Stephen Wolfe: CN Civil Law Q&A

Old Paths Podcast

S2E11—Stephen Wolfe: CN Civil Law Q&A

Benjamin, Michael, & Cody are joined again by Stephen Wolfe, this time to discuss some of the material from his book, The Case for Christian Nationalism, specifically chapter 6 on the topic of civil law. Michael gives a brief update on his OPC situation.

Highlights:

• Why has this chapter not had as much interest as others?
• What is the relationship between civil law and natural law?
• Is it possible for secular liberals or libertarians to affirm Stephen's position?
• Do we need to oppose individuality and collectivity?
• Would Owen Strachan approve of Stephen's use of Cicero?
• James Lindsay vs. R. L. Dabney.
• How is this material both intellectually and experientially satisfying?
• Does the magistrate have power to touch the conscience?
• What is the danger of the magistrate being prudentially minded?
• Is the magistrate forbidden from any interest in the souls of his people?
• Can the Christian Prince use civil power to facilitate religion and spiritual good?
• Is Stephen saying anything new here, or can we find this in men like Thomas Cartwright?
• Why does the magistrate punish heresy or blasphemy?
• What can we learn from the way people treat "racists"?
• Does the shifting national expression of Old Covenant Israel suggest that the judicial law is universally applicable?
• What are some of the weaknesses of theonomy?
• Has Stephen's opinion of theonomists changed since writing his book?
• What does Stephen think about some of the civil problems in Canada?
• Is there a sharp distinction between revolution and civil resistance?
• What are the books that Stephen is working on?