Summary 

In Episode 113, author Cody Libolt joins Pastor Jeff Kliewer, Pastor Tim Robinson and Average Joe, to wrap up their series on his book *Redeeming the West*. They unpack the New Athens Statement—a clear, 1,000-word philosophical summary designed to give Christians sound thinking that pairs with solid theology. The conversation explores why philosophy matters for believers, defines “philosophical heresy” (subjectivism, moral relativism, and postmodernism), contrasts classical apologetics with presuppositionalism, and shows how reason, common sense, and logic equip Christians to spot manipulation, evangelize effectively, engage politics biblically, and build real community. Listeners walk away with practical action steps to defend truth, protect the church, and help redeem Western culture.  You can read THE NEW ATHENS STATEMENT here:
https://christianintellectual.com/new-athens

Digestible Show Notes Sections (for easy skimming)

1. The New Athens Statement (10:16–48:00) 

– 1,000-word creed summarizing the sound philosophy Christians need today 

– Helps identify like-minded believers and spot philosophical heretics 

– Read it free at christianintellectual.com/new-athens 

– Practical uses: finding friends, dating, partnerships, and intellectual advocacy

2. Why Philosophy Matters for Christians (12:33–19:34) 

– Good philosophy (logic, common sense, law of non-contradiction) pairs with good theology 

– Draws from Aristotle, Aquinas, Scottish Common Sense Realism, and the Reformers 

– Rejects Kantian subjectivism that fuels modern presuppositionalism and uncertainty (e.g., Timothy Keller)

3. Philosophical Heresy Defined (03:22, 26:48, 29:02) 

– Embracing relativism, subjectivism, or moral relativism 

– Undermines certainty, Scripture reading, and effective evangelism 

– Real-world examples: Mormon “burning in the bosom,” cheap rhetoric, and vague emotional appeals

4. Logic in Evangelism, Politics & Word Warfare (23:10–37:15) 

– Christianity cannot logically pair with the Quran *or* the Democrat platform 

– Jesus models evidence-based reasoning and calls out hypocrisy 

– Battling postmodern “nice Jesus” thinking; truth and grace are not at odds

5. Book’s Four Core Dichotomies & Action Points (44:15–48:00) 

– Reason vs. Blind Faith 

– Holy Self-Interest vs. Arbitrary Duty 

– Individualism vs. Collectivism 

– Individual Rights vs. Tyranny 

– These tools shield churches from Marxism and spiritual manipulation

6. Closing Takeaways & Listener Challenge (51:23–57:56) 

– Read the book (top-shelf, re-readable resource) 

– Use the New Athens Statement personally and in community 

– Think clearly, speak truthfully, and lift brothers while tearing down high places

Hashtags (copy-paste ready CSV): 

#NewAthensStatement, #RedeemingTheWest, #ChristianPhilosophy, #PhilosophicalHeresy, #ClassicalApologetics, #CommonSenseLogic, #ReasonVsBlindFaith, #HolySelfInterest, #Individualism, #BiblicalWorldview, #AntiPostmodernism, #CodyLibolt, #TearingDownHighPlaces, #ChristianLogic, #WordWarfare, #TruthOverFeelings