Stephen Wolfe on Nationalism vs Libertarianism - How Should Government Be Limited?

The LCI Greenroom: Open & Unscripted

In this episode of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, host Jacob Winograd is joined by guest Stephen Wolfe, an author and political philosopher known for his work on Christian nationalism and reformed political theology. Wolfe discusses the concepts from his book, "The Case for Christian Nationalism," exploring how Christian values can inform political and social structures. The conversation delves into the differences and similarities between Christian nationalism and Christian libertarianism, particularly regarding the role of government and individual liberty. Wolfe expresses a preference for limited government but notes that the extent of government intervention should be tailored to the cultural and moral characteristics of a society.

The discussion also touches on the foundations of political theory, including the relevance of natural law, reason, and Biblical principles in shaping governance. Wolfe argues that while the Bible provides essential moral guidelines, it is not solely a political manual and should be complemented by practical considerations of what laws and structures will best promote the common good. He contrasts his views with those of libertarians, who often emphasize minimal government interference. Both Wolfe and Winograd agree on the need for decentralized power, with Wolfe advocating for a return to a more federalist system, allowing local governments greater authority to reflect the specific needs and values of their communities.