Comments on: Can Christians Be Libertarians?

By: George Demarse

George Demarse — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:05:00 +0000

This article is ludicrous. It is not possible for a Christian to hold simultaneously that Government should not help the poor, the homeless, the elderly because it should be “limited” (whatever that means) and also act on Biblical principles such as “treat thy neighbor as thyself;” “give away your money and walk with Jesus;” “you are commanded to help the poor;” etc., etc. Libertarianism is just an excuse for Christians to maintain an attitue of “I’ve got mine–screw you.”

A Libertarian could argue, however, that individual “charity” is the only true way mandated to help anybody in this world–the only thing the Bible commands. We all know this is bologna. Individual charity, which is voluntary, barely puts a dent in global poverty, needed global health care or homelessness. It does not significantly alleviate the problems. It hardly reaches the Biblical mandate to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

George DeMarse
The Sage of Wake Forest

By: Mitchell Powell

Mitchell Powell — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:57:00 +0000

The worst cases of the strong exploiting the weak occur under the most intrusive governments. There’s nothing wrong with children working, so long as it doesn’t reach the point of abuse — and let us remember that child labor was over 95% abolished by the market before the government reached in and passed a law against it in the 1930′s to take credit as government for what freedom had already done. If you want to find the most polluted nations on earth, look at the Soviet Union, where government was ostensibly out to protect people. Libertarianism does not hold that man is an island; only that a world where we all “live together and help one another” is better achieved under conditions where far less institutionalized violence occurs. The role of government is most definitely to “obligate people”: there are thousands of institutions out there, and the fundamental difference between them and government is that government claims the right to use physical force to make everyone do what it wants. Let’s not pretend government is merely an enlightened force handing out helpful suggestions.

By: Guest

Guest — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:41:29 +0000

Oh please, this is just so wrong. OK so government should stay out people's lives? Except when “the person’s behavior would violate another’s negative rights”. There are a lot of exceptions, aren't there? That's because this view is completely impractical! So let's give people free reign like this and the strong will exploit the weak, child labor will become pervasive, the sky will be black and the water even more polluted than it already is. The role of government is not to “obligate” people, it's to help us in creating a society where we can all live together and help one another. Man is not an island.

By: Podcast: Live and Let Live Radio Interview | LibertarianChristians.com

Podcast: Live and Let Live Radio Interview | LibertarianChristians.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:34:53 +0000

[...] for Liberty Texas Conference, vaccinations, student activism, and of course what it means to be Christian AND libertarian. You can download the full interview from ROLR’s archive if you like, but I’ve cut it [...]

By: Danielle Shirley

Danielle Shirley — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:23:03 +0000

Daryl, very nice comment. I am a Baptist, a Reformed Baptist, and appreciate your distinction of free will. I was going to comment and say something very similar, but you put it very well. Thank you! And I am a libertarian too, by the way.

By: Danielle Shirley

Danielle Shirley — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:23:00 +0000

By: Christianity and libertarianism « East Metro Atlanta Libertarian Party

Christianity and libertarianism « East Metro Atlanta Libertarian Party — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:26:35 +0000

[...] someone that gets into frequent debates about religion and politics with friends and family, this article on Christianity and libertarianism caught my eye: If a stranger told you he’s an evangelical Christian who believes homosexuality is [...]

By: Daryl

Daryl — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:58:45 +0000

I am also a Conservative Southern Baptist, so much so that I am of traditional Baptist stock theologically. This means that I am Reformed/Calvinist. Therefore, I believe that Scripture teaches no “libertarian free will”(this has nothing to do with politics; only a theological distinction.)

I believe that Man’s will is in bondage and can only choose what is counter to God unless it is God who calls him and frees his will to choose Christ and His Will. Nevertheless, I am a Christian libertarian.

In liberty and in Christ,
Daryl
I am so because I believe in the Reformation concept of “freedom of conscience.” I would substitute this concept where you have noted Man’s “free will” and I think you would find much more of a philosophically consistent and rich heritage. Luther called for it; so did Calvin. Later on…it was Puritan influence on our Founding that gave it the concept hold in early America.

So while I would not call it “free will” I would say man has a right to “freedom of conscience” for only Christ can change the hearts of Men–no man-made force (such as government) can or should.

By: Daryl

Daryl — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:58:00 +0000

By: Ed Burley

Ed Burley — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:11:16 +0000

I am a libertarian, as well as a Party member; however, my emphasis is on “personal libertarianism,” as well as localism. The best government is self-government under God. I, as an individual, have God as my “judge” although I do not believe that He judges me. I am a covenant keeper through Christ. I am also a king and priest to Him. This kingship requires me to “love my neighbor as myself.” These are the fundamental principles of libertarianism.

Beyond a local, voluntary government, there is only inefficiency and evil. Local government allows all people to speak for themselves and to have self-determination. I cannot obligate my neighbor to anything; I can only obligate myself and my family to God.

I am also a libertarian in theology. Although I attend a Protestant Christian church, I do not agree to their Statement of Faith, even if I agreed with it. To require me to believe is coercion and contrary to the gospel of grace. I do my best, although I fail on virtually every occasion, to live towards others the way that God has lived towards me. God has loved me; therefore, I am to love others. God loved His enemies; therefore, I love my enemies.

As we live self-determined lives under God, our collective becomes more righteous; not from coercion or government mandate, but because of personal behavior. Although I may not be “my brother’s keeper” I am obligated by God to not do him harm. That is the libertarian way.