Ep. 99: Is James Lindsay Twisting Just War Theory to Defend Israel?

June 4, 2025
Biblical Anarchy Podcast

In this episode of the Biblical Anarchy Podcast, Jacob Winograd takes aim at James Lindsay’s recent comments on Israel’s war in Gaza and challenges him for doing the very thing he criticizes in others: abandoning principle for political tribe. While Lindsay often warns about the “woke right” using moral language to mask power grabs, Jacob argues that Lindsay falls into the same trap when he demands moral clarity from Hamas but gives Israel a pass. That’s not justice—it’s moral convenience.

Drawing from the historic Christian tradition of Just War Theory, Jacob lays out what a truly consistent application looks like: one that measures all sides—friend or enemy—by the same standards. He defends Israel’s right to self-defense, but insists that Christians must not confuse vengeance for virtue. This is a call to reject tribalism, to stop weaponizing theology, and to remember that justice without consistency isn’t justice at all.

Main Points of Discussion

Time	Topics Covered
00:00	Christians justifying violence; Just War Theory as a moral restraint, not a license to kill.
01:13	Jacob introduces the article “Is James Lindsay Right About Just War Theory?” and explains his intent to unpack it.
02:47	Origins of Just War Theory: Augustine and Aquinas; defining just cause, just authority, and right intention.
06:41	Categories of Just War: jus ad bellum, jus in bello, jus post bellum—and why all must be met.
08:41	Critique of James Lindsay: hypocrisy in applying moral standards; abandoning principle for tribalism.
10:40	Applying Just War to Gaza: Israel’s policies, peace rejection, proportionality concerns.
17:17	Civilian casualties and propaganda narratives: challenging the human shields justification.
21:20	Analogy of personal vengeance and Christian ethics; why “we warned them” isn’t a moral defense.
23:43	Affirming Israel’s right to self-defense—but only within just war limits and with accountability.
28:27	A Christian libertarian response to war: resisting fear, nationalism, and glorified violence.
30:17	Collective punishment and moral inconsistency: debunking the “they elected Hamas” narrative.
32:04	Final challenge: true justice must be consistent, not convenient—Christians are called to higher standards.

Additional Resources

Article: Is James Lindsay Right About Just War Theory? – by Jacob WinogradJacob challenges the selective application of Just War Theory in the context of Israel and Gaza, highlighting how abandoning moral standards for tribal loyalty undermines justice.https://libertarianchristians.com/2025/05/27/is-james-lindsay-right-about-just-war-theory/
Ep. 96: What Would You Do? Daryl Cooper, Israel, and Rethinking World War 2
Jacob examines the narratives surrounding World War II and their influence on current perspectives about Israel and Gaza, emphasizing the importance of empathy and historical understanding.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-96-what-would-you-do-daryl-cooper-israel-and-rethinking-world-war-2/
Ep. 92: Two Kingdoms or One King? Reformed vs. Anabaptist Visions of Christian Libertarianism
A discussion on the theological and philosophical underpinnings of Christian anarchism, exploring how different traditions approach state power and religious liberty.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-92-two-kingdoms-or-one-king-reformed-vs-anabaptist-visions-of-christian-libertarianism/
Ep. 93: How Do We Build Society Without the State? Private Law, Justice and Roads: Common Objections Part 2
Jacob addresses common objections to Christian libertarianism and anarchism, discussing alternatives to state-provided services and the role of voluntary systems.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-93-how-do-we-build-society-without-the-state-private-law-justice-and-roads-common-objections-part-2/
Ep. 80: Christ is King: Navigating Loyalty in a Depraved Secular World
An exploration of what it means to live under Christ’s kingship in a secular world, discussing the implications for Christian engagement with political structures.
https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-80-christ-is-king-navigating-loyalty-in-a-depraved-secular-world/

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