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Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions
Discussing Christian faith and politics is tough. If you’re tired of the typical left/right answers that sound like they were pulled from last night’s cable news, then you need a new way of thinking about faith and politics. This book will help you take your political conversations to the next level.
In Faith Seeking Freedom, the Libertarian Christian Institute has gathered together some of the brightest minds at the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism to collect brief but thoughtful answers to over a hundred questions frequently posed to liberty-loving believers.
In this book, you will find answers to questions like:
Should Christians care about politics?
What does God have to say about government?
What makes somebody a libertarian?
Why are property rights so important?
And many more!
In Faith Seeking Freedom, the Libertarian Christian Institute has gathered together some of the brightest minds at the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism to collect brief but thoughtful answers to over a hundred questions frequently posed to liberty-loving believers.
In this book, you will find answers to questions like:
Should Christians care about politics?
What does God have to say about government?
What makes somebody a libertarian?
Why are property rights so important?
And many more!
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 4, 2020
Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions
Faith Seeking Freedom: libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions
is about 125 pages with about 100 pages of questions and answers (102 of them), divided in 13 topical chapters with further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter.
Approaching the subject from an "ecumenical" (in the orthodox sense) Christian standpoint, the book covers several topics (more or less corresponding to the chapters), including:
a. reasons Christians should care about 'politics'
b. what is meant by 'libertarianism', 'rights', 'individualism', and 'civil government'
c. the idea of 'limits' in society
d. economics
e. ethics
f. so-called 'public' goods and services
g. 'national' defense
h. so-called 'social' justice
i. immigration
j. abortion
k. care for the natural environment
l. misconceptions about libertarianism
I highly recommend this book and the position it promotes. I believe its subject is of great importance and no little urgency. It will be of interest to all libertarians, especially Christians who are libertarians. It will also be of interest to Christians who want to think about (and 'do') politics in a more faithful Christian way, those who would like to discover what libertarianism is, and how it can be understood from a Christian perspective. I think it should be of particular interest to every American Christian who takes the U.S. Constitution and the idea of limited civil government seriously. This book offers what you might say is a refinement and consistent working out of Christian "classical liberal" (often thought of as "conservative" in an American context) principles.
This is not a theology book, but solid references are made throughout the book to various Bible passages and discussed in terms of an orthodox Christian understanding of the teaching of God's Word. If there is any weakness in the book, I think it is also the book's strength and utility, namely, the concise manner in which the questions are answered. The Further Reading suggestions will enable serious readers to find necessary elaboration on the answers provided.
The book is published by the Libertarian Christian Institute (LCI), and concludes with information about that organization and their principles. The authors are 'members' of LCI; one of whom (Kerry Baldwin) is a fellow confessionally Reformed Protestant, and an independent scholar in the Reformational/neocalvinist school. Larry Reed, who provides the Forward, is also confessionally Reformed.
I read a pre-publication pdf version; and there are no substantial changes in the final publication.
See: http://faithseekingfreedom.com
Price: about $12 (paperback); about $10 (ebook)
"Small format" trade paperback. Trim size: 5.06" x 7.81" (12.85 x 19.84cm); approx 0.33" thick (0.83cm)
Faith Seeking Freedom: libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions
is about 125 pages with about 100 pages of questions and answers (102 of them), divided in 13 topical chapters with further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter.
Approaching the subject from an "ecumenical" (in the orthodox sense) Christian standpoint, the book covers several topics (more or less corresponding to the chapters), including:
a. reasons Christians should care about 'politics'
b. what is meant by 'libertarianism', 'rights', 'individualism', and 'civil government'
c. the idea of 'limits' in society
d. economics
e. ethics
f. so-called 'public' goods and services
g. 'national' defense
h. so-called 'social' justice
i. immigration
j. abortion
k. care for the natural environment
l. misconceptions about libertarianism
I highly recommend this book and the position it promotes. I believe its subject is of great importance and no little urgency. It will be of interest to all libertarians, especially Christians who are libertarians. It will also be of interest to Christians who want to think about (and 'do') politics in a more faithful Christian way, those who would like to discover what libertarianism is, and how it can be understood from a Christian perspective. I think it should be of particular interest to every American Christian who takes the U.S. Constitution and the idea of limited civil government seriously. This book offers what you might say is a refinement and consistent working out of Christian "classical liberal" (often thought of as "conservative" in an American context) principles.
This is not a theology book, but solid references are made throughout the book to various Bible passages and discussed in terms of an orthodox Christian understanding of the teaching of God's Word. If there is any weakness in the book, I think it is also the book's strength and utility, namely, the concise manner in which the questions are answered. The Further Reading suggestions will enable serious readers to find necessary elaboration on the answers provided.
The book is published by the Libertarian Christian Institute (LCI), and concludes with information about that organization and their principles. The authors are 'members' of LCI; one of whom (Kerry Baldwin) is a fellow confessionally Reformed Protestant, and an independent scholar in the Reformational/neocalvinist school. Larry Reed, who provides the Forward, is also confessionally Reformed.
I read a pre-publication pdf version; and there are no substantial changes in the final publication.
See: http://faithseekingfreedom.com
Price: about $12 (paperback); about $10 (ebook)
"Small format" trade paperback. Trim size: 5.06" x 7.81" (12.85 x 19.84cm); approx 0.33" thick (0.83cm)
November 29, 2020
FULL DISCLOSURES:
Kerry Baldwin has been a Facebook friend for several years now.
I don't profess to be a Christian of any denomination or sect or whatever. Organized religion and I simply don't do well together.
With those out of the way . . . .
Faith Seeking Freedom is easy reading, in that the authors don't try to cram you chock-full of data and information and jargon, such that you would feel overwhelmed by it all.
When the authors cite Biblical content, they put the citation right there in the same paragraph as the point that they're making, so you don't have to keep flipping back and forth to the end of the chapter or the end of the book. This is probably for the best where electronic versions are concerned. Also, for those inclined to have a Bible nearby to check on the authors, it's right there where you can compare and contrast the authors' points against the Bible verse(s) itself.
The authors don't attempt to take sides where the big divisions of libertarian thought occur, such as the minarchy vs. anarchy debate, or whether or not to be involved in the LP, with the exception of the abortion issue.
SPECIFIC POINTS --
[Page numbers cited here are what listed is on the particular page. The actual pages on the PDF version that I used for this review will be that number, plus 10 pages.]
Chapter 2 (The Libertarian Basics, pp. 23-34) gives the reader a decent summary of the Non-Aggression Principle and how it applies to everyday life.
p. 26, part of the answer to Question #13 (How do libertarian Christians account for people who violate the non-aggression principle (NAP)?) takes on the minarchy vs. anarchy question rather well — the authors explain both sides without explicitly favoring one side or the other. (Disclosure: I personally lean towards the anarcho-capitalist side.)
p.39, Question #25 (Do libertarians believe any and every government is illegitimate?) also tackles the minarchy vs. anarchy adroitly, explaining both sides without favoring one or the other.
pp. 67-68 give a succinct and principled response to the "What about roads?" shibboleth.
OK, enough spoilers.
-D-o--m-e--a--fa-v-o-r- Do yourself a favor -- Go and get a copy and read it for yourself.
SUMMARY —
Faith Seeking Freedom is an easy-to-read, principled guide for Christians who are seeking to understand libertarianism, on par with Inclined to Liberty by Louis Carabini, The Law by Frederic Bastiat, or Down With Power by L. Neil Smith.
Go get a copy, read it, then tell your friends and family.
Kerry Baldwin has been a Facebook friend for several years now.
I don't profess to be a Christian of any denomination or sect or whatever. Organized religion and I simply don't do well together.
With those out of the way . . . .
Faith Seeking Freedom is easy reading, in that the authors don't try to cram you chock-full of data and information and jargon, such that you would feel overwhelmed by it all.
When the authors cite Biblical content, they put the citation right there in the same paragraph as the point that they're making, so you don't have to keep flipping back and forth to the end of the chapter or the end of the book. This is probably for the best where electronic versions are concerned. Also, for those inclined to have a Bible nearby to check on the authors, it's right there where you can compare and contrast the authors' points against the Bible verse(s) itself.
The authors don't attempt to take sides where the big divisions of libertarian thought occur, such as the minarchy vs. anarchy debate, or whether or not to be involved in the LP, with the exception of the abortion issue.
SPECIFIC POINTS --
[Page numbers cited here are what listed is on the particular page. The actual pages on the PDF version that I used for this review will be that number, plus 10 pages.]
Chapter 2 (The Libertarian Basics, pp. 23-34) gives the reader a decent summary of the Non-Aggression Principle and how it applies to everyday life.
p. 26, part of the answer to Question #13 (How do libertarian Christians account for people who violate the non-aggression principle (NAP)?) takes on the minarchy vs. anarchy question rather well — the authors explain both sides without explicitly favoring one side or the other. (Disclosure: I personally lean towards the anarcho-capitalist side.)
p.39, Question #25 (Do libertarians believe any and every government is illegitimate?) also tackles the minarchy vs. anarchy adroitly, explaining both sides without favoring one or the other.
pp. 67-68 give a succinct and principled response to the "What about roads?" shibboleth.
OK, enough spoilers.
-D-o--m-e--a--fa-v-o-r- Do yourself a favor -- Go and get a copy and read it for yourself.
SUMMARY —
Faith Seeking Freedom is an easy-to-read, principled guide for Christians who are seeking to understand libertarianism, on par with Inclined to Liberty by Louis Carabini, The Law by Frederic Bastiat, or Down With Power by L. Neil Smith.
Go get a copy, read it, then tell your friends and family.
November 27, 2020
I would consider this an excellent introductory overview of ways in which libertarian Christians see particular issues and why. It is not detailed or profound and interested readers would need other sources to delve more deeply into each question. I am particularly appreciative of the consistent message that politics, especially electoral politics, is not the primary concern of a Christian, but only one part of a serious spiritual life.
November 14, 2020
Faith Seeking Freedom is an excellent, easy-to-read introduction to Libertarianism. I was introduced to Libertarianism recently, and when I saw the opportunity to be part of the launch team for this book, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to learn more about Libertarianism and specifically about how Libertarian thought is in accordance with Christianity. The format of this book makes it easy to use. Libertarian thought is explained using a question and answer format. It’s easy to skip around in the book to find answers to whatever issues you’re most interested in from a Libertarian perspective. I recommend this book to any Christian who is interested in learning more about Libertarianism.
December 26, 2020
Excellent answers to questions about how faith and freedom fit together. It's an interesting, quick read and covers politics, role of government, capitalism, morality and ethics, public goods and services, nationalism, social justice, immigration, abortion, environment, and libertarianism.
January 5, 2021
Faith Seeking Freedom is an excellent book for secular libertarians who are interested in how Christians can be convinced of libertarian philosophy, Christians looking into the idea of personal freedom, or even libertarian Christians interested in sharpening their minds to further promote their libertarian convictions as Christians. Transcending over and above electoral politics and denominational debates, Faith Seeking Freedom offers the philosophical grounds in embracing libertarianism as well as how it applies in light of various scriptural passages from an orthodox ecumenical standpoint.
If the historic churches have catechisms in the form of questions and answers to guide people in the central tenets of the faith while having many different outworking in peripheral matters, then Faith Seeking Freedom can rightly be spoken of a libertarian catechism written from a Christian standpoint.
If the historic churches have catechisms in the form of questions and answers to guide people in the central tenets of the faith while having many different outworking in peripheral matters, then Faith Seeking Freedom can rightly be spoken of a libertarian catechism written from a Christian standpoint.
October 19, 2023
You can find a fair amount of Christian libertarian theory online today, and in no small contribution from the authors that have collaborated here, but there are few options for comprehensive reading. Narrowing our options even further, would be the expressed desire for something thoroughly covering the breadth of Christian libertarian philosophy, while remaining accessible for the beginner and worthwhile for the familiar. Faith Seeking Freedom is an achieving apologetic.
This catechism quickly surveys the vast subject, while responsibly addressing necessary distinctions in existing political theories that reside under the often umbrella terms of 'Christian, and libertarian.
I am thankful for the authoring and editing efforts that went into the creation of this book. It can easily serve to clarify terms, and offer consistency, to formed or forming convictions, where our faith dictates our politics.
This catechism quickly surveys the vast subject, while responsibly addressing necessary distinctions in existing political theories that reside under the often umbrella terms of 'Christian, and libertarian.
I am thankful for the authoring and editing efforts that went into the creation of this book. It can easily serve to clarify terms, and offer consistency, to formed or forming convictions, where our faith dictates our politics.
October 19, 2023
As a Christian Libertarian, one of my biggest challenges is keeping from rambling and being overly thorough in response to questions I receive. It’s just in my nature to rant and go on and on about different topics and find myself running into trouble staying focused and ultimately end up confusing people.
Faith Seeking Freedom is an excellent resource that I am recommending to all my friends because, unlike myself, it provides clear, simple, straightforward answers to a wide variety of questions I have been asked.
This book has helped me articulate my beliefs and reasons for those beliefs in a concise and more effective manner.
The Q&A format allows you to easily locate specific topics, such as roads, abortion, taxes, etc.
Faith Seeking Freedom is an excellent resource that I am recommending to all my friends because, unlike myself, it provides clear, simple, straightforward answers to a wide variety of questions I have been asked.
This book has helped me articulate my beliefs and reasons for those beliefs in a concise and more effective manner.
The Q&A format allows you to easily locate specific topics, such as roads, abortion, taxes, etc.
January 17, 2021
This book is the perfect conversation starter and reference for anyone interested in how the Christian faith relates to libertarian thought. I’m looking forward to having this book in my library and utilizing it often.
November 29, 2020
At a most opportune moment in history, where Christians are questioning the very fabric of governance that is on full display through our federal and state mandates during this pandemic, authors Horn, Stuart, Baldwin and Clark deign to answer what is dancing through many of our minds: are we truly free, here and now? Depending on what state you live in may determine your answer. As Liz Lemon so aptly sighed, "Blerg."
More to the point, this lovely, short primer, "Faith Seeking Freedom," outlines many of the top questions and answers from a Christian Libertarian perspective that tickle the dabbler's fancies. Topics covered, but not limited to, are:
-Capitalism
-Morals and Ethics
-Nationalism
-Immigration
-Abortion
-Environmentalism, and so on.
The great contributions of this book are the comport, general answers that help those who know little, or nothing at all, of Christian Libertarianism. Better yet are the resources at the end of each chapter for further, more extensive reading on each topic.
As a novice to Libertarianism myself, this book was eye-opening and helped build better scaffolding to their ideology that so often confused me. The Non-Aggression Principle was better explained and dove-tailed into all of the various topics. But before any other novice like me believes Libertarians are abject pacifists or lofty conservatives in more capitalist clothing, take a look at this book for a better understanding.
At their behest, the authors invite readers to ask more questions. One that might be helpful for further discussion is; What truly distinguishes Christian conservatives from Christian Libertarians, philosophically, historically, and perhaps, theologically? One can guess a little if they follow the NAP through. However, having it explicated and unpacked might help those who find themselves confused and on the fence (Ahem, like me).
As a theologically-trained deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, I don't necessarily have any major problems with the authors' theological excursuses. I read into their humility and heard well they do not have all of the answers. They rely on some steady tenets of the faith which form their worldviews, such as Original Sin, Repentance, and Justification. Also, their understanding of the natural law, that which is already written on our hearts, takes precedent before any notions of creating a utopia with political philosophies.
Because we have an ongoing tension in our present American reality, with free markets and regulations, sin and pride, ownership and the serfdom of the welfare state, it is difficult to see how things might be different, or change, in a peaceable way as the authors hope. If we can piecemeal the several examples they give from different countries and at different eras, God grant it! Especially as more Christians read and chew on the concepts and philosophies this book discusses.
It was an honor and a privilege to read and review this book, and I hope to see the authors build more on an already good foundation; giving rise to a much needed discussion in a time where freedoms are seemingly fleeting and at an unprecedented rate--perhaps at the same rate where Christ is nowhere to be heard in our individual and, sadly, corporate confessions. God bless this book and may it be a help to the Church at large to see Liberty as a direct gift from God.
More to the point, this lovely, short primer, "Faith Seeking Freedom," outlines many of the top questions and answers from a Christian Libertarian perspective that tickle the dabbler's fancies. Topics covered, but not limited to, are:
-Capitalism
-Morals and Ethics
-Nationalism
-Immigration
-Abortion
-Environmentalism, and so on.
The great contributions of this book are the comport, general answers that help those who know little, or nothing at all, of Christian Libertarianism. Better yet are the resources at the end of each chapter for further, more extensive reading on each topic.
As a novice to Libertarianism myself, this book was eye-opening and helped build better scaffolding to their ideology that so often confused me. The Non-Aggression Principle was better explained and dove-tailed into all of the various topics. But before any other novice like me believes Libertarians are abject pacifists or lofty conservatives in more capitalist clothing, take a look at this book for a better understanding.
At their behest, the authors invite readers to ask more questions. One that might be helpful for further discussion is; What truly distinguishes Christian conservatives from Christian Libertarians, philosophically, historically, and perhaps, theologically? One can guess a little if they follow the NAP through. However, having it explicated and unpacked might help those who find themselves confused and on the fence (Ahem, like me).
As a theologically-trained deaconess in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, I don't necessarily have any major problems with the authors' theological excursuses. I read into their humility and heard well they do not have all of the answers. They rely on some steady tenets of the faith which form their worldviews, such as Original Sin, Repentance, and Justification. Also, their understanding of the natural law, that which is already written on our hearts, takes precedent before any notions of creating a utopia with political philosophies.
Because we have an ongoing tension in our present American reality, with free markets and regulations, sin and pride, ownership and the serfdom of the welfare state, it is difficult to see how things might be different, or change, in a peaceable way as the authors hope. If we can piecemeal the several examples they give from different countries and at different eras, God grant it! Especially as more Christians read and chew on the concepts and philosophies this book discusses.
It was an honor and a privilege to read and review this book, and I hope to see the authors build more on an already good foundation; giving rise to a much needed discussion in a time where freedoms are seemingly fleeting and at an unprecedented rate--perhaps at the same rate where Christ is nowhere to be heard in our individual and, sadly, corporate confessions. God bless this book and may it be a help to the Church at large to see Liberty as a direct gift from God.
August 24, 2023
I’ve read this through several times and listened to it again today. It is such a helpful format, and perfectly strikes the mark in its simple defenses and explanations. Thank you LCI!
November 11, 2021
Faith Seeking Freedom: Libertarian Christian Answers to Tough Questions is a well-researched and well-reasoned book showing the compatibility between a Libertarian political philosophy and the Christian faith.
This book is written by Dr. Norman Horn, Doug Stuart, Kerry Baldwin, and Dick Clark (though I doubt the author was the host for American Bandstand). The writing appears to be a team effort - there is no section where it designates which of the four wrote any section nor any first-person singular comments by one of the authors. (There are two places where one or two of the authors are mentioned by name, but it is worded in the third person.)
What does this book talk about? Or better yet, what does it NOT talk about? The authors answer questions on abortion (the longest chapter in this short book), patriotism, military service, capitalism, socialism, the war on drugs, prohibition, immigration, and misconceptions of libertarianism. There are areas where I disagree with the authors, but it gives something to think about.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Libertarianism, and especially a Christian who isn't familiar with that philosophy. I'd also recommend it to a Libertarian minded individual who needs help dealing with questions that are asked. In other words, it is an aid for Libertarians to be able to give a defense for the hope that is withing them (1 Peter 3:15).
This book is written by Dr. Norman Horn, Doug Stuart, Kerry Baldwin, and Dick Clark (though I doubt the author was the host for American Bandstand). The writing appears to be a team effort - there is no section where it designates which of the four wrote any section nor any first-person singular comments by one of the authors. (There are two places where one or two of the authors are mentioned by name, but it is worded in the third person.)
What does this book talk about? Or better yet, what does it NOT talk about? The authors answer questions on abortion (the longest chapter in this short book), patriotism, military service, capitalism, socialism, the war on drugs, prohibition, immigration, and misconceptions of libertarianism. There are areas where I disagree with the authors, but it gives something to think about.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Libertarianism, and especially a Christian who isn't familiar with that philosophy. I'd also recommend it to a Libertarian minded individual who needs help dealing with questions that are asked. In other words, it is an aid for Libertarians to be able to give a defense for the hope that is withing them (1 Peter 3:15).
February 16, 2021
Confusion Clarified
If you are Christian and Libertarian, and have felt these internal conflict of self vs. service to your Lord, Jesus, this book may help. Remember, as a Christian, we are to give our best efforts to IMITATE Jesus, but as Libertarians we may find ourselves, mistakenly, feeling at odds with our Christian values. Let this book give you insight into resolving that conflict. Remember, as a Libertarian, we just want the freedom to follow our hearts. Reading this book will help you follow your heart as it leads you to Jesus, as God naturally intended but gave you the free-will to chose.
If you are Christian and Libertarian, and have felt these internal conflict of self vs. service to your Lord, Jesus, this book may help. Remember, as a Christian, we are to give our best efforts to IMITATE Jesus, but as Libertarians we may find ourselves, mistakenly, feeling at odds with our Christian values. Let this book give you insight into resolving that conflict. Remember, as a Libertarian, we just want the freedom to follow our hearts. Reading this book will help you follow your heart as it leads you to Jesus, as God naturally intended but gave you the free-will to chose.
July 29, 2022
To me, this reads like 200 pages of self-evident truth.
I grew up Christian, but I came to a libertarian (ancap) position gradually. I had to learn a bit at a time by reading Walter Williams, Ron Paul, Thomas Sowell, Henry Hazlitt, Bastiat, etc. etc. This puts the entire process in fast-forward. If I'd encountered this 20 years ago I could have saved myself so much stress over politics, so much studying and reading. On the other hand, I doubt I was smart enough to understand it then.
For any Christian struggling to reconcile Christ's Kingdom with Earthly imposters: read this and relax.
I grew up Christian, but I came to a libertarian (ancap) position gradually. I had to learn a bit at a time by reading Walter Williams, Ron Paul, Thomas Sowell, Henry Hazlitt, Bastiat, etc. etc. This puts the entire process in fast-forward. If I'd encountered this 20 years ago I could have saved myself so much stress over politics, so much studying and reading. On the other hand, I doubt I was smart enough to understand it then.
For any Christian struggling to reconcile Christ's Kingdom with Earthly imposters: read this and relax.
February 1, 2021
I agreed with a lot of points in the book, but I couldn't give it more than 2 stars because a lot of the book was just saying "Free market solves everything". I don't disagree that it often does, though it isn't clear to me in all of the cases considered in the book. I would have liked to have some concreteness in the book to explain how, exactly, it is that the free market solves the problem at hand.
I understand that this little book didn't have a lot of space for explanation, but I'd rather have had a way longer book that had even a little concrete explanation.
I understand that this little book didn't have a lot of space for explanation, but I'd rather have had a way longer book that had even a little concrete explanation.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews