What is a Libertarian?--And Why It is the Only True Philosophy
By A.M. Novoa
Lately it seems many people are finding the Libertarian philosophy more and more appealing than ever before. Americans are tired of big government and widespread corruption and are quickly figuring out how little control they have over their own lives and choices as a result. We seem to be as a country exploring our roots and what it is we believe, exactly. The realization that we have severely veered off the proverbial freedom path is becoming painfully evident. Even with this realization, I am not sure everyone understands what the philosophy of Libertarianism entails so I think it is important to explore it and have a better understanding of this school of thought.
Being a Libertarian is not simply belonging to a political party. Being a Libertarian is adhering to a set of ideals in belief, attitude and conduct in regards to your fellow man. There are a variety of individuals that call themselves Libertarian. Their philosophies can be and are at times vast but they tend to come together on some key ideals.
According the American Heritage Dictionary a Libertarian is, in broad terms, is an individual that advocates maximizing individual rights and minimizing the role of the states. Libertarians are neither right, nor left but believe that you have the right to decide for yourself what's best for you and to act on that belief so long as you respect the right of other people to do the same and deal with them peacefully and honestly. Conservatives in general tend to be libertarian on economic issues, whereas Liberals tend to be libertarian on social issues. Libertarians believe in minimal government involvement in individual’s lives. The only exceptions would be when a person’s rights are being violated. For example if someone committing murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, embezzlement, arson, trespass, etc., then it's correct to call on government to help the victim against the wrongdoer. If this is not the case, the government should not get involved. Libertarianism is not anarchy, but very limited government.
If you are not a Christian this argument doesn’t apply to you, but I have heard the criticisms that a Christian can not be a libertarian because of the Libertarian Party’s stance on social issues. I would say to impose upon another’s freedoms is wrong. God, if you are a Christian, gives man free will. To legislate morality conflicts with man’s free will, given by God, even if we personally judge the actions of another to be immoral or a poor choice. This is a difficult paradigm of thought that I personally have wrestled with as a believer. With all their positive attributes, I have seen the error in the religious right’s thinking and come to the conclusion that they are reaping now what they have sown in the form of over legislation and governmental control.
"Libertarianism is not inherently godless. In fact, it is the only political philosophy that is truly in accordance with Christianity." -- Vox Day
This video below illustrates what the philosophy of liberty is all about:
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