The missionary enterprises of Libertarian movements

Go over and visit Liberty International now and then. It’s an interesting website full of information about the wonderful things going on in the Balkans, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, and Israel as people seek to spread the gospel (“good news”) of classical liberalism or libertarianism. Some even espouse free markets and free-market anarchism! (See more websites at the bottom of

It is natural for lovers of liberty to do and encourage this. To quote libertarianism.org on “What is a libertarian?” Libertarians believe that in politics, liberty is the most important value. Almost everyone wants freedom for themselves, but a libertarian also seeks to protect and expand the freedom of others.”

In other words (religious terms), libertarians want to be missionaries, evangelists. We want to share what we know with others who will work together with us to establish and maintain liberty and justice for all.

But let us state a sympathetic critique of “Libertarian missionary” endeavors. As we imply in the opening paragraph, like the Christian missionary efforts they appear to imitate and even use as a model, they have their limits. And their foibles. Perhaps they are even ineffective in using limited resources.

In these Fifty States today, the threat level for lovers of liberty is high. It may be higher or lower than in the past, under various State regimes, and of course, the FedGov regimes and constant hullabaloo that features prominently every hour of the day. Unlike too many talking heads want to convince us, the threat is as great from the “conservative” or right-wing politicians and “civil servants as it is from the “liberal” (progressive/regressive) side. Trumpistas are generally as much a hazard on which liberty can stumble as NeverTrumpers or the most rabid supporters of Miz Nancy or Bernie. Or others with D or S (socialist) behind their names.

Yet often it seems that the greatest effort in “evangelism” – spreading the gospel of freedom, is to those people far away: overseas. All too often, the need for local and state-level work takes a back burner to teaching fundamentals of freedom to people in the Third World.

No, it is not wrong to want to encourage the love of liberty and help people in distant lands facing the same or worse struggles than we do here in the States. But what is our priority?

We submit that even the efforts of libertarians here in the States are often misguided. Why? Because the vast bulk of the effort, especially the money, seems to go to Washington, DC. Centered on – fixated on – FedGov politics, policies, and actions. No, these matters cannot be ignored. Especially in our modern degenerate governmental and social system. We must teach and work to address those threats. But again, what is our priority?

Even within the States, again, the major actions undertaken by libertarians – both political and non-political – are concentrated at the Statehouse and the Enomous State University sorts of places. True, these are the power centers; in many States, the Legislature and Governor are even greater threats than Congress, the White House, and the Federal court system.

What gets ignored all too often, in hours committed and dollars (or crypto) spent, is local proclaiming of liberty, of freedom. How local? Our next-door neighbors. Our neighborhoods. Our wards and precincts, our municipalities and counties. To be rather crude, the work to promote liberty and fight against tyranny against local governments (and quasi-governments) all too often gets hind teat.

In fact, we will go one further: our failure to teach about liberty and freedom to our very own families – sons and daughters – and coworkers and people we do business with daily – is itself a threat. Whether we are speaking of government-run, tax-funded institutions (public schools and public colleges/universities) or local media (radio/TV/websites), our families are constantly bombarded by messages promoting collectivism, the state, government control, and the need to conform. The result is often nurturing vipers in our bosoms.

Evangelism begins at home. Whether it is the religious sort or the love of liberty sort. It begins with constantly presenting to ourselves, our immediate and extended families, our friends, our neighbors, our coworkers, our customers, and others we do business with. Presenting the alternatives to business as usual, to submission to even the mildest forms of tyranny. To encouraging personal sovereignty and responsibility and bring about more peace and prosperity.

Again, not just for ourselves. Or for our families and friends. But for as many people as possible. Like charity, spreading liberty begins at home. Focus our efforts, establish priorities, and use our limited resources wisely.

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If you are so inclined, visit a few other websites about international libertarian efforts:

• StudentsforLiberty.org
• NCII.org (National Center for Life and Liberty)
• LibertarianEurope.com
• LibertyFund.org
• NOTE: the old International Society for Individual Liberty is now Liberty International (see above)

All of these have excellent materials for study and especially to share with those fed up with our current governmental mess and the constant assault on our liberty.

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Source: https://freedombunker.com/2025/05/17/the-missionary-enterprises-of-libertarian-movements/