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I recommend NewPolity ( https://newpolity.com/ ) for a nuanced approach to this topic. They recognize the tyranny of today's governments, but they do not advocate a Libertarian a solution. They draw from the Bible as well as Christian political theory and historical examples of more successful functioning Christian societies. What they are discussing cannot be enacted in the next election cycle, but I believe they do have a vision that can give as goal to work towards long-term, even if we don't know how we can get there from here.

John 2y ago

Thanks for the comment Greg. Can you give me an idea of what folks at that site might say in response to this part of the article, "Third, as I point out in detail in my new book, “Radical Moses,” the law of God created a nation that was libertarian in its construction. The government of Israel was based on individual self-control in view of the (few) commandments, with a judicial system that could secure redress for victims of crime. That’s it."

If not, no worries! I'll check out the link. Thanks.

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Greg 2y ago

This is my interpretation of what they might say, which is that the Biblical view of man is not individualistic, but family and relationship oriented. The American idea of individualism comes from the Enlightenment, not the Bible. We are born into a family, and our identity comes from there. Families make up tribes and communities, and communities make up nations. God started with the family of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his sons. From these sons come the 12 tribes that form the structure of the nation of Israel.

It is true that individual Israelites were not regulated by the national government, but they were regulated by the family. The head of the family ruled the family. When there are disputes between families, those are arbitrated by village, town, or tribal elders. Only the cases that couldn't be resolved at lower levels went to Moses, Joshua, the judges, or the kings.