Excursions Into Libertarian Thought

Smith contrasts the modern secular approach to private property with the traditional Christian theory.Originally published in essay form on September 25, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does the modern libertarian movement have any significant similarities to the early Christian movement? George H. Smith explores this intriguing possibility.Originally published in essay form on September 18, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith discusses the traditional Christian theory of private property and how it was viewed as the result of original sin.Originally published in essay form on September 11, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Was Jean Meslier a communist? George H. Smith explores this tricky issue.Originally published in essay form on September 4, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith critically examines the claim that Jean Meslier was a communist anarchist.Originally published in essay form on August 21, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains Jean Meslier’s three major objections to Christian morality, as taught by Jesus.Originally published in essay form on August 14, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the role of the Catholic Church in the French government, and how Jean Meslier reconciled his atheism with his role as a priest.Originally published in essay form on August 7, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains some of the libertarian ideas of Jean Meslier, the notorious atheist-priest.Originally published in essay form on July 31, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith criticizes some features of Benedict Spinoza’s political theory, especially his theory of rights.Originally published in essay form on July 24, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the fundamentals of Benedict Spinoza’s theory of rights and government.Originally published in essay form on July 17, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith continues his discussion of Benedict Spinoza by explaining how he defended freedom of religion and speech.Originally published in essay form on July 10, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains why Benedict Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise became one of the most scandalous books ever published.Originally published in essay form on May 29, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith discusses Benedict Spinoza’s controversial ideas about God, religion, and his criticism of the Design Argument.Originally published in essay form on May 22, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains Francis Bacon’s defense of certainty and his contributions to a secular worldview.Originally published in essay form on May 15, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pyrrhonic skepticism had a tremendous influence on religious debates in post-Reformation Europe.Originally published in essay form on May 1, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the political implications of the deistic repudiation of special revelation and miracles.Originally published in essay form on April 24, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the controversial arguments of the deist John Toland, as defended in Christianity not Mysterious.Originally published in essay form on April 17, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains why Edward Gibbon rejected miraculous accounts in his masterpiece, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.Originally published in essay form on April 10, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the basic tenets of deism and why it posed a political threat.Originally published in essay form on March 27, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

George H. Smith explains the origins of deism and its basic ideas.Originally published in essay form on March 20, 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.