libertarian thought started with Joshua: “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” That is followed by the book of Judges observing that everyone did what he thought was right in his own eyes.
Judeo-Christian libertarianism is the basis for all libertarianism in the US. Rand is just branched off from Judeo libertarianism by leaving “the Lord” out of it.
The theology of Cain is the constant enemy of Judeo-Christianity. God asked Cain “Where is your brother?” Cain did not want to answer God. So Cain raised a non-sequitor: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Of course, the Judeo-Christian answer is “No, I am not my brother’s keeper. I am my brother’s brother.” A keeper is superior to his brother. Zoos have keepers. Prisons have keepers. Plantations have keepers.
I am my brother’s brother is the true Judeo-Christian position. But our sinful nature of pride wants to believe that we know what is best for the brothers. Thus, our sinful nature leads us away from Judeo-Christian libertarianism and into the brothers-keeper theology of Cain, the first theologian who tried to improve on God’s idea.
When God is left out of it the libertarian entire position collapses into a form of existentialism. Rothbard knew this, but lacked a satisfactory answer - other than being inclined toward Natural Law theory.
Excellent point.
In fact Cain had arrogated to be Abel’s “keeper” going along those lines. “This uppity dude ought to die” seems to have been his idea.
Interesting post.