The Chris Spangle Show

The Chris Spangle Show helps you make sense of current events, politics, and culture through the lenses of Christian faith and libertarian principles. With sharp analysis, historical insight, and relatable conversations, Chris offers clarity in chaos - encouraging personal responsibility, civic action, and thoughtful engagement with the world around us. Rejecting tribalism and top-down control, the show challenges you to lead with conviction, serve others, and live out the values that sustain a free and thriving society. Join us to defend liberty, strengthen your community, and renew culture - one conversation at a time.

  1. DEC 6

    HMP 12: Things We Didn’t Tell You in Season One

    Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief open Season 2 with essential background for the late 1200s, tracing how the Holy Roman Empire’s electoral system emerged after the Carolingians, how the Great Interregnum unfolded and how the Habsburgs entered European politics. They also outline parallel developments in Wales, Scotland, the Low Countries, international trade, banking and the origins of English common law to set the stage for the reigns of Kings Edward I, II and III. Topics in this episode: Early imperial elections after Otto III and the king of the Romans title The Stauffers and the Welfs, plus the Ghibelline and Guelph factions Frederick II’s deposition in 1245, William of Holland and the Great Interregnum The seven prince electors and the contested 1254 election between Richard of Cornwall and Alfonso II of Castile Rudolf of Habsburg’s election in 1273, later Habsburg influence and Albert’s election in 1298 Wales from Offa’s Dyke to Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, Llywelyn the Great and the Marcher lords Scotland from the Picts and Gaels to Malcolm III, the Dunkeld line and the Treaty of York in 1237 Norway’s role in northern politics, including control of the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland The Low Countries, the county of Flanders, English wool and the trade cities of Bruges and Ghent The Champagne fairs, the growth of Italian merchant banking and the Knights Templar’s financial system The position of Jews in medieval Europe, including moneylending, Aaron of Lincoln, the York massacre and the 1255 Lincoln accusation The rise of universities in Bologna, Paris and Oxford and the development of English common law through writs, precedent and administrative expansion under Edward I Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  2. SEP 25

    Foundations of Liberty 003: Individualism vs. Collectivism

    In 1633, Galileo Galilei was condemned by the Roman Inquisition for teaching that the Earth revolves around the Sun. His defiance became a symbol of individual conscience against powerful institutions. On this episode of The Chris Spangle Show, we explore the history of individualism versus collectivism — from Socrates to the Stoics, from Christianity and the Reformation to Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and John Stuart Mill, and into the American founding. We also explore libertarian principles of ethical individualism, free speech, and personal responsibility, contrasting them with the dangers of conformity, censorship, and control inherent in collectivism. What you’ll learn in this episode: Galileo’s trial and its impact on science and freedom How Christianity and the Reformation shaped individualism The Enlightenment’s role in liberty and natural rights Ethical individualism vs. collectivist control Why libertarians defend conscience, speech, and voluntary cooperation ⁠https://youtu.be/q3Y7zGmoYaA⁠ 00:00 Galileo vs. the Inquisition 01:49 The Rise of Heliocentrism 02:42 Courage, Individualism, & Libertarianism 03:33 What Is Individualism? Key Concepts 06:07 From Tribes to Individuals: History 07:36 Greek, Christian, and Enlightenment Roots 09:39 Individualism in America 10:39 Ethical Individualism Explained 13:39 Modern Challenges: Speech & Responsibility 15:31 Voluntary Association and Libertarianism 17:59 Political Individualism and Freedom 21:12 Collectivism vs. Individualism 24:03 Government Power and Group Identity 27:01 Case Study: Hong Kong’s Freedom Lost 28:59 Pros and Cons of Each Approach 30:06 Christian Critiques of Individualism 33:55 Expressive Individualism vs. Community 37:00 Individualism in Faith and Society 40:46 Voluntary Cooperation vs. Forced Conformity 41:45 The American Founding: A Radical Shift 45:42 Why Conscience and Principles Matter 47:00 Cancellations, Tribalism, and Consistency 51:00 Embracing Courage and Individual Thought 53:11 Be an Individual, Not Just a Follower 54:10 Outro & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  3. SEP 22

    Why the Charlie Kirk murder drove suburban America to church... And what to do if you're lukewarm

    Chris Spangle reflects on the week following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the surprising impact on churches, and his own faith journey since September 11, 2001. He explores how tragedy shakes feelings of security, why people turn to church in uncertain times, and the role of parasocial relationships in amplifying grief. Spangle also shares practical steps for those seeking deeper faith, including church commitment, accountability, and daily spiritual disciplines. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Start with the Gospel of John Then read Romans Afterward, read Genesis or continue through the New Testament ESV Study Bible Life Application Study Bible Zondervan Study Bible Tony Evans Bible Commentary The Bible Project (website and YouTube channel) Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul Tim Keller (Gospel in Life) Matt Chandler – The Village Church Podcast Insight for Living with Chuck Swindoll Unashamed with Phil Robertson 00:00 Introduction & Charlie Kirk Incident 02:00 Surge in Church Attendance & Reflections on Security 06:00 Personal Faith Journey Post-9/11 10:00 Struggles with Lukewarm Faith 13:00 Marriage, Divorce, and Spiritual Drift 17:00 Self-Improvement and Facing Personal Struggles 21:00 Reigniting Active Faith & Practical Steps 25:00 Building Strong Church and Community Connections 30:00 Overcoming Stubborn Sins & Accountability 33:00 Fatherhood, Legacy, and Maturity 37:00 Finding Spiritual Role Models & Daily Routines 41:00 Being Open About Faith & Christian Community Today 44:00 Closing Advice: Commit, Connect, and Pursue Wisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
4.3
out of 5
435 Ratings

About

The Chris Spangle Show helps you make sense of current events, politics, and culture through the lenses of Christian faith and libertarian principles. With sharp analysis, historical insight, and relatable conversations, Chris offers clarity in chaos - encouraging personal responsibility, civic action, and thoughtful engagement with the world around us. Rejecting tribalism and top-down control, the show challenges you to lead with conviction, serve others, and live out the values that sustain a free and thriving society. Join us to defend liberty, strengthen your community, and renew culture - one conversation at a time.

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