You Can Bank on Bahnsen

With inflation increasing and the prospect of recession making headlines, David Bahnsen returns to the ...

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With inflation increasing and the prospect of recession making headlines, David Bahnsen returns to the Remnant to answer a pressing question: How should conservatives approach economic policy? It’s an ultra-wonky conversation that also touches on common errors made by media outlets in their economic coverage and the relationship between moral and economic well being. Plus, tune in to find out which nefarious supervillain organization David secretly funds.

Show Notes:

– David’s webpage

– David’s Capital Record podcast

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Comments (31)
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  1. Ron Croxton

    When Bahnsen said $20 trillion in spending over the last three presidencys didnt cause inflation but $2 trillion under Biden did doesn't make sense, I had to stop the playback to applaud.
    When the real world contradicts your college economics textbook, you don't try to argue the real world must be wrong.

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    Andrea Leane

    I highly enjoyed this podcast. I always do, but this was even more enjoyable. I hope he makes another visit soon.

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  3. Joesyrup

    A big fan of The Remnant, but Bahnsen episodes are always a let down. Cut through the gentle shilling for his financial planning business and you arrive at a grab bag of incoherent economic theory that picks and chooses from Milton Friedman to suit the moment - It seems as though the host has forgotten that in a prior episode Bahnsen completely blew the inflation call. Why should we listen to him now? Also - while I expect Jonah to call a loan with a 20% down payment a 5 to 1 loan even though it is a 4 to 1 loan (80% is four times 20%), it is kind of surprising when the so-called expert says a loan with 33% down is a 3 to 1 loan. Oooops.

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  4. JAMES TYRONE

    Jonah, didn’t you say there’d be info on Naples on the episode website? I don’t see it.

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  5. Derek Roth

    Big fan of the podcast and I get excited when a discussion of finance and theology shows up in one place. I've heard Jonah articulate the Weber thesis a couple times now but I just don't buy it. I don't believe you will find any evidence that Calvin or the later reformers taught that wealth or economic success is a source of assurance. You also won't find that in any protestant confession (Westminster Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, etc.). Reformers, including Calvin, would have urged believers to find assurance in the gospel, specifically communicated through the sacraments (baptism and lord's supper). Out of that assurance, protestants go and fulfill their vocations. All that to say, protestants should have a good work ethic not to gain assurance but out of gratitude.

    On an unrelated note, I've noticed discussions on Christian nationalism keep coming up. There seems to be a lot of confusion on the topic with protestants both embracing and distancing themselves from the term. If you want a podcast that dozens of people will love, you could bring on Michael Horton, a theologian who has been focused on the topic. He is friends with Ben Sasse, so probably an easy connection to make.

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  6. Jdort05

    Bahnsen's last few minutes on human flourishing could be a whole podcast. I propose a new BBB. The Bring Back Bahnsen Act. All in favor say 'aye'.

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      Anne W (Raw5254)

      I would have liked to hear more about that, as well.

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  7. Joseph Stevens

    I take issue with the 10 year treasury assumed to be a rough estimate of inflation long term. The fed through their decade or so of QE have completely manipulated that rate. Not to mention how many other countries are buyers of our debt based on their own manipulative practices. But the fed couldn’t possibly let that rate jump because then Congress couldn’t pass ridiculous amounts of spending and finance it with real negative interest rates. Just my two cents.

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    Kevin Johnson

    I guess my own incomprehension should be my first guess when there is a problem. Useful reminder from a wise source. I’m sure my new humility will last…
    Until next time. Thanks much.

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      CynthiaW

      I think you're correct that Jonah and David Bahnsen diverge in their approaches to such an extent that they talk past one another fairly often. Jonah, in my opinion, has only the vaguest notion of nonconformist Protestant theology, for example!

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        Kevin Johnson

        Wow, you gently point out ANOTHER area of my ignorance…albeit putting me in giant company.

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          CynthiaW

          Ooops, I didn't mean to. It's kind of a fringe interest unless one is David Bahnsen!

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            Anne W (Raw5254)

            I got a little lost, too. In fact, I got a little lost several times. It’s one where I need to concentrate. But, there are so many things I’m ignorant about, and always admire your scope.

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            Kevin Johnson

            Wisdom escaping randomly. Could be new TD tee shirt

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    Joel Stewart

    I freely admit that a lot of the economic talk flies right over my head, but I loved the theological connections David discussed toward the end. I was disappointed that you weren't able to get the discussion of "Christian nationalism", but hopefully he can come back to give his views on that topic another time.

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    Kevin Johnson

    Good one. I would encourage you to get David to repeat his specific prescriptions tied to his analysis of how we’re totally under performing on economic growth. His analysis seems clear and then soon after I forget the link to what we as a society and government are, and are not, doing to cause this or let it happen. Not at all too wonky, I think, but best use of your varied talents could be for you to keep getting him back to concrete policy implications. I am not criticizing, since you do do this. But David swims in a different intellectual stream and sometimes doesn’t excel and translating to the rest of us. If I were really worried I could go to his own products, of course. Just sharing, which is easier! Thanks.

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      CynthiaW

      " ... get David to repeat his specific prescriptions ..."

      You could listen to the podcast again!

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        Anne W (Raw5254)

        Exactly what I need to do!

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