Host Doug Stuart is joined by Alex Bernardo, host of The Protestant Libertarian Podcast, to delve into the intricacies of historical Jesus research and its impact on Christian theology and libertarian beliefs. Together, they explore how understanding the historical context of the gospels of can help reconcile perceived contradictions, as well as the role of biblical scholarship in shaping modern faith.

Alex explains his passion for historical Jesus research, emphasizing the importance of anchoring beliefs about Jesus to historical facts rather than projecting contemporary values onto him. This conversation uncovers the tension between maintaining traditional theological beliefs and engaging with historical scholarship, revealing how pastors and congregations alike can benefit from a deeper historical understanding of Jesus' life and message.

They also examine how Jesus' kingship aligns with libertarian ideals, highlighting how libertarian Christianity bridges theological insights with political philosophy.

Listeners will gain new perspectives on the phases of historical Jesus research, the importance of reading the gospels intelligently, and the interplay between systematic and biblical theology. With echoes of NT Wright's critiques and references to notable scholars like Albert Schweitzer and Helen Bond, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of both historical and contemporary Christian thought.

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Host Cody Cook engages in an enlightening discussion with guest Ricky Dale Harrington, a former political candidate and active libertarian, on reaching black American with the libertarian message. Harrington highlights the need to address the personal concerns and experience of the people we try to connect with as opposed to focusing only on theory.

Cody Cook highlights governmental obstacles that often hinder charitable projects, especially for the homeless, while the duo explores the complex debate around welfare's implications for the black community, referencing insights from economist Thomas Sowell. They discuss the fear and uncertainty faced by those considering leaving welfare programs, advocating for a libertarian approach that not only seeks to replace welfare with charity but also aims to dismantle regulatory barriers that stifle business creation and affordability.

Listeners will gain insights into regulatory impediments such as unnecessary certification laws and the need for a strategic messaging approach that promotes gradual, supportive changes rather than abrupt policy shifts. Harrington and Cook also touch on justice system reforms, appealing to African Americans who may simultaneously distrust and support state expansion.

Harrington's political transformation—from the Democratic Party to libertarianism, driven by concerns about government power and influenced by Ron Paul's anti-war stance—provides a backdrop to his candid reflections.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of libertarian principles in action and the ongoing efforts to reconcile theory with the lived experiences of diverse communities.

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Doug Stuart is joined by Cody Cook, an author and new co-host of The Libertarian Christian Podcast, to discuss the intriguing intersections between libertarianism, Anabaptism, and Christian nonviolence.

Cody recounts both his religious journey and his exploration of anti-authoritarian beliefs on the right and left, culminating in a profound interest in both libertarianism and Anabaptism—a Christian sect known for its voluntary faith, separation from state influence, and rejection of infant baptism. Cody draws parallels between Anabaptist nonresistance and the libertarian nonaggression principle (NAP), shedding light on the philosophical tensions and harmonies between individualism and communalism within these ideologies.

Doug and Cody engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the application of nonviolence and the legitimacy of self-defense, weighing Christian ethics against libertarian principles.

Listeners will be introduced to Cody’s new book The Anarchist Anabaptist and upcoming release on systematic theology titled The Pocket Anabaptist, both exploring rich theological and historical contexts. Cody and Doug humorously touch on libertarian economic views and community dynamics, offering a nuanced look at the synergy between personal rights and voluntary communal living.

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Host Cody Cook engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Steven R. Haines, professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Rhodes College and author of the critically acclaimed book, The Battle for Bonhoeffer: Debating Discipleship in the Age of Trump.

The conversation covers Bonhoeffer's complex writings, produced under the existential strains of Nazi Germany, and explores how his steadfast opposition to Nazism has been invoked in contemporary political landscapes--particularly by politically conservative evangelicals like Eric Metaxas. Haines and Cook examine the varied political utilizations of Bonhoeffer’s work and the potential misconceptions that come with his broad appeal.

Listeners will gain insights into Bonhoeffer’s controversial involvement in the assassination plot against Hitler, his concept of "religionless Christianity," and his nuanced peace ethic that challenges both pacifism and violence. They also discuss how Bonhoeffer's commitment to social justice exemplifies the intersection of the Gospel and aiding those oppressed by state actions.

Join us for this insightful episode as we unpack the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and explore what it means to be a disciple in challenging times.

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Host Doug Stuart sits down with renowned film critic and author Abby Olcese to explore the intricate intersections of film, faith, and the liturgical calendar. Abby's new book, Film for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies, forms the crux of this stimulating discussion, inviting listeners to see movies as more than mere entertainment but as avenues for spiritual and cultural introspection.

The conversation begins with a delightful nod to the upcoming Paddington 3, encouraging listeners to revisit the first two charming installments. Abby then introduces Joyeux Noel, bringing a poignant cinematic portrayal of the World War I Christmas truce into the fold. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into the themes of Lent, where Abby explains her thoughtful selection of films like "Annihilation" and "Groundhog Day" to navigate through themes of mortality, repentance, and self-awareness.

As Doug shares his fascination with liturgical rhythms and their underappreciation in American low church traditions, Abby enriches the dialogue with insights from her church background, reflecting influences from her time as an Episcopal ministry intern. They bond over the transformative power of films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Fast and Furious 6 in embodying ecclesiastical themes of diversity and unity, particularly resonating with the spirit of Pentecost.

Exploring the evolving landscape of film criticism, Abby passionately argues for the importance of historical context in understanding movies. A robust discussion unfolds around how classic films like Top Gun and Night of the Hunter reflect societal attitudes of their times, paralleling her views on the lasting influence of well-crafted narratives.

The show takes an intriguing turn as Doug and Abby delve into contemporary television's shift towards streaming, critiquing the impact of immediate performance metrics on long-form storytelling. They appreciate the quality and richness of limited series on platforms like Apple TV, using Blackbird and Bad Monkey as exemplary cases.

Abby’s narratives come full circle as she illustrates how films can serve as spiritual reflections for themes churches might miss, inspiring hope, love, and inclusivity. This episode is a treasure trove for listeners, whether cinephiles, faith-seekers, or both, offering unique perspectives on how movies like Paddington, The Last Jedi, and The Bishop's Wife can enrich one's spiritual journey.

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

Doug's Selections:

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

Cody's Selections:

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

Alex's Selections:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Host Doug Stuart delves into the fascinating world of study Bibles with returning guest Preston Sprinkle, a New York Times bestselling author and host of the Theology in the Raw podcast. Join us as we explore the innovative process behind the creation of the "Upside Down Kingdom Bible," a study Bible that merges traditional biblical scholarship with contemporary sociopolitical issues.

Preston reveals the evolution of study Bibles, highlighting a shift from detailed footnotes on every verse to extended sidebars focused on fewer passages, a style that's gaining traction among younger generations like millennials and Gen Z. Although he admits a preference for the traditional footnoted approach, Preston recognizes the market trend towards engaging sidebars and essays of over 300,000 words in study notes, covering essential themes such as leadership, power, science, wealth, poverty, sexuality, gender, and grace.

Doug and Preston dig into the challenge of translating Hebrew texts while maintaining their literary essence, debating the inclusion of themes like faith, allegiance, and the kingdom of God—crucial for a Bible focused on political insights. The episode also touches on the importance of selecting a diverse group of authors to ensure various viewpoints, which Preston emphasizes as key to the project.

The discussion further addresses the misconception that platforming different perspectives equates to endorsement. Instead, it’s about fostering dialogue and understanding, particularly in contexts of deconstructed religious beliefs. This approach is exemplified in Preston's thoughtful contributions to the study Bible on themes like sexuality, gender, and grace, all while staying true to biblical integrity.

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Peter Rollo, founder of the website Rival Nations, joined us to discuss his growth as a believer, passion for theology, why he started Rival Nations, "Two-Kingdom Theology," Romans 13, voting as a form of violence, and what it means to be a citizen of a "rival nation." Followers of Jesus are indeed a part of a nation: The Kingdom of God.

(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)

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