The Libertarian Theology of Freedom

by Edmund A. Opitz

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873190467
• ISBN13: 9780873190466
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Hallberg Publishing Corporation
• Length: 157 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Intro to Opitz

Originally published at the LibertarianChristians Blog: Only recently have I learned of Edmund Opitz, ordained Congregational minister and one of the great spokesmen of the liberty movement in the 20th century. Opitz was the resident theologian for the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), and a long-time senior staff member there. He helped found The "Nockian Society," which helped keep Albert Jay Nock's writings in print, and "the Remnant," a small organization named for the subject of Nock's essay entitled Isaiah's Job. He was a good friend of Murray Rothbard and many, many others in the liberty movement. He joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in glory in 2006, leaving this world much better than he found it. The Libertarian Theology of Freedom is a compilation of seven essays from Opitz's other books: The Powers That Be, The Kingdom Without God, and Religion: Foundation of a Free Society. (He has another highly regarded book not represented here: Religion and Capitalism: Allies, Not Enemies.) For essentially a collection of republished essays, the quotes that line the covers indicate how highly regarded Opitz was - and still is: "A must read to better comprehend the important linkage between religious principles and individual liberty." - Ron Paul "A wonderful book - each sentence a testament to Reverend Opitz's cool head and warm heart." - Thomas Szasz, M.D. Professor of Psychiatry image Much of the book addresses the so-called "social gospel," a major theme of Opitz's work throughout his life. Opitz exposes how the social gospel is built on a faulty view of Scripture and human nature, and of course a deficient understanding of economics (chapters 3 & 4). What is more, he has traced the history of thought that led to the social gospel movement in the early 20th century (chapter 5). This is something I have never seen presented before, not even in my class on Christianity in America. Insights such as these are critical as we combat the resurgence of social gospel advocates like Jim Wallis and his "Sojourners" crowd of state-loving neo-liberal Christians. The social gospel is socialism with a Christian veneer. Opitz is a serious and vigorous defender of economic freedom and private property (or do I repeat myself?). He shows himself a respectful debater in his exchange of letters with Rev. John Bennett of Union Theological Seminary in chapter 1. It is almost embarrassing to see the opposing side smashed so readily. Opitz demonstrates clearly the compatibility of Christian faith with libertarian thought, and that with sharp wit. He calls Bennett out for having two standards of morality - one for individuals and one for those in power. In doing so he challenges the very notion of the State itself, for what is the State but a group of people who make certain actions illegal for others but legal for themselves to do? "Power ministers to human pride and results in spiritual disaster." - Edmund Opitz Opitz understands th

Essays from the dean of Christian libertarianism.

This volume inludes seven essays by the Rev. Edmund A. Opitz, a Congregational minister who spent nearly forty years at The Foundation for Economic Education. Culled from three of Opitz's earlier books -- _The Powers That Be_, _The Kingdom Without God_, and _Religion: Foundation of a Free Society_ -- the essays include a debate between Opitz and the Rev. John C. Bennett of Union Theological Seminary; the "Roots of Amercian Liberty" in biblical principles; the conflicts between New Testament ethics and the "welfare state"; two devastating pieces on "social action" and the "Social Gospel"; a similarly devastating piece on "The Churches and the United Nations"; and the short piece from which the present volume takes its title, "The Libertarian Theology of Freedom." This volume will be of interest not only to Christians but to anyone who wants to know what Christianity really says about political and economic liberty.