roger McKinney, author of God is a Capitalist: Markets from Moses to Marx, joins us to talk about his book, and we dive into the topic of envy and why Christianity's emphasis on the individual enabled society to think about the world differently, suppressing envy of those around us, and participating in enabling the wealth we enjoy in the 21st century. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jamin Andreas Hübner joins us to discuss how libertarian Christians can deal with the problem of being misrepresented by conservatives, progressives, or just about anybody. ★ Support this podcast ★

Judge Andrew Napolitano joins us for a quick discussion on why he's a Christian AND a libertarian, what threatens our liberties in America today, and his “report card” for the Trump presidency so far. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Cato Institute's Michael Tanner joins me to discuss his book, The Inclusive Economy, and what Americans need to consider if we want to seriously make the world a better place for the poor instead of just throwing money at the problem. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mike Munger from Duke University joins me to talk about the Third Economic Revolution that is currently underway. Most people think of it as the sharing economy, but it's far more than that, and Munger's analysis on it helps us think better as economists and libertarians. We also briefly discuss a Basic Income Guarantee and whether or not it's a good idea. ★ Support this podcast ★

On Monday, January 7, LCI hosted its first live episode online, where he and Dr. Norman Horn discussed the origins of LCC, Norman's success at converting his family to be libertarians, our superfast incorporation story, and the journey starting as a blog about faith and liberty to an institute dedicated to equipping Christians to make the case for a free society. Also, view Larry Reed's video (which we had planned for the episode, but couldn't air due to technical difficulties) here: https://youtu.be/3dFlsliuB9k ★ Support this podcast ★

John Schneider, author of the book The Good of Affluence, joins us to talk about a biblical theology of wealth. How can we know that God wants us to flourish and be prosperous in a truly biblical sense? John rejects the label “prosperity gospel” because there is no guarantees of wealth, but the desire of God is for us to flourish together. Listen to find out how! ★ Support this podcast ★

Musician Zama Rripa joins us to talk about becoming a musician, writing libertarian songs, and some of his favorite topics around liberty such as honest money, problems with the Federal Reserve, and more! We also feature some of Zama Rripa's music, including titles like “Live and Let Live” and “Blowback.” Talked about in this episode: Honest Money by Gary North https://www.garynorth.com/HonestMoney.pdf https://mises.org/library/honest-money Ethics of Money Production Jorg guido Hulsmann https://mises.org/library/ethics-money-production Foundations of Private Property Society https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Private-Property-Society-Theory/dp/1387615173 End the Fed https://www.amazon.com/End-Fed-Ron-Paul/dp/0446549193 Keynes Quote https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/shared/minitext/ess_inflation.html ★ Support this podcast ★

Jason Rink talks to Max Borders about his book, The Social Singularity, where they discuss the promise of a decentralized world. ★ Support this podcast ★

Is there a “Christian” view of economics? How does economic understanding relate to how we approach ethics, sociology, and policy, particularly through a Christian lens? In this episode, economics professor Shawn Ritenour joins us to discuss these questions and more, while also providing insights from his personal journey as both a Christian and an economist. ★ Support this podcast ★

Libertarians are known for their advocacy of free choice, free association, and free movement. But are there boundaries or limits to this openness? Dr. Jason Brennan of Georgetown University joins us to talk what it means to advocate for global justice, and why it means being open borders and free trade. In the book he makes a rigorous defense for positive-sum interactions because global justice demands it. ★ Support this podcast ★

TOMORROW (Nov 27, 2018) is Giving Tuesday, and Facebook is matching donations up to $7 million, and as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, LCI qualifies to receive the matched donation. Doug and Norman talk about this important development, as well as why our LCI Facebook group is a great place to join. Oh, and we talk about C.S. Lewis and Jacque Ellul. And other stuff! ★ Support this podcast ★

LCI's Norman Horn and Doug Stuart discuss over a few drinks everything form hymns, church denominations, and the recent election. ★ Support this podcast ★

On the day of the 2018 midterm elections, Dr. Art Carden joins Doug Stuart to talk about the elections, how to improve the world after the election (no matter who won), and how to be a better proponent of economics and liberty. ★ Support this podcast ★

The popularity of the Christian Left has grown in the past decade, and its message is attracting many Christians far and wide. But many are not familiar with some of the origins of those who have led the movement from its inception in the 1970s and earlier. Bill Anderson joins us to recount his experience with and analysis of the Christian Left. ★ Support this podcast ★

What explains the wealth of the modern age? Was it capital? Institutions? Slave-holding? Why do some countries seem to have an economic advantage over others? Are the fears of progressives about wealth inequality worth paying attention to? Economist, historian, and prolific author Deirdre McCloskey joins us to talk about the key factor that precipitated the wild success of the modern world. ★ Support this podcast ★

Does a libertopia exist? Is such an idea even possible? What would happen if thousands (or tens of thousands) of freedom lovers all move to the same place? Varrin Swearingen from the Free State Project, joins us to talk about his experience of moving to a place with so many libertarians. He also discusses some challenges of the Free State Project, as well as what he's experienced as a Christian living among libertarians. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeremy Jackson, associate professor at North Dakota State University, joins us to talk about happiness research and social capital. He also tells us what got allured him about economics. ★ Support this podcast ★

Whether it comes from Pope Francis or another person who wants to virtue signal about the kind of society they advocate, the “caring society” sounds like a great idea. But what does it actually mean? Can we even achieve such a thing, and would capitalism be a part of it? Robert Whaples, editor of the book “Pope Francis and the Caring Society” discusses with us some of the important lessons economists have, as well as some helpful social critique that is offered by those who aren't necessarily attuned to economic issues. If you care about anything, you'll care to listen to this episode! ★ Support this podcast ★

In the summer of 2018 Jason Rink participated in a panel discussion at the Texas Marijuana Policy Conference in Austin, TX. Jason joins us to discuss the conference and share further thoughts on how Christians can think about the issue of cannabis use. ★ Support this podcast ★