Скачать или смотреть Religion, Violence & Liberty: A Conversation w/ Loren Dean, Chairman California Libertarian Party

Religion, Violence & Liberty: A Conversation with Loren Dean, Chairman of the California Libertarian Party


Dr. Roger Cohen sits down with Loren Dean — Chairman of the California Libertarian Party and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — for a fascinating class guest lecture on religion, violence, and the pursuit of peace.
Loren offers a rare and compelling dual perspective: a devout Mormon and committed libertarian who sees his faith and his politics as deeply intertwined. In this conversation, he explores what his religious beliefs teach about free will, morality, and the use of force — and how those beliefs shaped his libertarian philosophy.
Topics covered include:

The LDS (Mormon) view of Earth as a "classroom" for moral growth and free will
The history of state-sanctioned religious violence against Latter-day Saints, including Missouri's 1838 Extermination Order — which remained on the books until the 1970s
What LDS scripture (Doctrine & Covenants, Section 98) actually teaches about pacifism, self-defense, and proportional response
The Libertarian Non-Aggression Principle and how it mirrors religious ethics of non-violence
Why making politics your religion is dangerous — and why so many people do it without realizing it
How Californians can build genuine religious pluralism and peaceful coexistence

Loren closes with a powerful message for students: "You own you." Personal sovereignty, mutual respect, and the recognition that everyone has a right to their own beliefs — faith, property, and self — are the foundation for a kinder, less violent society.

🎓 This interview was recorded as part of a university course on religion and violence.

📌 Learn more about the Libertarian Party of California at: ca.lp.org

📖 LDS Scriptures referenced in this video are freely available at: churchofjesuschrist.org