As a function of natural law it is always possible, perhaps even inevitable, for even the most vile of philosophies to stumble upon some nuggets of truth. The author does not spell out the particulars of the conflicting philosophies but it truly is not possible to reconcile Christian moral belief with the idea that radical selfishness, no matter how enlightened, is the supreme good. It is not the model taught by Jesus.
Furthermore, precisely because it does appeal to certain truths accessible through natural law, it is an appealing “antidote” to religious sentiment of all kinds, and is thus very popular with atheists. I personally knew a man some long years ago who, as I under stood him, viewed Christianity as one of those useless things Atlas, when he finally shrugged, would cast off from rational society. I should mention that this man was not some lone crank, but a brilliant and very successful engineer.
Again, Rand accomplishes her best subversion of Christian belief in those who best understand what she was really promoting. The fact that she was able to incorporate some values that appeal to Christians is not at all surprising. That is how seduction works. Sweet to the taste at the beginning. But in the end, if you follow it through to its logical conclusion, there are bitter consequences.
Peace,
SR
Ayn Rand is just the other side of the Karl Marx. They both promoted atheistic materialism. Both held up money and wealth as their gods. They both wanted to eliminate Christianity, destroy traditional societies, and replace them with philosophical fabrications.
And therein, ultimately, is the source of discomfort for many practicing Christians.
IN essence Christianity teaches collectivism, but one that is completely independent of government. Even transcending government.
What they fail to realize is that Rand's book addresses only the relationship between man and government. It does not address Judeo-Christian morality nor the name of the one true God...nor his sovereignty over earth and man.
To my memory, no such things were expressed.
You make a couple leaps here that I believe the author and others on this have made. Rand advocated for rational behavior in economic activity, and governence
I have found no dichotomy at all between conducting myself as a Christian in my own life and working for then cause of radical freedom, including the choice to be radically selfish, in he political realm.