Battling Toxic Altruism for True Joy | EP 100

Episode Summary
In this milestone Episode 100 of Tearing Down High Places, hosts Average Joe and Pastor Jeff Kliewer celebrate with returning guest Cody Libolt for part two of his book "Redeeming the West." The episode kicks off with reflections on the podcast's journey, subscriber goals, and strategies for growth across platforms like YouTube and social media. The core discussion dives into combating "pathological altruism" – a mindset of self-sacrifice for its own sake that leads to hypocrisy, burnout, and moral failings. Drawing from philosophy (Kant, Comte), biblical insights (Romans 1, 2 Timothy 3), and real-life examples, Cody advocates for "holy self-interest," where pursuing personal joy and stewardship aligns with loving God and others. Topics include the dangers of duty-based morality, influences on church thinking, and connections to broader issues like collectivism and cultural subversion. The episode ends with teasers for part three on individualism vs. collectivism.
Digestible Show Notes
1. Celebrating Episode 100 and Podcast Growth (0:00 - 15:00)
• Hosts reflect on 100 episodes, crediting guest Cody Libolt for thought-provoking content.
• Discussion on subscriber milestones: Currently at 1,979 on YouTube; goal to reach 2,000 by month's end and double to 4,000 by end of 2026.
• Stats shared: 216,000 total YouTube views, strong performance on shorts (e.g., 979 views on a Black Lives Matter clip despite low impressions, indicating organic sharing).
• Tips for audience engagement: Share content, follow on Facebook page, Instagram (@tdhplaces), and Pinterest (@realtdhp).
• Cody shares his social media success strategies: Consistent posting (4-5 times/day via Buffer), memes on politics/Christianity, allowing debates in comments, and targeted Facebook ads for "escape velocity" in reach.
2. Introduction to Part Two of "Redeeming the West" (15:00 - 25:00)
• Cody outlines the section: "Combating Arbitrary Duty: Altruism vs. Holy Self-Interest."
• Defines pathological altruism as self-sacrifice as a moral duty, contrasting it with genuine generosity.
• Examples: Political policies favoring outsiders over citizens (e.g., open borders, Cloward-Piven strategy); church teachings shaming profit or self-care.
• Biblical balance: Treasures in heaven don't negate earthly blessings; scriptures promise joy from stewardship.
3. Philosophical Influences and Biblical Critique (25:00 - 40:00)
• Impact of Immanuel Kant: Separated faith/reason and duty from rational self-interest, leading to blind obedience.
• Auguste Comte's "altruism" (other-ism) as a religious view requiring sacrifice for its own sake.
• Romans 1: Moral knowledge comes from observation of creation, not innate; conscience develops through logic and experience.
• Contrast with modern translations twisting terms like "selfish ambition" from original meanings of strife.
4. Dangers of Pathological Altruism and Holy Self-Interest (40:00 - 55:00)
• Leads to hypocrisy, burnout, and sin (e.g., pastors justifying affairs as "coping" after selfless service).
• Holy self-interest: Love yourself as you love others (Eph. 5); pursue joy in God and personal stewardship.
• Parallels to John Piper's Christian hedonism and C.S. Lewis's warnings against settling for lesser pleasures.
• Maturity levels: From "me-monster" selfishness to duty-bound altruism, to integrated value-orientation benefiting self and others.
5. Practical Implications and Cultural Warnings (55:00 - 1:10:00)
• In relationships/jobs: Avoid pretense; be honest about motivations for authenticity.
• Critique of "big Eva" figures (e.g., Tim Keller, Russell Moore) promoting collectivism, linked to globalist agendas (World Economic Forum, one-world government).
• Defense of capitalism: Moral/economic justifications; resources like David Bahnsen's works.
• Teaser for part three: Collectivism vs. individualism in churches and society.
6. Closing and Call to Action (1:10:00 - End)
• Where to buy: Amazon for "Redeeming the West" (leave a verified review).
• Cody's site: ChristianIntellectual.com for updates.
• Invitation for listener questions: [email protected].
• Final thoughts on resisting cultural subversion through faithful remnant living.

Cody's book on Amazon -
https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-West-Christian-Defense-Individualism/dp/B0FYJ5CT9J

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