Is Libertarianism and Christianity Compatible?

What Does True Christianity Teach?

Both libertarians and Christians emphasize individual freedom and moral accountability. However, true Christianity teaches that good ideas do not require force, including governmental force. This principle is fundamental to understanding the compatibility—or lack thereof—between libertarianism and Christianity.

Christianity, as articulated in writings such as the New Testament, places a strong emphasis on non-violence and voluntary adherence to moral principles. This is evident in passages like Romans 13:4, where it is stated, 'For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God’s servant, an avenger to execute God’s wrath on your enemy.'

The Role of Government in Early Christianity

In the historical context of early Christianity, the Church did not advocate for any political viewpoint. As Christians, our allegiance is first and foremost to the Kingdom of God. This biblical perspective is articulated in the New Testament, particularly in passages like 1 Peter 2:17, which refers to 'in fact to this course you were called because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely.'

Similarly, in John 6:15, Jesus expresses his reluctance to be drawn into political affairs, a move that his disciples followed. As Jesus said in John 18:36, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.'

This conviction is further solidified by the early Christian practice of abstaining from government office, as noted in historical sources such as “Beyond Good Intentions —A Biblical View of Politics” and A History of Christianity. As late as the beginning of the third century, theologian Hippolytus advocated that those seeking to join the Church should resign from their government offices.

Thus, the early Christians viewed their allegiance to the Kingdom of God as preeminent and superior to any human political structure.

The Kingdom of God vs. Human Politics

For many Christians, the Kingdom of God represents a spiritual realm that transcends human governance. As Jesus instructed in the Lord's Prayer, 'thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' This prayer emphasizes the alignment of human affairs with the divine will, which is not necessarily bound by human politics.

Moreover, Matthew 24:14 highlights the universality of the gospel message: 'And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.' This vision of spreading the gospel transcends political boundaries, promoting a holistic approach to spiritual and moral growth that is not confined to earthly politics.

In conclusion, although libertarians and Christians share a common focus on freedom and autonomy, the biblical perspective on Christianity suggests that true Christians should avoid involvement in human politics. They are subjects of the Kingdom of God, which they pray for and seek to reflect in their daily lives. By understanding and applying these principles, Christians can navigate the complexities of political involvement with greater integrity and faithfulness to their faith.