Jacob Buscher

Cutting The Gordian Knot

Religion EN ↓ 237 episodes

Lighthearted and informative commentary on theological, philosophical, societal, and economic topics all from a Catholic perspective.

Author

Jacob Buscher

Category

Religion

Podcast website

www.thegordianknot.org

Latest episode

Apr 21, 2026

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Episodes

Just War 21.04.2026

Just War. All episode.

God: The Science & The Evidence W/ Olivier Bonnassies 18.02.2026

Copernicus, Darwin, and Freud once convinced the world that science made God obsolete. Olivier Bonnassies argues that modern physics—from the Big Bang to DNA complexity—has triggered a "Great Reversal," turning science into the ultimate ally of theism and rendering materialism an irrational belief.

Hell & A Good God? w/ David Larson 23.01.2026

There is a real tension between the popular conception of Hell and the the reality of a good God. David and I go back and forth with ways that a Catholic can stay within orthodoxy while resolving the tension.

In Defense of Catholic Zionism 18.11.2025

Summary In this in-depth episode, Jake addresses the critical issues surrounding antisemitism, supersessionism, and the theological relationship between Judaism and Christianity. He argues against antisemitism, emphasizing the Jewish people's covenantal relationship with God and their status as elder brothers in faith. The discussion includes a rejection of supersessionism, affirming that the...

The Best Argument Against Catholicism 29.09.2025

I try 7 different ways to answer the objection and hopefully help protestants deal with a puzzle of their own.

The Theological Blueprint for Constraining AI Super-intelligence 11.09.2025

There is already a Malevolent Super intelligence that wants to destroy everything.... But it hasn't. Why? What things constrain Satan and how can be model this in the AI realm. Super intelligence going rouge is like the oldest problem in the book. So lets crack open the book.

The Bayesian Case for Mary’s Assumption 25.08.2025

I get it. It seems crazy at first. However, when all the arguments are on the table you might be surprised how your mind may change.

"Philosophy of AI" With Mathew Advent 12.08.2025

We swerve dystopian at times, venture into the optimistic, delve into the philosophical, and come to interesting conclusions about knowledge, rationality, consciousness, and more.

Bitcoin vs Fiat: Setting the Record Straight 05.08.2025

In this episode, Jake explores the ongoing debate between fiat currency and Bitcoin, delving into the history of money, the mechanics of fractional reserve banking, and the implications of inflation and deflation. He discusses the role of the Federal Reserve, the advantages and disadvantages of different monetary systems, and ultimately critiques Bitcoin as a viable alternative to traditional curr...

The Theological Case For Evolution (& Mail Bag) 28.07.2025

4ish reasons that Evolution makes more Theological sense.

The Psychology of our Politics 22.07.2025

The book, "The Righteous Mind" came out in 2012 what has changed since then? How to conservatives view the world differently and how to we effectively speak to each?

The Biggest Economic Sin 14.07.2025

 Jake discusses the pervasive issue of government redistribution as a significant economic sin. He explores the moral implications of wealth redistribution, emphasizing the principle of subsidiarity, the nature of justice, and the role of inequality in society. Jake argues for the importance of private property and the need to address the root causes of poverty, advocating for a redesign of curren...

Is Eating Organic a Sin? 07.07.2025

In this episode, Jake explores the provocative question of whether eating organic is a sin, delving into broader themes of superstition, gluttony, rash judgment, and the importance of prudence in our food choices. Drawing on the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, he emphasizes the need for a reasoned approach to health and nutrition, cautioning against fear-based decisions and the pitfalls of assigning...

7 Problems That Markets Can Fix 29.06.2025

In this episode, Jake discusses seven innovative market-based solutions to various societal issues, including immigration, education financing, organ sales, traffic management, environmental conservation, and housing development. He proposes a bidding system for immigration that incentivizes quality entrants, a shift from debt to equity financing in education, the legalization of organ sales to al...

Laws vs Principles / Stock Market Morality Questions 23.06.2025

In this episode, Jake explores the concept of bottom-up virtue, contrasting it with top-down moral reasoning. He discusses the importance of biblical laws in shaping virtue and how small actions can have significant impacts. The conversation also delves into practical applications of virtue in everyday life, including interactions with cashiers and the ethics of investing. A mailbag question promp...

Taleb & Catholic Social Teaching W/ Brian Curran 16.06.2025

Brian and I chat about Black swans, Randomness, Risk management strategies and all the while... the Catholic Faith and how it dovetails with the thought of one of our favorite economic thinkers.

Pope Francis vs JD Vance Immigration Face-Off 18.02.2025

We talk about the, "ordo amoris", what the Church teaches on immigration, and how Pope Francis actually wrote a pretty solid letter to the bishops.

St. Augustine's Sermon on Samson 14.01.2025

Samson, in his own unique and often confusing way, pictures Christ's life to an extraordinary extent. In this episode we clarify a few quick points made in last episode, finish up the story of Samson, and reflect on St Augustine's sermon on Samson.

Michael Knowles Vs Charlie Kirk Debate Review (less terrible audio version) 08.01.2025

In this episode, Jake reviews a debate between Michael Knowles and Charlie Kirk, focusing on the Catholic faith, the significance of the Eucharist, the role of Mary, and the authority of the Pope. He critiques Knowles' arguments and emphasizes the importance of understanding Catholic doctrine, particularly regarding transubstantiation and the sacraments. The conversation also touches on the nature...

What You Must Prove to Be Protestant (& Mailbag) 30.12.2024

Jake discusses the essential requirements for being a Protestant, emphasizing the need for legitimate pastoral authority, the historical context of Protestantism, and the importance of grounding beliefs in scripture and early church teachings. He critiques the simplification of doctrine and the implications of denial in faith, ultimately urging listeners to seek authentic Christianity rooted in hi...

11 Non-Murderous Solutions to America's Heathcare System 22.12.2024

In this episode, Jake discusses the current state of the healthcare system in the U.S., addressing misconceptions about healthcare companies, profit margins, and the inefficiencies caused by government regulations. He proposes 11 non-murderous solutions to improve the system, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, competition, and the need for a more rational approach to healthcare...

Discussing Private Property with Fr. Brad Elliott 08.12.2024

Austrian Economics, Catholic Social Teaching and much more comes up as we discuss the role and moral basis of private property rights.

A Deep Dive into Aquinas's 3rd way (Contingency) W/ Noah Chappell 02.12.2024

We cover every objection we can think of. We trace the roots of the argument through Jewish, Pagan, and Islamic thinkers. Not only that we think we ironed out some language shifts, and we also think that we sorted out a bit of the why behind Aquinas's version of the argument. Its a long episode but we had fun digging into this wonderful argument for God.

Dr. Vance Ginn on Market Based Immigration 16.11.2024

Former Chief Economist of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, Vance Ginn joins the show to chat about immigration and how a market approach will make all of us better off. You can find his Podcast, "Let People Prosper" in the following links: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-people-prosper/id1639806532 https://open.spotify.com/show/3tzOSVMDF1FoUNW09x1IPC?si=352687a0bd594ebd

The Christian Response to Haunted Houses 09.11.2024

Fr. Barton and I discuss hauntings and other such phenomenons just in time for everyone to have forgotten about Halloween.

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