I first stumbled across Libertarianism in the confusion following the nomination of Donald Trump last year, specifically when I discovered Austin Petersen, a pro life Libertarian who ran for office as well last year. As expected, there wasn't much material on the subject of how a theologically conservative Christian might argue for Libertarian ideas in government.
So over the last year I began following Libertarian Christian Institute, pro life Libertarians and a few other groups on Facebook. Although some people I met seemed to identify as "Libertarian" only as a way to disassociate from Trump and push their own hyper-conservative agendas (Some called for the elimination of public education yet supported the death penalty for blasphemy or homosexuals), but most were very reasonable people who shared many of my Christian beliefs, only that it isn't the government's job to enforce all of those beliefs.
After much thought, reading and prayer, I began changing many of my previously held views on what the role of government should be in interfering with various issues, although I still do not consider myself a textbook Libertarian. The few issues I am decidedly Non-Libertarian on are immigration reform, pro-life (most Libertarians are either pro choice or at least do not believe abortion should be outlawed), capital punishment, and social welfare programs (I believe we need to reform the current system but not abolish it until better alternatives become more realistic.
Why do I say all this about myself? Because as someone who no longer sees any one brand of political theory as the right way to help our country, this book was very well written in a respectful manner, and it explains the issues in terms the average lay person can easily understand. This book succeeds where other Evangelicals (in my opinion) have failed in properly questioning the establishment, majority views of the "Religious Right." I suggest reading it with an open heart and mind, and if you take nothing else away from it, remember this - The government is by definition Force - when laws are passed, when morality is legislated, it means the government must use the threat of violent force to maintain those laws. That is not to say morality should never be legislated, but it should give us Christian Conservatives pause to consider the logical conclusions of the current popular Evangelical political framework - why should we militantly support the State's role in enforcing a Biblical view of marriage while not doing so in regards to divorce laws, Sabbath keeping, or believing in Christ at all for that matter? The consistent application of those laws leads to Theonomy, a violent and oppressive worldview that is deeply rooted in church history as well as early American history. Is that really what the Church is called to be?
This book answers with a resounding "No", and instead aligns with what I also believe, that the laws of government should be limited primarily to the basics necessary for a free society; the protection of individual rights including the right to life, liberty, and property.
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Eugene Rossi
Must read for ALL Evangelicals
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2017Verified Purchase
About god for kids
Understanding of your skeptics
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2021Verified Purchase
david rempel
Could have been much more
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019Verified Purchase
Carlton Isaac Roach
Compelling, challenging, thoughtful and graceful!
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020Verified Purchase
joshua baird
Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020Verified Purchase
Donttreadonme
Great essays
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2018Verified Purchase
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Mr. S W. vanOs
Fine Introduction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2018Verified Purchase