By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Church and State.

What does a libertarian Lutheran activist have in common with a city council member proposing a Second Amendment sanctuary? Both see a historic duty to stand up to government overreach, and both are willing to turn that belief into concrete action.

Spokane Valley’s Sanctuary Proposal

Councilman Caleb Collier introduced a motion for Spokane Valley to issue a proclamation declaring the city a Second Amendment sanctuary. While the transcript does not detail the final vote, Collier’s enthusiasm was clear: “I’m proposing that the city of Spokane Valley issue a proclamation stating that our city is a Second Amendment sanctuary city.” The proposal reflects a growing trend among local jurisdictions to affirm gun‑rights protections amid state‑level regulatory pressure.

Spike Cohen, identified in the conversation as a “2020 vice presidential bronze medalist,” expressed support for the initiative, noting the broader significance of asserting constitutional rights at the municipal level. He linked the sanctuary effort to a larger movement of citizens reclaiming authority from what he described as “alphabet agencies” that “harass the people and eat out their substance.”

The Lesser Magistrate Doctrine Revisited

The dialogue turned to the theological foundation that underpins many libertarian Christians’ political activism: the lesser magistrate doctrine. “Protestants… have been operating from this lesser magistrate doctrine of saying that, yes, we are to submit to the governing authorities when the governing authorities act in such a way that it is tyrannical and harmful to us.” The doctrine was traced back to Martin Luther, noting that Luther believed a “lesser magistrate can… stop the greater magistrate” when the latter oversteps its authority.

Both guests agreed that the Declaration of Independence embodied this principle, effectively flipping the hierarchy by declaring the people themselves as the greater magistrate. While Collier admitted Luther might have called modern libertarians “anarchists,” he emphasized that the doctrine remains a potent justification for civil resistance against unjust laws.

You Are The Power: Defending Families Against State Overreach

Spike Cohen highlighted his organization, You Are The Power, which “protects people against abuse by state and local government officials.” The group’s focus includes defending parents falsely accused of child abuse, challenging eminent‑domain seizures, and overturning wrongful criminal charges. Cohen cited a striking success rate: “We have processed over 2,000 cases in the last three years. We’ve lost one time.”

He described how many accusations stem from medical conditions—such as Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome—or surgical complications that are misinterpreted as abuse. The resulting interventions often separate families, restrict parental communication, and place children into a “child protective industrial complex” that profits from prolonged foster‑care placements. Cohen argued that restoring these families not only corrects injustice but also builds public momentum for legislative reforms, citing recent successes in Florida and Georgia.

From Theology to Policy: A Blueprint for Local Action

The conversation underscored how faith‑based libertarian activism can translate theological concepts into concrete policy measures. By invoking the lesser magistrate doctrine, activists like Cohen and elected officials like Collier find a moral framework that justifies local ordinances—such as sanctuary proclamations—and legal challenges to state agencies.

Both guests stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization. Cohen encouraged listeners to “reread the Declaration of Independence” and recognize the historical precedent for resisting tyrannical authority. Collier, meanwhile, hinted at further steps for Spokane Valley, suggesting that a sanctuary proclamation could serve as a catalyst for broader state‑level reforms.

Broader Implications for Faith‑Based Liberty Movements

The dialogue between Collier and Cohen illustrates a growing intersection of faith, libertarianism, and local governance. As more municipalities consider sanctuary measures and as organizations like You Are The Power continue to challenge state interventions, the legacy of the lesser magistrate doctrine may find renewed relevance in contemporary American politics.

Whether these efforts will reshape national discourse on gun rights, child‑protective policies, or broader civil liberties remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that a blend of historical theology and modern activism is energizing a new wave of local leaders determined to safeguard individual freedoms against perceived governmental overreach.

The full episode of Church and State is available on OBBM Network TV.