St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope St. John Paul II, Francisco de Vitoria, Dorothy Day, Pope Leo XIII, St. Augustine, JRR Tolkien, Frederick Bastiat, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Lord Acton, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Lew Rockwell, Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Antonin Scalia, Francisco Suárez, Jeffrey Tucker, Alexis de Tocqueville, Bartolomé de las Casas, Pope St. John XXIII, St. Augustine, St. Polycarp, Venerable Fulton Sheen, Fr. Robert Sirico, FA Hayek, and Tom Woods are not impressed.

Neither are Thomas Becket, René Girard, St. Evodius, Aloysius Stepinac, Domingo de Soto, Martín de Azpilcueta, Jesús Huerta de Soto, Guido Hülsmann, Juan de Mariana, or St. Mother Theresa.

Many people see our name “The Libertarian Catholic” and instantly erupt in a self-congratulatory spasm of pompous disbelief. “How can you be libertarian and Catholic at the same time?” they scoff.

These people usually have a sophomoric understanding of either libertarianism or Catholicism or both and the rhetorical question actually has an answer if one genuinely understands both. It comes down to the symbiosis of the two concepts of love and freedom. There is no love (Catholicsm) without freedom (libertarianism) and no freedom without love.

Libertarianism and Catholicism

Libertarianism and Catholicism may, at first glance, seem like strange bedfellows. One is a political and philosophical ideology centered on individual liberty and minimal government intervention, while the other is a centuries-old religious tradition with rich moral teachings. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that these two belief systems share common principles and values that, when harmonized, create a compelling worldview.

In this article, we’ll explore the points of alignment between libertarianism and Catholicism and discuss how they can coexist and even enhance one another.

1. Human Dignity and Individual Liberty

Central to both libertarianism and Catholicism is the recognition of the inherent dignity of every human being. Catholics believe that each person is created in the image and likeness of God, endowing them with an intrinsic worth that should be respected. Libertarians, too, emphasize the value of the individual, asserting that individuals have the right to live free from coercion and interference.

2. Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity is a key principle in Catholic social teaching. It asserts that societal issues should be addressed at the most local level possible, with higher authorities intervening only when necessary. This principle aligns with the libertarian belief in limited government. Both worldviews advocate for a smaller, less intrusive state that empowers individuals and communities to solve their problems.

3. Solidarity

Catholicism emphasizes charity and caring (solidarity) for the less fortunate. Libertarians often promote voluntary acts of kindness and generosity. Both perspectives prioritize the role of voluntary actions over coerced, government-mandated assistance.

4. Personal Responsibility

Catholicism teaches the importance of personal responsibility, as individuals are responsible for their actions and moral choices. Likewise, libertarians stress personal responsibility by advocating for the consequences of one’s choices. This shared commitment to personal responsibility creates a sense of accountability and ethical living.

5. Non-Aggression and Just War Doctrine

Catholicism has a well-defined doctrine on just war, advocating that violence is only acceptable in the defense of innocent life when all peaceful means have been exhausted. Libertarians, too, emphasize non-aggression, advocating for non-violence, self-defense, and peaceful conflict resolution. Both belief systems hold a deep respect for the sanctity of human life.

6. Freedom of Religion

Both libertarianism and Catholicism cherish the freedom of religion. Libertarians uphold the right to practice one’s faith without government interference, aligning with the Catholic Church’s advocacy for religious liberty. This shared value reinforces the importance of preserving each individual’s conscience.

7. Family and Community

Catholicism places a strong emphasis on the family as the cornerstone of society. Libertarians, while not explicitly advocating for family values, value the importance of community and non-coercive relationships. Both perspectives acknowledge the role of strong families and communities in fostering individual well-being and social cohesion.

Conclusion

While libertarianism and Catholicism may seem like opposing philosophies, they share fundamental principles that can complement each other. The recognition of human dignity, respect for individual liberty, and shared moral values are just a few areas where these belief systems intersect.

It’s important to note that not all Catholics or libertarians will share the exact same beliefs, and there may be areas of disagreement. However, the potential for dialogue and mutual understanding is evident.

In an increasingly complex world, the synthesis of libertarian principles and Catholic moral values offers a unique perspective that champions both personal freedom and ethical living. This blend of freedom and faith demonstrates the versatility of these ideologies and shows how they can coexist harmoniously, creating a broader, more holistic worldview.

For more on this topic, read Summa Libertas: