The Libertarian Christian Podcast Christians for Liberty

Renowned theologian and biblical scholar Michael F. Bird joins us to explore the complex interplay between Jesus, Christianity, and the political powers that govern our world. His latest book, with N.T. Wright, is titled Jesus and the Powers, so this discussion delves deep into the foundations of political authority, the role of checks and balances in liberal democracy, and how Christians have historically engaged with—and at times transformed—political discourse.
Bird discusses his and Wright's views on government, and examines what it means to govern wisely as a Christian in today's diverse political landscape. 
The episode doesn't shy away from tough questions and theological debates. Does Paul's gospel possess an anti-imperial lean, and how does this shape our understanding of Christian allegiance? What does it look like to be a Christian in politics without succumbing to the temptations of nationalism or authoritarianism? Bird provides insightful analyses into these questions, exploring the biblical perspective on government, justice, and the tricky balance between divine authority and human institutions.
Can one be both a faithful Christian and a political leader in a predominantly secular government? How do we navigate the tension between Jesus' claim to lordship and the demands of earthly states? With Bird's scholarly perspective, we probe into the relationship between the kingship of God and concrete expressions of power in the world.

Additional Resources:
Michael's interview on religious freedomMichael Bird’s SubstackAmazon link to Jesus & the PowersRead Cody Cook's Review of Jesus and the PowersAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Randy England joins us to talk about his book, Free is Beautiful, a tremendous work on the foundations of libertarianism from a biblical and Church history perspective.
(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)
Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Doug Stuart sits down with liturgy scholar Drew Keane to delve into the ancient Christian practice of scripted worship through the lens of the Book of Common Prayer. As a co-editor of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer international edition and coauthor of How to Use the Book of Common Prayer, Keane brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal passion to the discussion.
First they discuss liturgy and its role in the Church, examining the conservative nature of language in Christian liturgy, the theological depth found within traditional phrasing, and the transformative power of structured prayer. Keane shares his fascinating journey with the Book of Common Prayer, from his high school days to his extensive doctoral research, revealing the significance of this historical text in guiding public worship and personal devotions.
Keane also sheds light on the historical context of the prayer book, dating back to the16th century, and how the 1552 edition brought new demands on laity participation, marked by a call to prayer via church bells.
Listen in as Keane explains how the Book of Common Prayer is designed to help individuals humble themselves before God, engage with scripture, and pray expansively, following the scriptural mandates to pray even for one's enemies. We discuss the practical aspects of using the Book of Common Prayer for morning and evening prayer, enabling believers to read through the scriptures annually and expand their spiritual practices.
Keane closes with heartfelt encouragement for listeners to discover the benefits of this ancient practice for themselves.
Dive into the enduring legacy of the Book of Common Prayer and how it continues to shape faithful lives today. For those interested in exploring this topic further, How to Use the Book of Common Prayer is available through various retailers, including IVP's website and Amazon, and will be coming soon to Logos Bible software. Visit drewkeane.com to learn more about Drew Keane's work.
Whether you're looking to understand the basics of liturgical worship or seeking to enrich your current prayer life, this episode offers a compelling guide to integrating the wisdom of The Book of Common Prayer into your spiritual journey.
Additional Resources
Drew Keane's website: https://www.drewkeane.com/ 1662 Book of Common Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/1662-Book-Common-Prayer-International-ebook/dp/B08CQVKPCR/ How to Use the Book of Common Prayer: https://www.amazon.com/How-Use-Book-Common-Prayer/dp/1514007479/Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

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.
(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)
Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

Doug Stuart sits down with Domenic Scarcella, author of Good Neighbor, Bad Citizen: Reflections on the Core Social Conflict Revealed by Jesus Christ's Way of the Cross, to dive into the complex relationship between faith, being a good neighbor, and the expectations of citizenship. Scarcella unpacks the provocative themes of his book, crafted to challenge and enrich the reader's spiritual journey in under an hour, making it an ideal companion for devotion or quiet contemplation during Passion Week.
Throughout the episode, Scarcella discusses the significant shifts in Christian thought since Constantine’s era, highlighting how these changes have blurred the lines between ecclesiastical loyalty and civic duty. Citing the Good Samaritan parable, he emphasizes Jesus' teachings on the juxtaposition of societal roles and personal empathy, urging a return to the gospel's raw truths over societal impositions.
Listeners will engage with Scarcella's critique of modern Christianity's approach to scripture, his advocacy for deep and cognitive consideration of the Bible, and the importance of "insourcing ethics" rather than outsourcing them. His insights into the cognitive empathy presented in biblical narratives, and the competing loyalties faced by believers navigating being a good neighbor against being a good citizen, furnish a thought-provoking discussion.
Additional Resources:
Amazon (paperback & Kindle): https://www.amazon.com/Good-Neighbor-Bad-Citizen-Reflections/dp/B0CL36FXWS/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Barnes&Noble (paperback & Nook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144379266?ean=9798855665802Lulu (paperback): https://www.lulu.com/shop/domenic-scarcella/good-neighbor-bad-citizen/paperback/product-je56729.html?page=1&pageSize=4Domenic's Substack: https://GoodNeighborBadCitizen.substack.comConnect with Domenic on X: https://twitter.com/GoodNeighBadCitConnect with Domenic on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/domenicscarcella/Connect with Domenic on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dom.scarcella/ Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com

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.
(Re-Mastered for Re-Issue.)
Show Notes:
Deirdre's WebsiteBourgeois VirtuesThe Bourgeois DealAudio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com