One of the sites I visit regularly is C. Jay Engel’s Reformed Libertarian. Mr. Engel is one of the better writers that I
read; partly, I suppose, because we see much of the austro-libertarian world
the same way and partly, I suppose, because I also view the world through a
Christian lens. He also has had a good
about of his work published at the
Mises Institute site.
From the “About”
page of his site:
On this site, you will find
political and economic content which reflects our strict Austro-Libertarian
framework– best exemplified by scholars such as Ludwig von Mises, Murray
Rothbard, and Hans-Hermann Hoppe. The name of the site comes from the fact that
our editors adhere to Reformed and Confessional Protestantism. This means that
some of our material seeks to explore libertarian themes from the history and
development of Protestantism.
We are outspoken cultural
conservatives, not taken to the political correctness, moral libertinism, and
social Progressivism that has in recent years flooded the libertarian movement.
We adhere to the Misesian tradition of Austrian Economics and the praxeological
method of discovering economic laws.
Mr. Engel recently
announced the launch of a new site; he did this for focus. He enjoys writing about Austro-libertarian
topics, but finds that many readers who might find his work worthwhile are not
necessarily interested in the “Reformed” part of his work. A thorough explanation of his thinking on
this can be found here.
As for the new site, Austro-Libertarian:
Misesian, Rothbardian, Hoppean: Our
vision is the advancement of the Misesian-Rothbardian framework. Ludwig von
Mises and Murray N. Rothbard were two of the foremost defenders of individual
liberty in the 20th century. From them, we have a tremendous system of economic
and political thought that provides the antidote for rampant statism in our time.
I recommend a regular visit.
Great recommendation! The site has a great look and excellent content. I'll be watching it!
ReplyDeleteThe Reformed Libertarian, truly the best example of an oxymoron I’ve encountered in a very long time; hilarious were it not so tragic.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone remotely curious as to what Reformed theology consists of, go no further than the vast platonic philosophical framework of same which is Martin Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation, a basic summary, together with John Calvin’s Institutes of Christian Religion, all 1500 pages of it (both available to read online). What better way to observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation?
There can be no ideological compatibility between liberty and reformed doctrine; they are positively incongruous.
This post has solidified my reservations of you, BM, but more disappointing, the Mises Institute.
~pearl
pearl, I am glad I could be of service.
DeleteIts not really an oxymoron if you think of it as he was a libertarian that's been reformed
DeleteThe Reformed Libertarian website is a frequent visit for me, as well. As an anarcho-calvinist, I don't see incongruence between Reformed theology and and the NAP. But I'm open to having my mind changed about that. Of course, if I can be shown that being Reformed means I can't logically hold to libertarianism, then I would most certainly abandon libertarianism (eternal questions seem to matter more than today's government).
ReplyDeleteSo far, I haven't encountered a clear argument demonstrating the Reformation and voluntary societies don't mix. Calvin and Luther may have had different political opinions than libertarianism; but that's okay. Fortunately, we don't worship the reformers and parrot everything they have said or done.
Sherlock, what you think is irrelevant. As a self-ascribed Calvinist, you accept that you’re a depraved, desperately wicked, guilty sinner, unable to discern right from wrong. Who are you to decide what pieces of the Institutes are suitable and what’s not? As a self-ascribed Calvinist, you sold your birthright of reason, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to the philosopher kings who intellectually rule over you. Or did you not bother to read the “small print”?
Delete~pearl
How caustic, pearl! Oh well.
DeleteReformed theologians don't seem to take "total depravity" to mean "complete and utter depravity.". Your characterization seems to be the latter.
Regarding my "birthright:" I do not have a right to life, reason, happiness or liberty. It is a more accurate anthropology to say that no human is truly entitled to anything. Any liberty, life, reason, salvation or happiness I have is not what I deserve, but rather the mercy and gifts of God. Because what I deserve is death.
Fortunately, I am regarded as righteous, with the perfect performance of Christ taking place for my imperfection and sin.
The Reformation was and is an exercise of reason grappling with Scripture. Reformed theology does not demand religious submission to philosopher kings, but rather one King, the Godhead.
None of this is a violation or undercutting of the NAP.
Side-note: I take Calvinism to believe Sola Scriptura, not sola institutes or Sola Luther!
pearl,
DeleteFor someone who "has solidified my reservations of you, BM, but more disappointing, the Mises Institute," you sure have a hard time staying away.
Admit it, you kind of enjoy running with the racy crowd.
Thanks for the recommendation. I added both sites to the same folder your site is in.
ReplyDeleteAt the RL website, Engel explained why he started the AL website, and you replied with a HOORAY! Is that because of the Christian aspect (in general) or the Reformed aspect (specifically)?
ReplyDeleteFor my "HOORAY!" comment? Neither.
DeleteI think he writes wonderfully well on Austrian and libertarian issues. If, by creating the new site, he can attract more readers, all I say is "HOORAY!"
Sherlock, I was caustic, and that was by design. I was attempting to emulate the arrogant distain John Calvin had for humanity in general, but neglected to make that distinction. For humor’s sake, I should have signed off as “John Calvin of Geneva”.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of sincere believers professing Calvinism have no idea what he, or Martin Luther, really believed. Simply put, the entirety of authentic, orthodox Protestant doctrine is founded on Platonism, which is nihilism of the individual. This is well-documented and readily available online. I hope you will conduct your own investigation and see that it is so.
_______
BM: racy? I think reckless a more apt description.
Since I am commenting using the anonymous option, I am unable to subscribe to comments and therefore return frequently to check for responses to my initial comment (such as Sherlock’s).
As my initial comment was a proverbial line-in-the-sand, I anticipated responses and am willing to answer them to the best of my ability. It was never my intention to run for the hills.
~pearl
Feel free to stop casting your pearls before swine. Anytime now would be fine with me.
Delete