Called to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian and Libertarian

By: Elise Daniel, Norman Horn

Narrated by: Jacqueline Isaacs

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Conservatism, Republican politics, and traditional Christianity are thought by some to go together like baseball and apple pie. Yet, for a growing number of people, libertarian political thought provides an alternative to the traditional Christian right. That number includes the six young authors of this book who explore and expound the case that one can be both a Christian and a libertarian. 

Called to Freedom explores the major points of tension between the Christian faith and political liberty to demonstrate why the two can coexist in harmony. Through their own personal experiences, and from six different perspectives, the authors offer both thoughtful arguments and encouragement to anyone navigating the space between Christianity and libertarianism. It is in that space that the authors have found a home, one that prioritizes the kingship of Jesus Christ and the inherent dignity of the people created in his image. If you are a Christian exploring libertarian thought, or if you feel caught between your Christian beliefs and libertarian political instincts, this book is written for you. 

Contributors:

Jacqueline Isaacs is the inaugural Fellow in Strategic Communication at the American Studies Program in Washington, DC. She earned her MBA in marketing at Johns Hopkins University and her BS in government at Oral Roberts University. Jason Hughey is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. He earned his BA in government from Regent University in 2012 and worked for several liberty-advancing nonprofits before switching to the fit- ness industry full-time. 

Taylor Barkley lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and works at a public policy organization and part-time with Search Ministries. He graduated from Taylor University with a degree in history and political science. 

Leah Hughey is a graduate of Regent University, where she studied government and history. She works at a Christian ministry focused on fostering collaboration between charities and churches to solve social problems in the cities they serve. Leah has been happily married to coauthor Jason since 2013. 

Philip Luca is an award-winning marketing strategist working with tech companies and startups in the DC area. He currently serves on the board of the American Marketing Association, DC, as the VP of Social Media. He holds two graduate degrees from Liberty University in digital media and theology.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 Elise Daniel (P)2019 Libertarian Christian Institute

Needs Improvement

Although I'm a Christian and libertarian, this book just doesn't do a good job of handling tough bible verses like Romans 13. Their arguments on those verses seem strained and a bit acrobatic. And, they missed a lot of good opportunities and often mixed up what libertarianism even means. For example, they said that libertarianism means that you don't have to obey the govt or pay taxes. That's technically not true. Libertarianism is more about when and if a person may use force and steal, not whether the victim should submit or not.

Great work on the subject

A good primer for Christians who are looking into if libertarianism is compatible with their faith or looking at some common objections that might come up concerning libertarianism and Christianity. A well rounded book over all. The biggest contributions to the book are the sections on "libertarian not libertinism" and the common Scriptures people site to support state intervention. The section on Romans 13 and "rending to Caesar" were well done and a further look is warranted especially to the claims of Romans 13.

Overall, the book makes the case that Christianity and libertarianism are compatible so long as the libertarian is subjected completely to the Christian worldview. The State holds power only by the monopolization of the use of force. It does not derive that right from the people. The State is also not a foregone conclusion. Christians understand that the State sometimes enacts laws that is against its core values (abortion, religious persecution, etc.). We must realize we're not on a team that once it gets power then we get to rule it over the other side. Christ rules supremely and we must separate ourselves from the world while being part of it. It is at this individual level do we the greatest exercise of Christian values and it's where we see the imago dei (image of God) of each person. We are all of one blood and we should look upon humanity and its government systems like Christ looked upon it. - Final Grade - B+

Everything for the Libertarian Christian

Everything that I wanted to know as someone new to it with different points of view. Well done, performance, and researched.