The first book addressing this question was
written by French economist and statesman Frederic Bastiat in
18481. He is often quoted by Libertarian authors, but
probably not quoted enough by religious authors.
He
recognized each individual's innate right to life, freedom and
property. He also recognized a higher authority: "...these
three gifts from God precede all human legislation, and are
superior to it."
He
recognized that "Law is Justice. And it is under the law
of justice - under the reign of right; under the influence of
liberty, safety, stability and responsibility - that every
person will attain his real worth and the true dignity of his
being. It is only under this law of justice that mankind will
achieve - slowly, no doubt, but certainly - God's design for the
orderly and peaceful progress of humanity." Justice is
the basis for a stable government.
Government
then, to be just, must guarantee the safety of individuals and
protect "the free exercise of our conscience, ideas, will,
education, opinion, work, trade, talent and pleasure." It must
not regulate these individual expressions: "Law is
solely the organization of the individual right of self-defense
which existed before law was formalized. Law is justice."
He
criticizes the desire of people to rule over others and calls
this "stupid greed". But he also criticizes
"false philanthropy", philanthropic tyranny, and the
dictatorship of socialism.
He
warns against "multiple utopias, each striving to seize
the law and impose it upon others." This is true - he
writes - "because fraternity and philanthropy, unlike
justice, do not have precise limits. Once started, where will
you stop? And where will the law stop itself?"
He
writes that: "God has given to men all that is necessary
for them to accomplish their destinies." thus he warns
against socialized projects, government centralization, tariffs,
government schools, state religions, bank monopolies,
regulations, equalization through taxation. He suggests that
legislators should "reject all systems and try liberty,
as an acknowledgement of faith in God and His works."
- - -
REFERENCES:
[1]
"The Law", By Frederic Bastiat, The Foundation for
Economic Education.
