What limitations do I have as an individual under libertarianism?
Question 38 in Faith Seeking Freedom: Updated & Expanded
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Libertarianism only speaks to what is just or unjust for an individual to do. The boundary between justice and injustice is based on the ownership of property, including your own body. Libertarianism categorically rejects violations of other people’s property rights as wrong. However, if an act does not violate another person’s rights, it is not “unlibertarian,” which is to say that it is not an injustice. Libertarians agree that the use of force against others is only permissible if they are aggressors whose actions violate the rights of others. Otherwise, libertarianism leaves the individual free to choose what to do with his time and property.
But remember, libertarianism only speaks to what should be legal. As Christian libertarians, we recognize that a thing’s being lawful is not enough to make it good. Believers must also consider whether a particular choice is spiritually expedient; that is, whether it glorifies God (1 Cor 6:12, 1 Cor 10:23–29). Justice tells us what people can be compelled to do or not do. The teachings of our Lord in scripture and through the moving of the Holy Spirit show us how we ought to live in order to please and glorify him (2 Tim 3:16, 1 Cor 2:6–16).