In Federalist 51, the author asserts that the legislative branch is always the strongest branch in a republic. Why, and is this true? The founders wanted a government that helped people enjoy their liberty, but has the definition of liberty changed? … More American Liberty: How Is It Secured? (Federalist 51 Part 2)
Starting May 19, Dr. Laurie Johnson will host a four-week series on Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics, relevant to moral philosophy and Christian theology. Participants will explore Aristotle’s concepts, their application in modern life, and address potential biases. Registration provides access to live and recorded sessions on Eventbrite and Patreon. … More Explore Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics: A Four-Week Course
The American founders were concerned about one branch of government becoming too powerful and trampling on the freedoms of Americans by suppressing the other branches’ freedom. Here Madison or Hamilton (which one is not clear) discusses how the new constitution tries to reduce the chances of this happening through separation of powers and checks and balances. … More Are Checks and Balances Necessary in the US Constitution? (Federalist 51, Part 1)
I was recently interviewed by Jeffrey Church of the Political Theory Review podcast about my book, The Gap in God’s Country: A Longer View On Our Culture Wars (Wipf & Stock, 2024). … More Interview by Jeffrey Church (Political Theory Review Podcast)
James Madison tried hard to faction-proof the US Constitution, but he did not anticipate the effects of instant media and the massification of modern populations. … More Madison Would Be Surprised — and Disappointed (Federalist 10, Part 4)
Madison devoted the majority of Federalist paper #10 to the dangers of a violent majority faction and corrupt demagogues. In this part of the paper, we see Madison hoping that a large republic will prevent such a faction from existing, or if it exists, will blunt its ability to tyrannize over the rest of the citizens. … More Did Madison Foresee the Demise of Democracy? (Federalist 10, Part 3)
Zech Mickel of the Theology Mill podcast interviewed me on the various idea streams in my new book The Gap in God’s Country: A Longer View On Our Culture Wars. I liked that he asked about those streams in detail: classical conservatism, Marxism, psychology and theology.
On April 7, at 7 p.m. the Maurin Academy will host Dr Eugene McCarraher, author of The Enchantments of Mammon, live on Zoom for Patreon subscribers and guests registered on Eventbrite. Dr. McCarraher will speak on “The Enchantments of Mammon and Techne” as part of the Maurin Academy 2025 speaker series. … More Join Us Live: Eugene McCarraher, “The Enchantments of Mammon and Techne”
Laurie continues her series of Federalist 10 and 51. This is the second video on Federalist 10, heading into how to handle the effects of a violent faction of the majority. … More James Madison Warns Against Violent Majority Factions & Demagogues (Federalist 10, Part 2)
My ongoing monthly Great Books reading group for the Maurin Academy is about to turn to a new reading, “The Grand Inquisitor” by Dostoyevsky, part of the larger The Brothers Karamazov. Our first meeting on it is April 10. You can join this and/or our Dialectic of Enlightenment reading group at the “Trainee” level or … More Great Books–Our Next Read
Political Philosophy 