Freedom, Justice, and the State

by Ronald H. Nash

What do the terms 'freedom' and 'justice' mean? What is the State? Is the existence of the State justified? What are the proper limits of the power of the State? What about the intervention of the State in economic matters that gives rise to the disputes between advocates of capitalism, socialism, and the welfare state? These are some of the broader questions addressed in this book.

243 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 1980

About the author

Ronald H. Nash (PhD, Syracuse University) was a longtime professor at Western Kentucky University, Reformed Theological Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He was an heir of the theological tradition of Carl F.H. Henry, and was an lifelong admirer and student of Augustine of Hippo, his favorite philosopher.

He was the author of numerous books, including The Concept of God, Life's Ultimate Questions, and Faith and Reason.

Reviews

[Nickolas Wingholt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, hard look at the titular concepts that are as prevalent now as when this book was written. This work will always have a special place in my heart due to Nash being the first "like-minded" Christian writer I have been able to resonate with as it pertains to perspectives on society and civil governance. His measured critique of statism, as well as his commitment to not outrightly dismiss the moral arguments of classical liberals and libertarian anarchists, was so refreshing when so many are willing to just accept the status quo. Nash shines the most in his clarion call for us to carefully distinguish the difference between government and society whenever we enter the public square. In many ways, this book was the first domino that set me on my personal journeys in philosophy and legal theory.

I wouldn't recommend to everyone, and definitely not as someone's first foray into Nash. But for those inner political philosophers looking for a fairly niche, fairly dense treatment of freedom and justice, a solid choice. I found myself frustrated at a few assumptions he made about things that (in his view) must require coercion - but overall, he gives the reader a lot to think about in his proposed minimal State. 2nd time read. 3/5.