It is now just over a decade since I launched the Quaker Libertarians Facebook page. Over the course of the last 10 years, I have focused on articulating what I see as the disconnect between Quaker faith and practice and the use of state power. While I have engaged from time to time in dialogue with those who see things differently, I have largely worked to build connections with others who might share similar concerns. Similarly, I have sought out threads of thought within the Quaker tradition (and beyond) in which I find resonance with libertarian thought broadly understood. This blog serves as a partial archive of much of this effort.
At this point, however, it occurs to me that I (and others) might benefit from a more explicit invitation to hear from those who find this line of thought misguided or unconvincing. While familiar with many sources of Friends' thinking on engagement with the state that takes for granted its moral grounding, I have not seen much that specifically wrestles with the idea that while some might see engagement with state power to be problematic, the author ultimately comes to a different conclusion. Having come to the opposite conclusion myself, I find myself profoundly interested in the thought of those who disagree.
In this vein, I invite contributions to an ongoing online forum of sorts dedicated to this project. Posts and essays that take seriously the value of the conversation - regardless of the position from which they are argued - will be added to this blog and shared via our social media channels. If the author or authors would prefer to post on their own platform and are comfortable with their posts being cross-posted or linked here that can be done, as well. No specific word limit will be set, with the understanding that an initial post need not be the end of the conversation. I will agree to respond to each posted contribution in a thoughtful and respectful way that (hopefully) engenders further dialogue. Questions raised about process or format will either be addressed in comments on this post or incorporated into it over time to add additional clarity. Submissions may be posted as comments on this post, or emailed to mhisrich AT gmail.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
- Matt Hisrich
At this point, however, it occurs to me that I (and others) might benefit from a more explicit invitation to hear from those who find this line of thought misguided or unconvincing. While familiar with many sources of Friends' thinking on engagement with the state that takes for granted its moral grounding, I have not seen much that specifically wrestles with the idea that while some might see engagement with state power to be problematic, the author ultimately comes to a different conclusion. Having come to the opposite conclusion myself, I find myself profoundly interested in the thought of those who disagree.
In this vein, I invite contributions to an ongoing online forum of sorts dedicated to this project. Posts and essays that take seriously the value of the conversation - regardless of the position from which they are argued - will be added to this blog and shared via our social media channels. If the author or authors would prefer to post on their own platform and are comfortable with their posts being cross-posted or linked here that can be done, as well. No specific word limit will be set, with the understanding that an initial post need not be the end of the conversation. I will agree to respond to each posted contribution in a thoughtful and respectful way that (hopefully) engenders further dialogue. Questions raised about process or format will either be addressed in comments on this post or incorporated into it over time to add additional clarity. Submissions may be posted as comments on this post, or emailed to mhisrich AT gmail.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
- Matt Hisrich