Cutting The Gordian Knot podcast artwork

PODCAST · religion

Cutting The Gordian Knot

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

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 22, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 237

    Just War

    Just War. All episode.

  2. 236

    God: The Science & The Evidence W/ Olivier Bonnassies

    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.

  3. 235

    Hell & A Good God? w/ David Larson

    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.

  4. 234

    In Defense of Catholic Zionism

    SummaryIn 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 gifts and calling of God to Israel are irrevocable. The episode also explores the role of the Magisterium in shaping contemporary Jewish-Christian relations and the significance of the land promise to Israel, highlighting the historical return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. In this conversation, Jake explores the theological foundations of the land promise, emphasizing its shared nature between Jews and Christians. He discusses the covenant's significance, the implications of anti-Semitism, and the Church's moral duty towards the Jewish people. The conversation culminates in a call for reconciliation and the recognition of Israel's role in salvation history, advocating for a Catholic Zionism that prioritizes covenantal theology over political considerations.

  5. 233

    The Best Argument Against Catholicism

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

  6. 232

    The Theological Blueprint for Constraining AI Super-intelligence

    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.

  7. 231

    The Bayesian Case for Mary’s Assumption

    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.

  8. 230

    "Philosophy of AI" With Mathew Advent

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

  9. 229

    Bitcoin vs Fiat: Setting the Record Straight

    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 currency. Through a detailed analysis, he aims to clarify misconceptions about fiat currency and highlight the complexities of modern economic systems.

  10. 228

    The Theological Case For Evolution (& Mail Bag)

    4ish reasons that Evolution makes more Theological sense.

  11. 227

    The Psychology of our Politics

    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?

  12. 226

    The Biggest Economic Sin

     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 current redistribution policies to promote virtue and community engagement... or something like that.

  13. 225

    Is Eating Organic a Sin?

    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 undue worth to certain practices. Ultimately, he advocates for a grateful attitude towards the abundance of food available to us, reminding listeners of the goodness of creation.

  14. 224

    7 Problems That Markets Can Fix

    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 alleviate shortages, market-driven traffic solutions, intelligent environmental resource management, and development dividends to combat NIMBYism in housing. Each solution aims to create a more efficient and equitable society by leveraging market principles.

  15. 223

    Laws vs Principles / Stock Market Morality Questions

    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 prompts a discussion on the moral implications of investing in companies that may not align with one's values, emphasizing the need for discernment in such decisions.

  16. 222

    Taleb & Catholic Social Teaching W/ Brian Curran

    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.

  17. 221

    Pope Francis vs JD Vance Immigration Face-Off

    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.

  18. 220

    St. Augustine's Sermon on Samson

    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.

  19. 219

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

    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 of salvation, the impact of schism, and the need for a living voice in the church. Jake concludes by urging listeners to pray for Pope Francis and to seek a deeper understanding of their faith.

  20. 218

    What You Must Prove to Be Protestant (& Mailbag)

    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 historical continuity and scriptural authority.

  21. 217

    11 Non-Murderous Solutions to America's Heathcare System

    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 spending. The discussion highlights the flaws in the current system and advocates for a shift towards healthcare savings accounts and other market-driven solutions. takeaways Murdering people is not a solution to healthcare issues. Health insurance companies are often wrongly blamed for high costs. The U.S. healthcare system is heavily regulated and not a free market. Competition in healthcare can drive down costs and improve quality. Healthcare savings accounts (HSAs) could revolutionize personal healthcare spending. Government mandates often complicate healthcare delivery. Incentives should align with personal responsibility in healthcare. The current system incentivizes poor lifestyle choices without consequences. Allowing competition for drugs from overseas can lower costs. An end-of-life plan can significantly reduce healthcare spending.

  22. 216

    Discussing Private Property with Fr. Brad Elliott

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

  23. 215

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

    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.

  24. 214

    Dr. Vance Ginn on Market Based Immigration

    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

  25. 213

    The Christian Response to Haunted Houses

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

  26. 212

    6 Useful Spiritual Practices

    In this episode, Jake discusses six spiritual practices that can help individuals grow in their faith and become more connected to God. He emphasizes the importance of penance, shutting off one's imagination, engaging with others, practicing humility, being a good steward of one's responsibilities, and embracing spiritual poverty through forgiveness. Each practice is explored in depth, with insights from saints and practical applications for daily life.

  27. 211

    Mailbag: Worship, Woodchucks, Sacrifice and Art

    Your burning questions answered! If you ever want to reach out just email me at [email protected]

  28. 210

    How Not to Read the Bible

    There is really just one huge thing that will torpedo your ability to get anything out of Scripture and we will talk about how to avoid it.

  29. 209

    What is the FairTax? W/ Steven Hayes

    We dive into the details of the FairTax proposal, discuss the advantages of a consumption tax and address many of the objections that are raise against the FairTax.

  30. 208

    Should a Philosopher Eat Doritos? W/ Pat Flynn

    We start with no topic, hit some moral philosophy and spend most of the time examining trends in health and fitness. Strange I know.

  31. 207

    Is "God" a Particle or Field? Does He Have a Mind or Will?

    I answer 3 listener questions. One about whether God could be a thing in the universe, or the universe as a whole for that matter. A second about why we think God has a mind and will. And finally, we conclude by talking about Hell.

  32. 206

    Grace-Marie Turner on Fixing Healthcare with Free Markets

    Our guest today is the founder of the Galen institute https://galen.org and has advised the White House, the USCCB, and many others on healthcare. She advocates for patient centered healthcare, free-market solutions, and plain 'ole common sense in a sector devoid each.

  33. 205

    Fr. James Dominic Rooney on Integralism

    We contrast Intergralism with Liberalism and trace back the history of each in our discussion.

  34. 204

    Is Usury Still a Thing? W/ Mathew Advent

    Matt and I discuss the morality and the economics behind the tangled and fascinating history of what people call Usury. His paper is worth a read and can be found right here: https://www.academia.edu/122554073/Usury_and_Interest_Forgotten_Contributions_to_the_Thomistic_Tradition

  35. 203

    Are CEO's Paid Too Much?

    The answer? Its quite literally none of my business. We take the Biblical advice to be content with our own wages and go our own way envy free after exploring the topic and figuring out a few reasons for the rise in CEO compensation.

  36. 202

    Interviewing Sal From MindPump

    We talk about connections between faith and fitness and learn about how he came to the faith.

  37. 201

    Should The Government Pay People to Have Kids?

    A lot of countries are doing it in one way or another. Is this a good answer to our population problem? Email me anytime at [email protected]

  38. 200

    Are Tariffs a Good Idea?

    They are now being pushed by the right and the left. Should we embrace tariffs? Or are they a tariffyingly bad idea?

  39. 199

    Judges Part 8: Samson’s riddle

    We talk about his marriage, the time he kills a lion, and the time that he gets married, and then, however, everything goes wrong.

  40. 198

    Judges Part 7: Enter Samson

    The original Jewish warrior monk has one of the most fascinating stories in the Old Testament.

  41. 197

    Judges Part 6: Bad Vows

    We learned the scriptural lesson that one ought not murder their daughter, we read strikingly similar foreign policy issues to today, and end on a depressing note, befitting the overall tone of the book of judges.

  42. 196

    Judges Part 5: Political Philosophy

    We talk about one of my favorite parables in the Bible, see some unexpected Jesus typology, and hear some great ye ole’ political Philosophy

  43. 195

    Freemarkets, Flourishing, & Friendship Interview

    I am interviewed by Denys Damon from the new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_TdfpkjVks We chat about political philosophy, economics and even practical issues of work.

  44. 194

    Judges Part 4: Gideon

    Today we’re looking past a lot of the surface level interpretation, which is typically applied to this excellent story.email me at [email protected]

  45. 193

    Judges Part 3: Deborah and Jael #girlpower

    We are onto one of the more famous parts of judges, the tent peg through the scull part. Email me at [email protected]

  46. 192

    Jack Ryan - Dismantling The Real Estate Cartel

    Jack is the CEO of Rex homes https://www.rexhomes.com and the Author of a new book, bringing Adam Smith into the home: a case against homeownership https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Adam-Smith-into-American/dp/B0CM26DHKR

  47. 191

    Judges Part 2: Fat People, Ox Goads, and the Word of God

    Yep, all that stuff and more. Thanks for joining me on the new series covering all of this outrageous and spectacular book.

  48. 190

    The Worst Arguments for Atheism (And Stronger Replacements)

    Last time we talked about the worst arguments in favor of God. Today today’s episode is kind of the opposite. John’s book pdf: https://www.classicaltheism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Answering-Atheist-Slogans_2.0.pdf reach out to me at [email protected]

  49. 189

    Book of Judges Part 1

    This book has a massive amount to teach us about the ways I which God purifies the Church.

  50. 188

    The Worst Arguments for God (And Ones I Like Instead)

    Many of the most popular arguments for God are terrible. Let’s use ones that actually work.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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

HOSTED BY

Jacob Buscher

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Cutting The Gordian Knot have?

Cutting The Gordian Knot currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Cutting The Gordian Knot about?

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

How often does Cutting The Gordian Knot release new episodes?

Cutting The Gordian Knot has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to Cutting The Gordian Knot on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Cutting The Gordian Knot?

Cutting The Gordian Knot is created and hosted by Jacob Buscher.
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