Ep. 92: Two Kingdoms or One King? Reformed vs. Anabaptist Visions of Christian Libertarianism

March 26, 2025
Biblical Anarchy Podcast

Two Kingdoms or One King? Reformed vs. Anabaptist Visions of Christian Libertarianism

In this episode of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, host Jacob Winograd welcomes fellow LCI podcaster and author Cody Cook to discuss Cody’s new book The Anarchist Anabaptist. The conversation dives deep into the theological and philosophical underpinnings of Christian anarchism, exploring how the Anabaptist tradition—known for its radical pacifism and voluntary community life—aligns and occasionally diverges from libertarian political theory. The duo also reflects on the Reformed tradition’s evolution in relation to state power, religious liberty, and covenant theology.

Throughout the episode, Jacob and Cody explore key tensions: the individualism of libertarianism vs. the communal ethic of Anabaptism, the moral basis for nonviolence, and how different traditions approach Romans 13. Cody explains how the Anabaptist theological framework not only anticipated many classical liberal ideas but may offer more organic theological resources for a libertarian worldview. The episode concludes with a fun and insightful rapid-fire Q&A, revealing shared values, respectful disagreements, and a mutual desire to point Christians toward liberty and away from coercive power

Main Points of Discussion

Timestamp	Section Title	Topics Discussed
00:00	Introduction & Banter	LCI crossover, jokes about anarchist labels, Cody’s excitement to join the show
04:12	Book Overview	The Anarchist Anabaptist – thesis on compatibility between Christianity and anarchism
07:58	Anabaptist vs. Libertarian Ethos	Communalism vs. individualism; voluntary association as a unifying principle
13:41	Pacifism & Self-Defense	Tension between Christian nonviolence and libertarian support for self-defense
21:27	Libertarian Society & Force	Preference for non-coercive conflict resolution in a free society
25:36	Isolationism & Engagement	Anabaptist separation vs. libertarian openness to trade and interaction
33:10	Capitalism & Simplicity	Anabaptist critiques of materialism; stewardship and anti-commercialism within a free-market framework
40:44	Reformed vs. Anabaptist Roots	Calvin, Zwingli, and critiques of magisterial Protestantism; theological evolution toward liberty
47:19	Theology & Political Strategy	Reformers’ shortcomings, Anabaptist theological consistency, historical development of liberty
53:45	Role of State & Romans 13	Differing views on state legitimacy; Reformed view as prescriptive vs. Anabaptist separationist view
01:02:14	Continuity & Covenant Theology	Strengths and risks of both traditions’ interpretations of Old vs. New Testament law
01:09:23	Rapid-Fire Round	Misconceptions, thinkers, voting, critiques, and theological cross-pollination

Additional Resources

The Economics of Empire: Is the State Inefficient or Evil? with Clint Russell
Clint Russell and Jacob Winograd explore how war, coercion, and state power disrupt peaceful, voluntary society through an Austrian economic lens.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/the-economics-of-empire-is-the-state-inefficient-or-evil-with-clint-russell/
What Kind of Kingdom Did the Old Testament Prophets Foresee: Earthly or Spiritual?
Jacob Winograd examines prophecies from Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Joel to determine whether they anticipated a spiritual or earthly kingdom under the New Covenant.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-75-what-kind-of-kingdom-did-the-old-testament-prophets-foresee-earthly-or-spiritual/
Is There a Political Path to Liberty? with Mises Caucus Chair Aaron Harris
A discussion on libertarian political strategy, the role of the Mises Caucus, and whether political action can advance liberty.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/is-there-a-political-path-to-liberty-with-mises-caucus-chair-aaron-harris/

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The Christians for Liberty Network is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute consisting of shows and hosts offering various perspectives on the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism. Views expressed by hosts and guests do not necessarily reflect the view of the organization, its staff, board members, donors, or any other affiliates (including other hosts or guests on the network). Guest appearances or interviews of any incumbents, officials, or candidates for any political, party, or government office should not be construed as endorsements. The Libertarian Christian Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not endorse any political party or candidate for any political, government, or party office. For information about the Libertarian Christian Institute’s core values, please visit this page.