Libertinism is a philosophical view that emphasizes individual freedom and rejects moral or sexual restraint. At its core, libertinism promotes living life according to one’s own rules and desires, often in opposition to societal or religious norms.
The term “libertinism” originates from the French word “libertin” which initially referred to freethinkers and nonconformists in the context of religion and morality. Over time it evolved to denote those who disregarded sexual and social conventions.
Libertinism gained traction in Europe during the Enlightenment era as a rejection of the moral austerity of the church. Thinkers such as Denis Diderot espoused a liberties-driven approach to pleasure seeking and living freely.
While the nuances have shifted over centuries, the central tenets of libertinism have remained constant:
– Prioritizing personal freedom and bodily autonomy above all else
– Pursuing physical pleasure and novel experiences as a lifestyle
– Disregard for religious prohibitions or societal taboos
– Living life according to subjective desires rather than objective morals
Libertinism takes a permissive stance on activities like casual sex, adultery, pornography, abortion, homosexuality and drug use. Anything that restricts a person’s choices and pleasures is viewed as oppressive and antithetical to libertine philosophy.
The Bible offers a very different perspective on these topics. Scripture upholds the sanctity of life, marriage and sexuality as God-ordained, while condemning lust and licentious living.
What the Bible Says About Sexual Immorality
Libertinism’s embrace of unrestrained sexuality goes against Biblical principles of purity, fidelity and self-control. Scripture explicitly prohibits all forms of sexual immorality including premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, pornography and prostitution.
For example:
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (Hebrews 13:4)
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Ephesians 5:3)
The consistent testimony of Scripture upholds faithfulness within heterosexual marriage as the only God-honoring expression of human sexuality. All other contexts – whether premarital, extramarital, same-sex, commercialized or objectifying – are condemned as sinful distortions of God’s design.
Libertines ignore these moral boundaries in favor of self-directed sexual license. But the Bible warns that lust always requires caution and constraint, as it can easily spiral into exploitation and destruction when unchecked by wisdom and integrity.
What the Bible Says About Hedonism
Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure as the highest ideal in life. Libertinism embraces hedonism and the epicurean indulgence of sensual appetites.
But Scriptural wisdom calls us to temperance, prudence and deferred gratification. The Bible warns against unrestrained sensuality, materialism and living solely for comfort and thrill-seeking.
For example:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16)
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” (Titus 3:3)
Throughout Scripture, gratification of the senses is portrayed as ephemeral and inferior to the lasting joy found in God and virtue. Libertinism ignores this truth in its zeal fornovel experiences and decadent highs.
What the Bible Says About Moral Relativism
Moral relativism contends that there are no absolute or universal ethical standards. What’s “right” or “wrong” depends on individual preference or cultural norms.
Libertinism embraces relativism in order to justify its immorality. If there are no objective moral facts, then no sexual behavior – no matter how deviant – can be condemned on an absolute level.
But the Bible presents an uncompromising moral realism rooted in the unchanging character of God. Scripture repeatedly affirms the existence of objective good and evil that holds true across all cultures and contexts.
For example:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Libertines reject external moral standards in favor of following inner passions and preferences. But the Bible calls humanity to align with the ethical truth embedded in Creation itself – a truth that reflects God’s nature and intentions for human flourishing.
What the Bible Says About Self-Centeredness
At its core, libertinism is fundamentally self-centered. It elevates self-rule and self-interest above all other concerns. Everything revolves around the individual’s desires and right to pursue pleasure without constraints.
But Scripture condemns self-absorbed living as antithetical to spiritual growth. The Bible instead calls followers of Christ to live selflessly, considering others above themselves.
For example:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2)
A libertarian rejects any restriction or duty that curtails personal freedom. But Scripture teaches that real human fulfillment lies not in selfishness, but selflessness – loving God and neighbor wholeheartedly.
What the Bible Says About Mind-Altering Substances
Many libertines use illicit substances like marijuana, cocaine, MDMA and LSD to heighten pleasure and push boundaries. But Scripture prohibits intoxication and mind-altering chemicals as contrary to sobriety and self-control.
For example:
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” (Ephesians 5:18)
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
While total abstinence from alcohol is not mandated in Scripture, intoxication is consistently presented as dangerous and antithetical to wise living. By extension, partaking of illicit mind-altering substances for recreation fails to honor God and witness to unbelievers.
What the Bible Says About Human Dignity
Libertinism often treats others as objects for personal exploitation. But the Bible upholds human dignity as inherent in God’s image within every person. No one should be used or degraded for another’s gratification.
For example:
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)
This requires honoring boundaries, exercising self-restraint even when passion tempts, and embracing mutual care and consent. Libertinism ignores these ethical obligations, but Scripture demands moral excellence in all human relationships.
What the Bible Says About Marriage
Libertines freely disregard marriage vows and partake in adultery and other infidelities. But Scripture presents marriage as an exclusive covenant relationship, not to be violated.
For example:
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (Hebrews 13:4)
“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14)
Marriage is intended to mirror God’s unconditional love for His people. Violating marital bonds through adultery deeply wounds one’s partner and contradicts God’s design. Faithfulness and self-sacrifice are essential for honoring marriage vows.
What the Bible Says About Abortion
Many libertines support abortion as necessary for unrestrained sexuality. But Scripture upholds the personhood of the unborn and the sanctity of human life from conception onward.
For example:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
Intentionally ending innocent human life is condemned in Scripture. Followers of Christ are called to defend the vulnerable and honor the image of God imprinted on every human from fertilization onward.
What the Bible Says About Homosexuality
Libertines approve of homosexuality as a valid expression of human sexuality. But Scripture exclusively upholds God-ordained marriage between one man and one woman as the only morally permissible context for sex.
For example:
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22)
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:22-27)
Homosexual behavior is presented as sinful because it violates God’s creational design and intent for human sexuality. Libertinism ignores these moral boundaries, but Scripture upholds male-female marriage as the only God-honoring sexual expression.
A Better Way Forward
Libertinism appeals by promising freedom, but actually leads to slavery and despair. As one pastor aptly stated:
“What Satan puts before man as a freedom is in fact a trap. The forbidden fruit was supposed to make Adam and Eve free, but it only enslaved them.”
Genuine human flourishing is found not in throwing off restraints, but embracing God’s design for life, sexuality, work and worship. Jesus described Himself as “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6) – the only pathway to meaning, purpose and lasting satisfaction.
Rather than seeking selfish pleasure, believers are called to honor God with their bodies and discern His will for their lives through studying Scripture. This may mean embracing difficult truths and sacrificing base desires, but God promises it is the path to true freedom and joy. As Christ declared:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Libertinism offers fleeting gratification wrapped in a facade of freedom. But God’s way – narrow and demanding as it may first appear – leads to wholeness, intimacy, and eternal blessing. Scripture exhorts us to choose life by walking in God’s wisdom, truth and righteousness.
