wyattstorch Posted November 9, 2017 Posted November 9, 2017 (edited) Good morning. I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I just finished reading HOW NOT TO ACHIEVE FREEDOM, and was intrigued by the claim/criticism that libertarianism gets funding from Christians, mainly because, on the surface of it, I've seen much antagonism towards libertarianism from Christians, philosophically, though admittedly, I've seen some overlap, but then, I lean more "Objectivish" than Libertarian. And the thing that sticks out in my mind is that Rand famously said she rejected a significant monetary offer if she would just incorporate religion into her philosophy. Knowing that Rand did have relations with Isabel Paterson, Leonard Reed, etc, it does seem to be a plausible claim, however. (And relatedly, there is a current theory going around that ARI is being influenced by external funding to not only over-ride the previous rejection of libertarianism, but also to promote leftist causes like open immigration, etc, reflected in a push to vote for Clinton and demonize Trump, etc...). That's why I'm intrigued by this claim, primarily. If I remember correctly (I need to re-read it), Stefan says something along the lines that this isn't certain, maybe more anecdotal, based on his experiences. I was trying to Google the topic, but there's a high signal-to-noise ratio, there. I did watch his videos "Why I Was Wrong About Libertarians" and "Why I Was Wrong About Atheists", but I didn't get much answer there. (Edit, 11/14/17: I found Stefan's quote from the book, and I have to partially correct my above question:) "For instance, when I say that libertarianism has an innate hostility towards the discipline of psychology – and in particular, the exploration of the unconscious – because of its financial dependence upon Christianity, what is my proof for such an assertion? "This theory certainly fits and explains the consistent facts of my considerable experience over many years, and I do think that I have made logically consistent arguments as to why those who take their bread-and-butter from the insane can never consistently advocate sanity, but what is still missing is the widest objective and empirical proof for my assertions." So, here, specifically, he is not disputing his own claim about Christians funding libertarianism, but the idea of an innate a hostility of libertarians towards psychology, BECAUSE of that funding...) End edit The one source I did find useful was Brian Dougherty's RADICALS FOR CAPITALISM: A FREEWHEELING HISTORY OF THE MODERN LIBERTARIAN MOVEMENT. I had read it before, but not thoroughly. A quick re-skimming does reveal details about Christian-backed funding of libertarianism, but also points out some more details that make the issue not so clear-cut (i.e., how some people rejected such religious involvement, how Leonard Read was less Christian than he was "on a spiritual path", etc...that kind of stuff...no clear-cut "smoking gun". So, my question is two-fold: Could anyone point out some more sources that might substantiate Stefan's claim? And, in light of his more recent "Why I Was About Libertarians/Atheists" videos, and the defense of Christians he makes in the latter, has Stefan tempered his antipathy towards Christians funding libertarian causes, as well? Thanks, in advance. Edited November 14, 2017 by wyattstorch clarification/added quote
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