Profile: Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin

Greetings, fellow Theocrats. I am Joseph Martin. I live, work, and play in the lovely city of Madison, Wisconsin. I am an active fundamentalist Christian and a devoted libertarian — or, if you prefer, a classic liberal. I believe these two roles are completely complementary rather than contradictory. I will try to prove that each and every time I write for this blog.

Who I Am

I am recently graduated with an B.S. in Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. My primary interest in life was computers and computer systems until two years ago. I have a strong interest in economics, political science, and literature. I regularly read science fiction and historical fiction. I also enjoy reading Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. Although I now write using my own name, I used to author my articles under the pseudonym of “Amadeus”.

What I Am Interested In

I am very interested in power and the nature of authority. Who gives orders? Under what authority do they give those orders? What is a valid law? What is an invalid law? Why is it valid or invalid? What commands are Christians given? Under what authority do Christians do what they do? What is the role of government? What is the role of Christians in government?

These questions have led me to form a new understanding of Christianity and a Christian’s role in government. I believe that these commands of Scripture are given personally to each believer. I do not believe that Scripture gives me any authority or mandate to convert those personal commands into laws for society to follow. I do not believe that God commands us to purify society. I believe that God commanded me to act as his ambassador to the world, not as a ruler in his stead. I am commanded to represent God in the world and to defend my faith from the world, but I am not commanded to use my faith to rule over the world. That is God’s position and I dare not take it from Him.

That is why I hold to a libertarian position in almost all areas of politics. I disagree with the Libertarian party on the issues of abortion and taxation, but I support them in all other areas. I believe that this is the political position most consistent with Christian morality and ethics. You can expect me to defend that position, but I am eager to listen to anyone who wishes to challenge my beliefs on either Biblical or economical grounds.

What I Am Reading