About this Episode
What if everything you thought about democracy was wrong? In our latest episode, Jeb Smith, author of "Missing Monarchy,"challenges the conventional wisdom on governance, exploring the surprising benefits of medieval kingship over modern democracy. Are we truly freer today, or have we misunderstood the past?
In our conversation, we explore:
The Misconceptions of Democracy: Jeb argues that democracy may not be the beacon of freedom we believe it to be. Discover why he believes medieval societies offered more liberty than our current systems.
The Role of Kingship: Far from being tyrannical, medieval kingship was decentralized and voluntary, offering a unique form of governance that respected individual choice.
The Power of No King but Christ: How the teachings of Christ can guide us away from political entanglements and towards a more authentic Christian life.
Jeb Smith takes us through history, sharing how his transition from atheism to Christianity and his study of pre-14th-century European history reshaped his understanding of governance and liberty. He states, "In the Middle Ages…there's not a king passing laws. The laws are derived from the people organically in their customs that lasted over hundreds of years." This perspective invites listeners to reconsider the centralized power of modern democracy and its impact on individual freedom.
The conversation turns to the Christian principle of "No King but Christ," urging believers to prioritize divine authority over earthly institutions. Jeb and Craig explore how this idea can guide Christians in navigating the complexities of government, emphasizing that no human institution should dictate one's life if it contradicts Christ's teachings.
Jeb also critiques the modern education system, describing it as a tool for creating compliant citizens rather than fostering independent thinkers. He warns, "If people have no solid foundation and no roots running deep in the soil, they can be easily swept off by the current agenda of the day." This analysis encourages listeners to examine the influences shaping their beliefs and actions.
As the discussion unfolds, Jeb challenges the effectiveness of libertarianism within the current political framework, quoting Lysander Spooner: "Under democracy, a man finds himself inspired by a government that he cannot resist, a government that forces him to pay money, render service, and forego the exercise of many of his natural rights under peril and weighty punishment." This critique invites listeners to question whether true liberty can be achieved through existing political structures.
Tune in on your favorite podcast player as Jeb unpacks these provocative ideas and shares insights from his book, "Missing: What Americans Get Wrong about Monarchy, Democracy, Feudalism, and Liberty." The dialogue not only questions the status quo but also offers a perspective on the intersection of faith, governance, and education. This episode is sure to pique your curiosity and inspire you to reflect on the principles that should guide our Christian lives.
Connect with Jeb Smith:
Amazon Author Page
Fanmail and Hate male via email: jackson18611096@gmail.com
Episode Timestamps:
(1:08) Jeb's Background
Jeb shares his upbringing in Vermont within a Christian family
his initial rejection of faith due to unanswered questions
His journey through atheism, influenced by secular education, eventually led him back to Christianity through apologetics and creationist literature.
Jeb describes his political journey from a conservative American Christian to a libertarian,
(5:18) Influence of Tolkien and Historical Insights
Jeb's admiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's works, which incorporate anarchist and libertarian themes, inspired him to explore Anglo-Saxon history.
His research revealed a libertarian and anarchist form of governance in pre-conquest England, challenging modern perceptions of monarchy.
(8:12) Identity and Labels
Craig and Jeb discuss the complexity of political and religious labels
importance of individual thought and the limitations of labels in capturing the nuances of personal beliefs
(9:25) Christianity and Politics
critiques the conflation of Christianity with political figures like Trump
dangers of aligning faith with political agendas
importance of separating religious beliefs from political identities to maintain the integrity of Christian teachings
(11:01) The Dangers of Political Allegiance
How political allegiance can distort Christian values
need for Christians to prioritize their faith over political affiliations to avoid being swayed by partisan agendas
universal appeal of Jesus' teachings, which transcend religious boundaries and resonate with people of various beliefs.
(14:24) Western Christianity's Challenges
divergence between Western and Eastern Christianity
influence of cultural and political factors on the practice of Christianity in the West
(15:46) Breaking Free from Political Labels
liberation found in stepping away from political affiliations
importance of independent thought and the benefits of viewing issues from multiple perspectives.
(19:06) The Power of Discourse
value of honest conversations beyond political divides is highlighted
role of media in shaping public opinion and the need for critical engagement with information sources are discussed.
tracing the influence of media and propaganda back to the 14th century and its impact on public perception.
(22:01) Voluntarism and Anarchism
The nuances between voluntarism and anarchism
appeal of decentralized governance as seen in medieval times
(25:11) Medieval Governance and Libertarianism
Jeb delves into the libertarian aspects of medieval kingship
decentralized power and laws were derived from longstanding customs
voluntary nature of medieval societies is contrasted with modern centralized governments, offering insights into historical governance models.
(30:36) The Role of Kings in Medieval Society
The limited power of medieval kings is examined, challenging modern perceptions of monarchy as inherently oppressive.
The king's role as a protector and upholder of law, rather than a ruler, is discussed, highlighting the community-driven nature of medieval governance.
(35:13) Decentralization and Self-Government
benefits of decentralized governance
(39:45) Abortion and Government Involvement
The role of government in moral issues like abortion
importance of cultural and educational influences over legislation.
Jeb and Craig advocate for a society where moral decisions are guided by personal beliefs and community values rather than government mandates.
(43:24) Rebellion Against Tyranny
The medieval perspective on resisting tyrannical rulers
importance of prioritizing divine law over human authority
power of collective disobedience in challenging unjust laws and the role of faith in guiding moral actions
(45:51) Education and Indoctrination
The critique of modern education systems as tools for conformity
emphasis on the need for independent judgment and critical thinking
The role of education in shaping societal values and obedience
(54:18) Democracy and Totalitarianism
The inherent progression of democracies towards totalitarianism
limitations of conservative and libertarian values within a democratic system
challenges of maintaining individual freedoms and resisting the centralization of power are
(59:09) Libertarianism and Political Realities
limitations of libertarianism within the current political framework
need for decentralization to truly achieve libertarian ideals
importance of allowing diverse communities to coexist, each with its own set of values and governance structures
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