Christian Libertarianism

I wanted to know just how familiar those in NCH&F are familiar with these types of views?
For those of you who aren't familiar (copied from Wikipedia...):

Christian libertarianism describes the synthesis of Christian beliefs concerning free will, human nature, and dignity with libertarian political philosophy. It is also an ideology to the extent that its supporters promote their cause to others and join together as a movement. In contrast to the Christian left and the Christian right respectively, they believe charity and enforcement of personal-level morality should be the purview of the (voluntary) church and not the state. These responsibilities must not be abrogated, though any non-governmental organization (NGO) not publicly financed is free to pursue them as well.

As with secular libertarianism, socialism, fascism, and crony capitalism are strongly opposed, as is theocracy. The latter does not include merely being influenced by Christian concepts; whereas in a theocracy, government derives its powers from a divine or religious authority directly exercising governmental control. The use of force is never justified to achieve purely political, social, or religious goals, but is reserved solely to uphold natural rights.

Individual freedom of religion without state interference is absolutely supported regardless of one's beliefs. Nevertheless, a majority religion in a given locale could display its faith on government-owned property if it had the popular votes to do so. Public sector discrimination is strictly forbidden, while in the private sector, it is permitted, though discouraged (excepting bona fide associated costs, such as insurance rates).

Christian libertarians believe these principles are supported in the Bible by Christ's teaching (see below), and His criticism of the laws (Halakha) as observed by the Pharisees. For example, in Jesus' day, it was prohibited to heal someone on the Sabbath, as this was considered doing actual work on the mandated day of rest and worship. He opposed the Pharisees due to their self-righteous, man-made regulations added to God's law, which they obeyed outwardly, but with the wrong inward motivation. Also, most Christians believe the ceremonial and civic laws found in the Old Testament have been superseded by the New Covenant. (The moral laws such as the Ten Commandments remain in place.) For these reasons, Christian libertarians may consider Jesus of Nazareth as the greatest libertarian in history

In contrast to the Christian left and the Christian right...

Click to expand...

I guess I would need these defined for me as well. Is "Christian left" not an oxymoron by definition? And how does the "Christian right" differ from the description above?

sky hawk said:

I guess I would need these defined for me as well. Is "Christian left" not an oxymoron by definition? And how does the "Christian right" differ from the description above?

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Sky Hawk. Here's another quote from Wikipedia

Differences with Christian right[edit]

As Jesus did not call upon the political and legal authorities to enforce piety or discourage sinful behavior, Christian libertarians do not believe in a political mandate to Christianize culture. Behavior considered sinful by the Church—but which does not violate the lives, liberty, or property of others—must be disciplined within the Church itself. (This includes family discipline in the case of minor children.) Even if such behavior warrants cultural opposition amongst the general public, it must not be prohibited by the state. Only actions which legitimately constitute forms of physical assault, theft, or fraud may be criminalized and prosecuted, as they alone infringe upon the natural rights of others. Due to the large taxpayer expense to house nonviolent offenders, and immoral "prison culture," Christian libertarians generally maintain that only violent criminals and those who have demonstrated a willingness to transgress the natural rights of their neighbors should be quarantined from society and incarcerated. On an international scale, non-interventionism is promoted based upon the principles of state sovereignty and self-determination. The right of people to immigrate (without public assistance) is fully supported, as is free trade.

Advocating legalization of what is sinful can put Christians in a difficult position. There is always the concern non-believers may misinterpret that whatever is being legalized is now permissible. Those on the Christian right often feel this risk is too great, and perhaps those who violate the law should be punished by the state. Christian libertarians, on the other hand, maintain that maximum freedom from state interference must be preserved, and such laws should not have existed in the first place.

While there may be a need for police, prosecutors, and prisons to uphold natural rights, these should not be so numerous and costly to enforce laws beyond natural rights. This becomes a burden for taxpayers, and affects churchgoers ability to give to their local church and support missions. The prohibition of drugs, for example, takes away funds from the church and gives them to the state, while greatly increasing violence due to the illicit drug trade. While drug abuse is considered immoral, it is within the realm of the church, and not the state. In addition, libertarians do not support civil asset forfeiture, as it can easily affect the innocent with very limited due process and costly legal fees.

Differences with Christian left[edit]

Unlike the versions of welfare statism traditionally favored by the Christian left, libertarians generally see no need for government-provided social services. These activities are best entrusted to private nonprofit organizations, which include churches and faith-based charities. Voluntary giving is more just and efficient than forced redistribution of wealth through taxation – as whatever is taxed, less of it will be produced. Christian libertarians believe public welfare is an ineffective means to lift the financially struggling out of poverty. This carries with it negative unintended consequences, such as people being less willing to obtain higher education or employment, or having more children than they would otherwise. School choice including parochial schools for primary and secondary education is advocated over mandated government-run schools at taxpayer expense. The spontaneous order of the free marketplace is always preferable to central planning. Over-regulation of business reduces productivity and increases unemployment, while enabling new possible avenues of corruption. Similarly, minimum wage laws hurt younger, less qualified workers, and cause price hikes even on the poor. Free individuals are in a much better position to rationally pursue their own interests than those who are being dictated to by a strong-armed central government. The state should not prohibit unwise financial, personal, or medical decisions, nor prosecute those who encourage them (short of fraud), as this is within the realm of the church.

Other differences include the support of the individual right to keep and bear arms for defense. Being wealthy is not a problem for Christian libertarians. Only the love of money (not money in itself) is considered a sin.

With respect to environmental concerns, libertarians largely view regulatory policies and the politicization of Creation Care as only superficially "green" and essentially corporatist. Often, they cite the large-scale pollution and environmental degradation caused by governments as a reason to minimize the activities and role of the state in society (see also green libertarianism and free-market environmentalism).

Christian libertarians are opposed to relatively free countries giving up any sovereignty to international bodies such as the United Nations. This eventually leads to an authoritarian world government, which some believe is part of the New World Order conspiracy. Internationalism is seen as a threat to free speech, freedom of religion, right to a fair trial, self-defense, and the like. (see also the beast in Revelation)

Christian libertarianism?

Sounds to me, like me.

not getting the differences between Christian Libertarians and "secular" libertarians. my definition of the latter seems to be the same as your definition of the former.

chef said:

not getting the differences between Christian Libertarians and "secular" libertarians. my definition of the latter seems to be the same as your definition of the former.

Click to expand...

the main difference is they are Christians. Not all libertarians are. And I'm fine with that

JLove1974 said:

the main difference is they are Christians. Not all libertarians are. And I'm fine with that

Click to expand...

so libertarians that happen to be christian vs libertarians that happen to not be christian.

i am down with that.

basically, if you are government, leave me the hell alone. and stop taking my money.

chef said:

so libertarians that happen to be christian vs libertarians that happen to not be christian.

i am down with that.

basically, if you are government, leave me the hell alone. and stop taking my money.

Click to expand...

A little less anarchistic, they give up some of their 'natural rights' to the higher authority being their congregation but basically yes.