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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.

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.

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John 2y ago

Well said, I'm on board with all of that and I don't see biblical libertarianism conflicting with that at all. Self-government is the foundation of family, church, and civil government. All 4 spheres are separate, but subject to Christ. You described the appeals court process instituted by Moses, the foundation of which was individual families that were supposed to be made up of self-governed individuals.

The state must not swallow up that which belongs to the church, family, or individual. Nor can the church wield the sword against evildoers. The radically minimal biblical system of government recognizes the equal ultimacy of the one and the many, rooted in the Triune nature of God. No man is an island since our behavior is consequential to others, but each individual will give an account of himself to God.