In this episode of the Faith Seeking Freedom Podcast, host Cody Cook explores the compatibility of Christianity and Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. Despite Rand's dismissal of religion, some Christians are drawn to her emphasis on rational self-interest. Cody discusses John Piper's concept of "Christian Hedonism," which aligns self-interest with seeking happiness in God. While Rand asserted that objectivism is inherently atheistic, Cody suggests that Christians can still learn from her focus on self-interest. Ultimately, he concludes that while Christians cannot be full objectivists, they can integrate useful aspects of Rand's philosophy into their faith.

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In this episode of the Faith Seeking Freedom Podcast, host Cody Cook addresses whether libertarians can accept government benefits. He discusses the libertarian stance against taxation and redistribution while acknowledging the complexities of living in a state-influenced society. Cody explores the moral implications, citing examples like public roads and medical dependencies created by government interference. He emphasizes the importance of navigating the world as it is, without harsh judgment towards those reliant on government aid. Ultimately, Cody concludes that accepting benefits is a matter of personal conscience while advocating for a free society.

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In this episode of the Faith Seeking Freedom Podcast, host Cody Cook explores a question from an anonymous Christian anarchist: "Was the Temple Tax a violation of 'Taxation is theft'?" Cody delves into the biblical context, explaining Israel's covenant with God and the distinction between divine commands and human interactions. He argues that while libertarian principles apply to human relationships, God's unique authority allows Him to command actions, such as the Temple Tax, without contradiction. Tune in to understand how libertarian views on taxation coexist with the biblical mandates given to ancient Israel.

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Guest host Jacob Winograd addresses the question of whether Christians should vote or hold political office, or focus solely on spreading the gospel. Drawing from the book Faith Seeking Freedom, the discussion delves into the relationship between Christianity and politics, emphasizing that the gospel has real-world implications, making Christians inherently political to some extent. The episode explores the ethical considerations surrounding voting, delving into the concept of advocating for the "lesser of two evils" and the compatibility of voting with Christian principles. Various viewpoints on voting, including direct policy initiatives, protest voting, and considerations based on different levels of government, are discussed. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to prayerfully consider their stance on voting and to engage in discussions with grace and respect for differing perspectives. The host emphasizes the need for faith to be solely in Jesus Christ, regardless of individual decisions about voting. The episode concludes by pointing to a resource for further exploration on the topic.

Guest host Jacob Winograd responds to a question submitted by a listener about whether Christians should take up arms in the service of their country or be conscientious objectors. He delves into the definition of conscientious objector and explains the military application process for those seeking to be released from combat duties. Referencing the Libertarian Christian Institute's book Faith Seeking Freedom, Jacob provides insight into the Christian perspective on military service, emphasizing the need for Christians to consider the moral implications of joining the military and the potential conflict with Christian values. He explores relevant biblical passages, including the Sermon on the Mount, to support the idea that Christians should be peacemakers. The episode concludes with an emphasis on the ongoing conversation about what it means to represent Christ in a world marked by conflict and the pursuit of peace.

Listener question: In a stateless society, who would protect property rights? It seems like it would need to be a might-makes-right system, wherein those who are not strong enough to protect their property would have it seized from them.

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Listener question: How does libertarianism deal with the issue of wildlife and wildland conservation? It seems to me, if it weren't for government regulations, a lot of our precious wildlife and wildlands would be gone. How would the "sell the federal land" shtick help conservation? How does the Biblical dominion mandate and stewardship of the planet tie in?

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Listener question: How do we know which parts of the Bible are still applicable in modern times and which are outdated? Can we accept the Bible in part or should we accept it in full? If the former, who decides? Is it up to individuals? If so, doesn't that render Biblical truth irrelevant, as everyone can just pick the parts they want to adhere to and ignore others?

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