The Libertarian Theology of Freedom

by Edmund A. Opitz

Beginning with the "Great Debate" between Reverend Opitz and the Dean of Faculty at Union Theological Seminary, John Bennett, this is a sterling book of powerful arguments. Ed Opitz could never stomach the one-sided political biases of the seminaries and publications of the mainline churches; yet he retained his civility and his gift for reasoning based on evidence. The history of how "the Social Gospel" captured the mainline churches is presented in the Preface. The Reverend Opitz has long been, and remains, one of the most articulate and deeply thoughtful defenders of a free society.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 1999

Reviews

[Adam Barger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this early examination of liberty, Christianity, and a free society. Opitz weaves these themes together across a collection of essays that touch on everything from global government and post WW2 peace processes to the role of the American church and the individual Christian.
I was surprised at how well Opitz’ arguments tracked with modern libertarian ideas. Opitz was a standout thinker and writer on Christian libertarianism well before the movement organized. His approach is at once historical, philosophical and economic, which makes for some complex reading.
Some essays were more troublesome than others. The narrative meanders a bit and can lead the reader to a sense of unfinished or unexplored suppositions. However, the overall approach is consistently liberty-minded while thoroughly grounding libertarian ideals within Christian ethics.
I recommend this book to any serious Christian libertarian or the opponent of such positions.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not perfect, but a great selection of writings from Opitz that elucidate a fairly persuasive case for the libertarian position from a Christian perspective

[Timothy Bankes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon book! The last chapter itself is worth the cost of the book. Edmund comes out swinging!

[Furbjr]

This just arrived. I bought this because it has been selected as the http://freedombookclub.com Book of the Month.

I'm digging in now.