What do you think?
Rate this book
Called to Freedom: Why You Can Be Christian and Libertarian
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.
"The essays collected in this volume represent a wave of fresh and welcome voices in the age-old debates over the relationship between liberty and religious faith. If the so-called libertarian 'moment' is to last, it will be due in no small part to the efforts of sharp, principled thinkers like these, who engage not only their reason but also their faith in efforts to live together freely and virtuously."
--Robert A. Sirico, President, Acton Institute
"This book is an exciting combination of personal intellectual journeys, public policy, and biblical exegesis all rolled into one. Anyone interested in the intersection (or separation) of church and state will enjoy it."
--Roger Custer, Executive Director, America's Future Foundation
"As Called to Freedom makes clear, the only social/political arrangement that makes sense in a Christian context is one that allows each peaceful person to exercise his uniqueness. Whether it's the personal decision to accept Christ, or making the daily choices that define one's character, freedom is God's intent for each of us."
--Lawrence W. Reed, President, Foundation for Economic Education
Elise E.
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.
"The essays collected in this volume represent a wave of fresh and welcome voices in the age-old debates over the relationship between liberty and religious faith. If the so-called libertarian 'moment' is to last, it will be due in no small part to the efforts of sharp, principled thinkers like these, who engage not only their reason but also their faith in efforts to live together freely and virtuously."
--Robert A. Sirico, President, Acton Institute
"This book is an exciting combination of personal intellectual journeys, public policy, and biblical exegesis all rolled into one. Anyone interested in the intersection (or separation) of church and state will enjoy it."
--Roger Custer, Executive Director, America's Future Foundation
"As Called to Freedom makes clear, the only social/political arrangement that makes sense in a Christian context is one that allows each peaceful person to exercise his uniqueness. Whether it's the personal decision to accept Christ, or making the daily choices that define one's character, freedom is God's intent for each of us."
--Lawrence W. Reed, President, Foundation for Economic Education
Elise E.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2017
11 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Elise Daniel
4 books5 followersElise Daniel is an author and entrepreneur who is passionate about reclaiming the true meanings of her favorite holidays through creative storytelling. She lives with her husband and children in northern Virginia wine country.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 10, 2022
I mean... I wrote the foreword...
August 8, 2020
3.5 stars for this approachable and well-intentioned introduction to Christian Libertarianism. I greatly appreciated the writing in that “everyday” folks shared their life experiences and thought processes leading to Christian Libertarian viewpoints. In doing so, Called to Freedom presents more like an exploration of Christian civic engagement rather than an academic review. Know this going into the book made it more enjoyable, though it’s not without a few nitpicks.
Due to having multiple authors, the polish and cohesiveness of the book suffers a bit. Some of the writing is amateurish or choppy, yet still genuine to the purpose of establishing a grounding for Christian Libertarianism.
New CLs will find this book helpful and full of useful references. Old timers may want more depth or academic rigor. In the end, Called to Freedom offers one more small step toward mainstreaming the important ideas of living free and flourishing in the world and in Christ.
Due to having multiple authors, the polish and cohesiveness of the book suffers a bit. Some of the writing is amateurish or choppy, yet still genuine to the purpose of establishing a grounding for Christian Libertarianism.
New CLs will find this book helpful and full of useful references. Old timers may want more depth or academic rigor. In the end, Called to Freedom offers one more small step toward mainstreaming the important ideas of living free and flourishing in the world and in Christ.
May 13, 2019
Jason Hughley's contribution was the real standout for me.
March 13, 2020
When considering religious faith and political philosophy together, people typically pair Christianity with either conservatism or liberal progressivism. For reasons the authors discuss, few pair Christianity with libertarianism. Yet in many ways, the two comport and align the most favorably. Calling on scripture, writings from many theologians and political philosophers through the ages, and experiences from the their own, relatively young lives and related workshops, the authors lay out their arguments for compatibility between Christian and libertarian beliefs and worldviews. There were two sections that were the most persuasive for me. In one chapter, the most common scripture passages cited by pro-government / anti-libertarian Christians are analyzed and put to rest for me, including the often cited Romans 13. In another, the morality of government is discussed through the contrasting lenses of conservative and liberal progressive political action. What I came to realize is that right and left simply want to use the government for different purposes and political action, and the results over time are very poor and increasingly restrict our personal liberties. Also, the use of government and its monopoly on force to enact political action violates the non-aggression principle, which is core to libertarianism and aligns with many tenets and teachings of Christianity and human decency and dignity.
One additional section that may influence people with non-libertarian leanings, or who have a dim view of libertarian political philosophy and action, points out that libertarian doesn’t mean libertine. In fact, several prominent thinkers are quoted as saying that confusing or conflating the two is extremely common and a deep conceptual error. In fact, it is the opposite — a high degree of liberty and personal freedom in society requires a high degree of personal integrity, responsibility and moral character. Otherwise a break down in society and the rule of law is inevitable. Also, the authors make a strong case that libertarianism covers a wide range of moral values and beliefs, including traditional ones on drugs, sexual relationships, and marriage for example. As long as their differing moral views don’t cause people to aggress each either or engage the government’s monopoly use of force to do so on their behalf, “all are welcome” and “to each his own” as the sayings go.
To me, the arguments were fresh and the perspectives refreshing, which may have to do with the relative youth of the authors and their drawing upon a wide array of scholars, theologians, and political philosophers throughout the ages. I really enjoyed the book, and have given it is a gift to both conservative and liberal Christians.
One additional section that may influence people with non-libertarian leanings, or who have a dim view of libertarian political philosophy and action, points out that libertarian doesn’t mean libertine. In fact, several prominent thinkers are quoted as saying that confusing or conflating the two is extremely common and a deep conceptual error. In fact, it is the opposite — a high degree of liberty and personal freedom in society requires a high degree of personal integrity, responsibility and moral character. Otherwise a break down in society and the rule of law is inevitable. Also, the authors make a strong case that libertarianism covers a wide range of moral values and beliefs, including traditional ones on drugs, sexual relationships, and marriage for example. As long as their differing moral views don’t cause people to aggress each either or engage the government’s monopoly use of force to do so on their behalf, “all are welcome” and “to each his own” as the sayings go.
To me, the arguments were fresh and the perspectives refreshing, which may have to do with the relative youth of the authors and their drawing upon a wide array of scholars, theologians, and political philosophers throughout the ages. I really enjoyed the book, and have given it is a gift to both conservative and liberal Christians.
December 1, 2019
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+
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+
October 24, 2019
This is a good introduction to Christian libertarianism. A fine first port of call that I would follow up with more detailed Christian libertarian works by Tom Woods Jr, Lew Rockwell and the great work of The Acton Institute (especially Samuel Gregg, Dylan Pahman and Fr Sirico) before moving on to Dr Gerard Casey, Gary Chartier, Nicholas Wolterstorff and other heavier writers.
The authors frame their project to show libertarian compatibilty with The Faith around the basic fourfold story of the Christian way: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation. This is good. The eclectic mix of young scholars then proceed to address simplistic misreadings of The Bible and literalist proof-texting by referring back to context and the story of salvation, attacking the ignorance of what The Bible has to say about 'politics'.
This ignorance is not merely academic but, we must candidly admit, a perilous ignorance which damages The Church and the revolutionary nature of The Gospel.
Rather than offering up their kin to the state to go and make aggressive wars in unknown lands or pay for abortions of unborn children, they remember that we are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, not much if anything, and render unto God what is God's, namely everything.
The authors frame their project to show libertarian compatibilty with The Faith around the basic fourfold story of the Christian way: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation. This is good. The eclectic mix of young scholars then proceed to address simplistic misreadings of The Bible and literalist proof-texting by referring back to context and the story of salvation, attacking the ignorance of what The Bible has to say about 'politics'.
This ignorance is not merely academic but, we must candidly admit, a perilous ignorance which damages The Church and the revolutionary nature of The Gospel.
Rather than offering up their kin to the state to go and make aggressive wars in unknown lands or pay for abortions of unborn children, they remember that we are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, not much if anything, and render unto God what is God's, namely everything.
z-did-not-finish
February 6, 2025It wasn’t that I didn’t like the book. I just never got back to it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews