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Welcome to This Special Bonus Episode originally posted on Patreon in April 2025.

Today, I'm thrilled to present a special extra-long bonus episode I have called "Can We Build a Bridge to Heaven." This episode dives into a conversation I have been having with myself that spans philosophy, theology, and political history, groups I have been attending these last 4+ years, it even touches on modern technology. Exploring some of the important questions of our time, including how artificial intelligence, art, ancient wisdom, and the Christian faith intersect in our world today.

Please remember this is what is defined as a 'Christian Apologetic,' Something that exists to be read or heard by secular unbelievers, asking them to consider the Christian and biblical viewpoint on such things. I hope it inspires anyone who reads it or hears it to reflect on these important questions and seek wisdom in their own faith journey. I you would like me to post a complete transcript. Direct message me.

Enjoy the episode!

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For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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This episode was originally released as a Patreon-only bonus episode on the 5th of March 2025.

Episode Summary:

In this special bonus episode, I explore the political thought of Hannah Arendt—particularly her seminal work The Origins of Totalitarianism—from a biblical and theological perspective. Arendt’s analysis of 20th-century totalitarianism is as relevant today as ever, but what happens when we place her ideas alongside the timeless truths of Scripture?

We begin with a look back at the philosophical split between Plato’s “contemplative life” and the “active life” exemplified by Socrates and Aristotle. Arendt's critique of Western philosophy’s retreat from political engagement opens up rich questions for Christians: Is our faith a private, introspective affair—or a public, active witness?

Drawing from The Origins of Totalitarianism and The Human Condition, this episode reflects on:

• The spiritual and moral roots of totalitarian regimes
• The dangers of ideological conformity and the erosion of personal responsibility
• The biblical understanding of action, identity, and community
• The importance of grounding public and political life in divine truth

We also examine Arendt’s critique of Enlightenment thought, her categories of Labor, Work, and Action, and how they hold up against a biblical vision of human purpose and flourishing.

Key Themes:

• Faith in Action: Christianity is not merely a contemplative retreat—it calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13–16).
• The Heart of the Problem: Totalitarianism is ultimately a manifestation of humanity’s fallen nature, not just failed politics.
• Identity in Christ: Unlike Arendt’s political anthropology, the Bible teaches that identity is found not through action alone but in relationship with God (Genesis 1:27, Galatians 3:26).
• Political Systems and the Gospel: Both capitalism and Marxism fall short of the biblical vision for justice, mercy, and dignity.
• True Freedom: Jesus declares, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)—a freedom deeper than political liberation.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 5:13–16
• John 8:32
• Genesis 1:27
• 1 John 4:8
• Matthew 4:4
• Matthew 6:19–20
• Micah 6:8
• Acts 2:44–45
• Galatians 3:26

Featured Thinkers:

• Hannah Arendt – Political theorist known for her works on totalitarianism, authority, and the nature of political life.
• Plato & Socrates – Contrasting visions of philosophy and public life.
• Stanley Milgram – Psychologist whose experiments reveal the dangers of blind obedience.

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

This episode was originally released as a Patreon only episode in March 2025 as a reaction to the first meeting in the Oval Office between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Summary:

Throughout history, political thinkers have sought to understand the nature of power, war, and human ambition. The question I ask, having been exposed to the writings of three important works of political philosophy, is, but do their insights align with biblical wisdom?

In this special bonus episode, I examine three foundational works of political thought—Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, and Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations. By exploring these texts, I believe we uncover the patterns that have shaped human history and I compare them to the teachings of Scripture, asking what they reveal about the fallen nature of humanity and God’s vision for justice, peace, and righteous leadership.

Join us as we navigate these works, wrestle with their implications, and seek to apply biblical truth to our understanding of politics and power.

Episode Notes

Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War

• Written in the 5th century BC, Thucydides’ work is one of the first analytical histories, focusing on power, human nature, and realpolitik.
• Key themes: war, empire, morality of power, and the nature of justice in international relations.
• The Melian Dialogue exemplifies political realism: “The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.”
• Christian Perspective: Thucydides’ bleak view contrasts with biblical teachings on justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5).

Carl von Clausewitz’s On War

• Written in the early 19th century, this work explores the philosophy of war, strategy, and the nature of conflict.
• Key ideas: war as an extension of politics, the unpredictability of war (fog of war), and the role of passion, policy, and uncertainty.
• Christian Perspective: Clausewitz’s pragmatic approach often ignores moral constraints. While war is a reality of a fallen world, Christian teachings call for peacemaking (Matthew 5:9) and emphasize justice over mere strategic success.

Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations

• A foundational text in international relations (1948), advocating political realism—the idea that international politics is driven by power and self-interest.
• Key themes: the balance of power, national interest, and the anarchic nature of the international system.
• Christian Perspective: While Morgenthau correctly diagnoses human self-interest, he neglects the possibility of

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com