The Libertarian Christian 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 ★

Lawrence W. Reed is president of the Foundation for Economic Education, and has a long history of promoting liberty in the classroom and in think tanks. In this episode he tells us how he became a libertarian, how he has worked in and for the liberty movement over the decades, and discusses with us some of the problems in today's society. ★ Support this podcast ★

Nullification is the idea that, in these United States, the individual states have the power the supercede and “make null” federal law that goes beyond the powers given to the federal government by the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are two of the Founding Fathers most associated with these principles, but nullification has been largely absent from national discussion from the Civil War up until the late 1990s and 2000s. Now, with the government spiraling out of control in its grasping for power, nullification is more relevant than ever. In this episode, we're joined by Michael Maharrey, Communications Director of the Tenth Amendment Center, to learn more about nullification and its importance for the progress of liberty. He proudly resides in the original home of the Principles of '98 - Kentucky. He is the author of the book, Our Last Hope: Rediscovering the Lost Path to Liberty. He has been a contributor to the LCI website and runs his own site on politics at michaelmaharrey.com, and another site specifically about Christianity and liberty at GodArchy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this "Extended Edition" of our podcast, we talk with Armond Boudreaux and Corey Latta, authors of the book Titans: How Superheroes Can Help us Make Sense of a Polarized World! about the real-world insights that superhero stories give us. More than mere entertainment, the genre of superhero comics and movies allow us to wrestle with the ethical and philosophical puzzles humanity has been wrestling with for millennia. They are a mythos for our era, and as such have important insights into the political and ethical problems our society faces today. ★ Support this podcast ★

If libertarianism is neither of the left nor the right, then why do libertarians still get cornered as “conservative” or “right-wing” on a regular basis? Furthermore, for Christians especially the conflation of political conservatism with theological conservatism is confusing at best, grossly problematic at worst. Many Christian libertarians start off as conservatives, so understanding the key changes in thought on the pathway to liberty is useful in a variety of ways. Norman and Nick discuss key points in the “libertarianism vs. conservatism” debate and explain why they believe libertarianism provides better answers to conservatism's big questions about ethics, political order, and economics. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dr. Eric Larson is an anesthesiologist in private practice in Grand Rapids, MI, and host of the podcast Paradocs. He joins us to talk about his experience with immigration, and he also shares some helpful information on what non-physicians need to know about the medical industry. ★ Support this podcast ★

Trump told his supporters that they would get tired of all the winning America would be doing if he were president. Now Trump has worked tirelessly to impose tariffs, which cause a lot of economic woes upon many in the United States. Dr. Art Carden of Samford University joins us to talk about the reason why tariffs are a bad idea and why trade deficits don't matter (unless it's with Waffle House). ★ Support this podcast ★

Futurists warn humans that our ability to stay competitive will be dramatically reduced because robots and artificial intelligence will make our work obsolete. While Jay Richards does not believe A.I. poses a threat the way some do, he does believe that humans working in a new economy will demand the kinds of virtues that amplify the human advantage over automated labor. ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for our second episode where we answer questions you have submitted, as well as popular topics from our Facebook group. We talk about pacifism, pledging allegiance, prayer in public schools, what would happen if Adam and Eve never sinned, and more! ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for our third episode where we answer questions you have submitted, as well as popular topics from our Facebook group. Nationalism, idolatry, voting, and how would the rights of the unborn be protected in a stateless society. ★ Support this podcast ★

Christians know about Jesus from the Bible, but can we really know Jesuswithout it? What is the difference between “the Word of God” and “the word of God”? Where does the Bible fit into Christian discipleship and habits of spiritual formation? We discuss all this and more with the author of Jesus Unbound, Keith Giles. ★ Support this podcast ★

Libertarianism is the political philosophy of compassion, says Mary Ruwart, longtime libertarian and author of Healing Our World.Mary joins us to talk about a variety of issues that every libertarian has to defend or confront, including regulation, welfare, and the health industry. ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute joins us to talk about foreign policy from the standpoint of a Christian libertarian. We talk about North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and of course, Israel. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, LCI is joined by the liberty movement's favorite podcaster — historian and entrepreneur Tom Woods — as we dive into constitutional history and try to answer the question, “Is the Constitution any good?” Has it actually been effective at limiting government? Is the government it creates even capable of being limited by a document? What about the heavy emphasis in U.S. politics on the Supreme Court? Would we be better off under the Articles of Confederation? Listen in as we discuss all this and more. ★ Support this podcast ★

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY AFFIRMS THE ESSENTIAL TENETS OF FREE MARKET ECONOMICS Respect for private property, voluntary exchange, condemnation of theft, and the value of cooperation and service towards achieving common goals flow naturally from Christian thought and habit. This is what defines “capitalism” in the libertarian view. Wealth is a tool given by God, and all who possess such wealth are expected to utilize it for God’s Kingdom and the good of our neighbor. Taxation and regulation tend to destroy wealth, discourage innovation, and centralize power, and therefore hamper our ability to fulfill the calling of God. Where free markets are allowed to flourish, human beings will prosper both materially and spiritually. Additionally, Christian ethics helps equip our economies for service toward God and neighbor. Emphasis on private property from a biblical perspective ★ Support this podcast ★

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS MATTER FOR HUMAN FLOURISHING Humans are created to be social beings, and God’s design is that we work together to develop institutions which promote human flourishing. Insofar as these institutions are voluntary, peaceful, and non-coercive, human beings possess the God-given capacity to solve the worst of problems in the best of ways. Social institutions founded upon mutual cooperation — such as marriage, family, church, organizations, and businesses — are vital for authentic humanity. ★ Support this podcast ★

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY AND THE COMMON GOOD ARE NOT AT ODDS As God is intrinsically relational within the Trinity, so also human beings are created to live in community. Sin has marred the communal relationships for which we were created by pitting individuals against God, against one another, and against the earth for which we are called to be wise stewards. Affirming the dignity, worth, and rights of the individual as an image-bearer of God is a first step toward restoring authentic, Christ-centered community among diverse individuals. Because society is comprised of individuals, a healthy society requires healthy individuals. Through voluntary cooperation and respect for freedom, people can join together to trade, innovate, create, collaborate, share, and build a world that simultaneously respects the individual and betters our neighbor. ★ Support this podcast ★

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. Core Value #2: A Free and Civil Society Depends Upon Respect for the Non-Aggression Principle ★ Support this podcast ★

This episode is second in a series covering our Mission, Vision, and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This episode focuses on why Christian political philosophy should be informed by a holistic view of Scripture, reason, and historical theology. ★ Support this podcast ★

LCI recently released our Mission, Vision and Core Values statement: a concise, systematic presentation of what we stand for as an organization. This document will provide a framework for LCI going forward, and also serve for branding purposes as a broad explanation of what we believe about the intersection of Christian theology and libertarian political philosophy. Over the coming weeks, we will be exploring this statement and its five Core Values; discussing why they are in the document, what they mean, why we believe them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. ★ Support this podcast ★

Intellectual property affects us daily, but is hardly understood by the average individual. Is it something libertarians need to be concerned about? Is it legitimate “property” in the first place? Stephan Kinsella joins us to discuss the important of IP. ★ Support this podcast ★

Capitalism has gotten a bad rap, unfortunately because most people are unaware of what it truly means. Marxism beliefs are creeping into the public's view of economics, causing people to question the morality of a free market. Even Christians are unwittingly accepting Marxist dogma as economic fact. Dr. Jay Richards from the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America joins us to talk about his book, Money, Greed, & God, which takes aim at the faulty beliefs many Christians have about economics and capitalism. ★ Support this podcast ★

The issue of abortion is of great concern to pro-lifers, yet even libertarians debate the political issues with as much disagreement as the left and the right. Is there a Christian libertarian view? How would it differ from the typical pro-life position? What does it mean to say one is pro-life or anti-abortion? Does it change how we discuss electoral politics? Philosopher and Christian libertarian Kerry Baldwin joins us to discuss this issue. ★ Support this podcast ★

Is there a Christian view of economics? If so, what makes The Economic Way of Thinking different for the Christian? Why do people easily believe economic fallacies? Today Dr. Victor Claar joins us to talk about a Christian economic perspective. ★ Support this podcast ★

The left frequently criticizes free market capitalism with inaccurate caricatures and economic fallacies. However, in recent years, many business leaders and academics have been revisiting the philosophical foundations of capitalism and asking: "Is there more to this than just making a profit?" LCI board member and CEO of Conscious Capitalism, Alexander McCobin, joins us to discuss this shift in modern business, respond to criticisms of the conscious capitalist movement, and advance a case for a holistic view of business as a powerful engine for societal good which lifts up employees, vendors, and communities alongside shareholders. ★ Support this podcast ★

It's still true even if it's a cliche: “kids are our future.” That's why reaching children with the message of liberty is important. Joining us today is author of the Tuttle Twins book series, Connor Boyack, who has not only created a way for kids to learn about liberty, they are excitedto learn about liberty. Boyack tells us a bit of the backstory on the Tuttle Twins, as well as how he as a dad solved a problem for many parents: reaching our children with the message of liberty. ★ Support this podcast ★

Tired of hearing bad arguments about why the state is good, but need a better way to respond? Author Zack Rofer (pseudonym) has you covered with his free e-book, Busting Myths About the State. His concise, well-argued book counters some common myths raised in defense of big government. In this episode, we discuss some of the myths and how to answer them. ★ Support this podcast ★

Regardless of your denomination, many American Christians have the sense that something is wrong in the Church today. Have we forgotten our mission and values, and if so, what can we do about it? Joining us to discuss these questions is entertainment industry professional and Christian media expert Jonathan Bock, co-author of the new book, The Way Back. ★ Support this podcast ★

Human flourishing depends on individuals who have an entrepreneurial spirit. In the past several decades, world poverty has plummeted in part due to capitalism and entrepreneurial endeavors. Chris Horst of HOPE International joins us today to talk about the importance of entrepreneurship for human flourishing. ★ Support this podcast ★

The gun control debate in the United States has raged on for decades, and in many ways has escalated in recent years. Every time there is a mass shooting, calls for more gun control as the “obvious solution” engulf social media and public policy discussions. Furthermore, faulty statistics and bad arguments tend to run rampant in any discussion. In this episode, legal scholar Trevor Burrus of the Cato Institute joins us to unravel some myths surrounding the gun control debate. ★ Support this podcast ★