Reformed Political Theology with Pastor James Baird, PCA
From Kingdom Polemics by Kingdom Polemics - Your Host: Aldo Leon
February 20, 2026 · 1h 42m
About this episode
Aldo Leon and Pastor James Baird discuss Reformed political theology and its implications for government and religion in America.
In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, Aldo Leon sits down with Pastor James Baird (PCA) for a wide-ranging and candid discussion on Reformed political theology, the American founding, the spirituality of the church, and the ongoing debate surrounding Christian nationalism. Drawing deeply from the Westminster Standards, American Presbyterian history, and classic Protestant political thought, they explore what it actually means to say that "government must promote true religion"—and whether that claim is truly un-American. This conversation engages contemporary critiques (including Kevin DeYoung's five questions), the PCA study committee on Christian Nationalism, and the historical record of early America. Throughout, Aldo and James challenge the assumption of neutrality in civil government and argue that classic Protestant political theology is far more robust—and far more American—than many assume. Highlights & Key Discussion Points: Why James Baird wrote his book to "his former self" and how wrestling through objections shaped his convictions about civil government and true religion. The core thesis: government must promote true religion—and why this is…
People in this episode
Host: Aldo Leon
Guest: James Baird
Topics covered
- Reformed political theology
- Christian nationalism
- American founding
- spirituality of the church
- covenant theology
- neutrality in civil government
Keywords
- Reformed theology
- Christian nationalism
- American history
- civil government
- true religion
- Westminster Standards
- PCA
- covenant theology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: PCA
Books & works: Westminster Standards, Kevin DeYoung, R2K
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