Academic Studies Press Running in Good Faith?: Observant Judaism and Libertarian Politics

Could a religiously observant Jew, in good conscience, run as a libertarian candidate, promoting a libertarian platform? Or, would doing so betray fundamental Jewish values? Running in Good Faith? Observant Judaism and Libertarian Politics considers the seemingly irreconcilable values and political commitments of Judaism and libertarianism. The latter prizes individualism, self-ownership, private property, and freedom, whereas the former emphasizes community, charity, and service of God. But are these differences so sharp? This book seeks to determine if this is an essential clash or merely an apparent one, and to stimulate a broad discussion of Judaism, values, politics, and political philosophy in order to call into question what people think they know, about both Judaism and libertarianism. Review “If you have even the slightest interest in the relationship between Judaism and libertarianism, this is the book for you. Alan Krinsky brilliantly demonstrates that libertarianism and Judaism are not incompatible. Jews are not required to be libertarians, nor of course are libertarians required to convert to Judaism, but the two are not unconnected either.” ―Walter Block, Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Economics, J. A. Butt School of Business, Loyola University New Orleans About the Author Alan D. Krinsky, a writer and senior policy analyst, has written and published on Jewish and general political, historical, religious, and other topics. He earned a PhD in History and the History of Science and a Master of Public Health. He writes to challenge, both himself and others.