These arguments about how “libertarian” Christianity is have degenerated into absurdity. First, what exactly constitutes “Christianity?” Anything a self-described Christian says or does? Whatever position the Catholic Church holds? Or how the evangelicals vote? Until or unless Christianity is defined, the discussion is meaningless. The question of Christianity’s libertarianism must determine whether or not dubious “Christian” acts occurred because of Christian doctrine, or in spite of it. If one wishes to ignore the plain words of its central figure, then it would be best to define Christianity based on the tenets of its more famous theologians, such as Aquinas.
If one wants to look at historical reality, it’s hard not to notice that Christians were blamed for the fall of Rome because their loyalties were not to the state, but to their individual conscience. Augustine answered these objections in City of God. Christians refused to pledge obedience to the Empire, refused to participate in the Imperial Cult, declared there to be a realm that was outside the purview of the state, and provided an institutional bulwark against the growth of state power after the fall. Perfectly libertarian? No, but relatively speaking, give me another example in history where such things occurred to the extent they did in Europe.
The Christian Bible advocates state-worship, the infallibility of government authorities, and the welfare state:
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Judaism, upon which Christianity is based, has at its core a monopolistic law code, supposedly backed by divine right. How can libertarianism co-exist with such a principle?