Leaving Libertarianism Behind

The dividing difference between Conservatives and Libertarians really comes down to the issue of freedom, and whether it be seen as a means, or an end.

This article was originally posted at the Sin Boldly Blog.

I was listening to Matt Walsh’s podcast when he did an ad read that surprised me. Mr. Walsh was shilling for one of many online sports betting apps, the kind of app where you can bet on anything and everything related to any sporting event.

As he is a devout Catholic, I was a little surprised. I mean, sure, Bingo nights are a “thing” in the Catholic world, but does Mr. Walsh really think sports betting is a good idea? Does he really want to lend his reputation and credibility to such a business?

I certainly would not. That kind of pervasive gambling is just another way to waste time and money on, at best, superficial pursuits that are quite far from the Kingdom of God. That is putting it in the best light. Putting it in a more honest light, like all gambling, online sports betting is debilitating young people who are getting addicted to it as they do other vices. Their financial lives are being destroyed, to say nothing of their souls.

Gambling is often placed in that acceptable territory of “Christian freedom.” We all pretty much agree it isn’t good to gamble, but we have the freedom to do it as a form of entertainment. All Christians can agree that, if it is to be done, there should be limits to it, as there are limits to drinking alcohol, for example. So gambling is often permitted by Christians, even if not celebrated. It’s just bad enough to be morally questionable or wrong, but just harmless enough to be considered an acceptable distraction.

Socially and politically, it is one of the issues that divides traditional conservatives from libertarians. Because libertarians philosophically value liberty or freedom above all else, they tend to be quite permissible when it comes to gambling, drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, abortion, or supporting repulsive “speech” like pornography (all in the name of freedom, of course). And the bigger picture of global politics has libertarians usually supporting open borders, no “war on drugs,” and free trade between nations.

Moral conservatives do not see liberty as the ultimate value, but a secondary value to good order. So, conservatives are usually on the other side of the issues above: they have a lower view of gambling, they may not approve of any drinking and drugs, and they oppose pornography. They are for safe and secure borders and – especially these days – are arguing more for “fair” trade rather than free trade (that is at the heart of the debates regarding tariffs, the loss of manufacturing to foreign nations, and the need to “bring those jobs home”).

I understand the appeal of libertarianism. Freedom is a wonderful thing, something a people should fight for. I understand that, as people made in God’s image, we should have the freedom to “pursue happiness.” That is an intrinsic good, an “unalienable right.” We see oppressive regimes and empires and we are right in saying that they go too far in restricting the rights of people to enjoy life, trade, own property, worship God, etc. Think Chinese Communists or Muslim Jihadis.

But libertarianism just does not work at scale. It is essentially the daydream of the immature because, in the real world, there must be boundaries to what we can do. Even if others are not harmed by our free choices – and they often are – some actions should be prohibited just because they are wrong. Christians, therefore, cannot be libertarians because God’s Law puts restrictions on our freedom. A Christian would be in constant moral conflict with the allowances of libertarianism. Even if he or she did not indulge in what freedom allows, to partner with other people who do creates a scandal for Christians. Their stances on drugs, gambling, and abortion alone should be enough to cause conservatives to run away from any libertarian fellowship!

So, once we get beyond the romanticism of libertarianism, we embrace conservatism. And I am glad to be seeing more of that happening as the – broadly speaking – conservative movement grows and matures. I want to see much, much more, of course. But on four key issues, I am at least hopeful that is happening, or will happen.

• There is some evidence that drinking and drugs are not as interesting to young people.

• The same is not yet true for pornography…but I am hopeful. Certainly, there is anecdotal evidence that many young people recognize the danger and avoid it.

• One of the reasons – agree or disagree with the policy – that Trump won was due to his moving away from “free trade” policies that may have netted some lower costs on consumer goods, but cost Americans a manufacturing infrastructure, good jobs, and vibrant towns and cities. Young people are less enamored with free trade and more open to policies that protect American workers and homes.

• And that brings me to Matt Walsh who, after reflection and criticism on his partnership, ended his advertising relationship with the online sports betting company and vowed never to host such a partnership again. Yay!

Certainly, the young should be at least a little romantic before the cold, hard realities of life make them ever more conservative. Libertarianism, as an Ayn Rand/disestablishmentarianism phase of life, is normal and even healthy. But Christians cannot live in that space for long without losing the Christian social order that following Christ demands. So, if you date libertarianism for a while, fine. But a Christian will need to marry conservatism.

Photo Credits- Libertarian Party. in, Libertarian Country and PBS.