The Libertarian Christian Podcast Christians for Liberty

Doug Stuart welcomes a distinguished guest, Mark Skousen, renowned investment expert, economist, university professor, author, and founder of FreedomFest. Skousen shares insights into his journey towards libertarianism, shaped by his upbringing in a conservative Democratic and Mormon family, and underscores the significance of individual liberty and maximum choice in both personal and business spheres, inspired by Adam Smith's principles.
Skousen provides an in-depth look into the origins and evolution of FreedomFest, conceived during his tenure as president and CEO of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in 2001. Despite fundraising challenges that curtailed his time at FEE, Skousen’s vision of an annual gathering of freedom enthusiasts persisted, culminating in the creation of FreedomFest in 2007. This vibrant event, held annually in Las Vegas, offers attendees an eclectic mix of entertainment, keynote speeches, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, media coverage, and lively debates.
Drawing notable figures from various fields, FreedomFest boasts a diverse lineup of speakers, including celebrities like William Shatner and George Foreman, and this year expects appearances from Rob Schneider and Ice T. The event also features full presidential debates and a focus on pressing topics such as bitcoin. Skousen highlights the upcoming event's theme, "Brave New World," aimed at addressing current global issues with an optimistic perspective, and mentions key speakers like Javier Millay, Steven Pinker, and Lord Matt Ridley.
This July, LCI will be joining thousands of passionate defenders of liberty in Las Vegas for FreedomFest, “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” Just like last year and the years before that, it will be a rewarding four-day conference like no other, with big debates, world-class speakers, film/music/comedy/arts festivals, social events, the “Tradeshow for Liberty” exhibit hall, and so much more.
LCI will be there with hundreds of other premier speakers and top-level experts in a wide range of topics. Don’t miss yours truly, along with Javier Milei, Ice-T, Kennedy, Steven Pinker, Emily Compagno, Steve Forbes, Justin Amash, and many others.
New signups save $50 off the current “Attendee” rate! Use our special code: CHRISTIAN50
Learn more about what’s included in your conference pass, who you’ll meet, and the life-changing experience you’ll have at FreedomFest Vegas: “Brave New World?” July 10-13, 2024 at CAESARS FORUM conference center.
Register now with our code: CHRISTIAN50!
FreedomFest is for the independent mind and spirit who chooses to be alive. We detest authoritarianism in all of its forms and seek unequivocal liberty for all. We believe in the pursuit of knowledge, diversity of ideas, human flourishing for all, fraternity with all, toleration for those we disagree with, and aspire for a life well and fully lived, a life of meaning and purpose in the service of goals, ends, and values worth serving. FreedomFest, at its core, is the embodiment of the Liberty Lifestyle.
 
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Dr. Michael Rectenwald is a former Marxist joining Doug Stuart to explain The Great Reset. Dr. Rectenwald is the author of twelve books, including The Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty: Unraveling the Global Agenda (Jan. 2023), Thought Criminal (Dec. 2020); Beyond Woke (May 2020); Google Archipelago: The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom (Sept. 2019); Springtime for Snowflakes: “Social Justice” and Its Postmodern Parentage (an academic’s memoir, 2018); Nineteenth-Century British Secularism: Science, Religion and Literature (2016); Academic Writing, Real World Topics (2015, Concise Edition 2016); Global Secularisms in a Post-Secular Age (2015); Breach (Collected Poems, 2013); The Thief and Other Stories (2013); and The Eros of the Baby-Boom Eras (1991). (See the Books page.)
In this episode Dr. Rectenwald fleshes out questions explaining the connection between Marxism and woke ideology, and that connection to Klaus Schwab’s, The Great Reset, a plan with the World Economic Forum to monopolize the world economy. The discussion highlights some key point including the seemingly innocuous nature of the gateway ideologies to Marxism – namely, social justice, anti-racism, etc. If you’ve been interested in understanding more about the Great Reset, listen to this episode and consider purchasing Dr. Revtenwald’s book.
(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)
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Special guests Sarah Stone and Evan McClanahan join us to disucss their innovative initiative, Theology by the Pint. This exciting forum has transformed the traditional setting of theological discussions by incorporating a casual atmosphere where young professionals can gather, pint in hand, to delve into deep and sometimes controversial topics.
Sarah and Evan share their experiences of hosting these events, emphasizing the importance of creating a warm and charitable environment even when discussing contentious issues such as LGBTQ matters within the church. Their approach to include diverse viewpoints, like an affirming pastor, showcases their commitment to love and charity in disagreements, and underscores the value of humor and respect in such dialogues. The episode also touches on making theological discussions accessible to a broad audience, from those well-versed in theology to individuals who might feel overwhelmed by complex jargon. Sarah shares her strategy of pausing to clarify terms and encouraging explanatory parenthetical statements to ensure everyone is on the same page.
The conversation further explores the organization's democratic process in choosing discussion topics, the types of government systems they tackle, the impact of political rhetoric on Christian beliefs, and the ever-present challenge of maintaining integrity while hosting diverse and sometimes conflicting views. 
Listeners will also get a preview of upcoming events, including a notable June 11, 2024, gathering with Norman Horn, founder of the Libertarian Christian Institute. Additionally, the episode highlights the community aspects of Theology by the Pint events, which feature social hours, charity spotlights, trivia, and open Q&A sessions allowing for real-time audience engagement.
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Cody Cook joins us once again to delve deep into the complex relationship between Christianity, libertarianism, and the contentious issue of violence and military service. Cody Cook, informed by his Christian anarchist and Anabaptist perspective, presents a critical analysis of various biblical passages often cited in discussions about Christians taking up arms or serving in the military.
Cook challenges traditional interpretations of the passage in Luke that suggests Jesus condoned his disciples buying swords, arguing instead for an understanding that aligns with fulfilling specific prophecies rather than advocating for self-defense. Backed by four solid reasons, including historical contexts and Tertullian's insights, Cook makes a compelling case for a nonviolent interpretation of Scripture.
The discussion touches on the delicate balance between the Christian impulse for self-protection and the promotion of long-term peace, debating the impact of Romans 13 on the present-day Christian libertarian thought. Cook and Stuart unpack the nuances around the topics of Christian nationalism and the implications of self-defense within a libertarian framework, understanding that these views may diverge within the Christian community.
Listeners will also get a glimpse into Cody Cook's literary contributions, including his books "What Belongs to Caesar," "Fight the Powers," and "Christian Nationalism," which provide further reading on these complex subjects and are available for LCI Insiders.
The dialogue brings forward the universal question of whether a Christian can reconcile serving as a soldier with their faith, as exemplified by the New Testament figure Cornelius. With a dose of humor and earnest reflection, Doug and Cody invite listeners to reconsider the interpretations that underpin their beliefs regarding violence and nonviolence in the New Testament.
Enrich your understanding of how libertarian principles mesh with Christian ethics and join our hosts as they navigate these critical issues with insight, reverence, and a willingness to challenge conventional viewpoints.
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Cody Cook is back for a deep dive into the complexities of interpreting Romans 13. Cody challenges traditional readings of these passages, suggesting that the Apostle Paul may have employed irony or even sarcasm when discussing the role of magistrates and the obedience due to them. Are rulers always to be obeyed, and do they consistently execute good? Cody argues otherwise, referencing external literature and historical context to support his claim.
Throughout the conversation, both Doug and Cody shed light on the responsibility of Christians to live a non-violent life, fueled by love that overshadows or catalyzes the judgment against oppressive rulers. They explore the nuanced Greek language and bring to the forefront the scholarly perspectives of T.L. Carter, along with thoughts from NT Wright and Michael Bird, suggesting a more ironic take on Paul's words.
Listeners will be invited to reconsider what it means to honor the magistrate and reflect on the broader implications of a duty-bound Christian conscience in the face of authority. This is a critical examination of libertarian and potentially anarchist views on governance, questioning if the state is indeed the sole model for societal order.
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