- Christian libertarianism
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Christian libertarianism describes the synthesis of Christian beliefs concerning human nature and dignity with libertarian political philosophy. It is also a political philosophy in itself that has its roots in libertarianism and it is a political ideology to the extent that Christian libertarians promote their cause to others and join together as a movement.[citation needed] In general, Christian libertarians believe that Christians should not use government as a tool to control others' moral behavior or to initiate the use of force against others. They further believe these principles are supported by Christ's teaching and by the Bible.[citation needed]
Contents
Definition
According to Andrew Sandlin, an American theologian and author, Christian libertarianism is the view that mature individuals are permitted maximum freedom under God's law.[1]
Secular libertarian economist Murray Rothbard says in his book "For a New Liberty, the Libertarian Manifesto" that "The libertarian favors the right to unrestricted private property and free exchange; hence, a system of 'laissez-faire capitalism.'"[2]
History
The origins of Christian libertarianism in the United States can be traced back to the roots of libertarianism. According to Murray Rothbard, of the three libertarian experiments begun during the European colonization of the Americas in the mid 17th century, all three of them were begun by Christian groups.[3]
Going back farther, Martin Luther, one of the authors of the Protestant Reformation, has been called a libertarian. In the introduction to "Luther and Calvin on Secular Authority", the editor, Harro Hopfl, says that libertarian, egalitarian, communal motifs were part of the texture of Luther's theology.[4]
See also
- Christian anarchism
- Christianity and politics
- Classical liberalism
- Consequentialist libertarianism
- Minarchism
- Original sin
References
- ^ Andrew Sandlin, The Christian Statesman, "The Christian Libertarian Idea", October 1996
- ^ Rothbard, Murray (1973). For a New Liberty, the Libertarian Manifesto. New York: Collier Books. ISBN 0-02-074690-3., (On the internet at The Mises Institute.).
- ^ The Origins of Individualist Anarchism in the US, Murray N. Rothbard, February 1, 2006
- ^ Hopfl, Harro. Luther and Calvin on Secular Authority, Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought, September 27, 1991, p. xii
Further reading
- Bandow, Douglas. Beyond Good Intentions: A Biblical View of Politics ISBN 0891074988
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