Gary North Quotes

Powerful Gary North for Daily Growth

About Gary North

Gary North (born August 17, 1941) is an American Christian Reconstructionist theologian, economist, historian, and political activist who has made significant contributions to libertarian Christianity. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, North graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1963. He later earned his Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1967 and his Ph.D. in Applied Theology from the American Baptist Theological Seminary in 1981. Influenced by the works of Christian Reconstructionists Rousas John Rushdoony, Greg Bahnsen, and Gary DeMar, North developed a unique blend of biblical theology, political activism, and economic thought. He is best known for his books "Political Polytheism: The Myth of Pluralism" (1986), "Gary North's Remnant Review" (1982-1993), and "Gary North's Bible Studies in the Old Testament" (1995). North's works advocate for a Christian libertarian perspective, emphasizing individualism, limited government, and biblical law. His economic ideas are rooted in Austrian School principles, and he has written extensively on economic theory, investment strategies, and financial planning. North is also known for his views on education, advocating for home schooling as a means of preserving Christian values in the face of secular education systems. North's influence extends beyond his writings. He co-founded the Institute for Christian Economics (now the Free Market Institute) in 1976 and has been involved in various political campaigns, including the presidential campaigns of Ron Paul and Rand Paul. Despite controversy surrounding some of his views, Gary North remains a prominent figure in libertarian Christianity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives."

The quote by Gary North emphasizes the role of government as a protective entity, rather than an intrusive force that dictates citizens' lives. It suggests that while government plays a crucial part in maintaining safety and order, it should refrain from micromanaging personal decisions and daily life choices of its constituents, promoting the idea of individual freedom and self-determination within societal boundaries.


"Every dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of free speech. Immediately on attaining power, he has broken it."

This quote suggests that the path to power for any dictator involves the use and protection of free speech. However, once they have seized power, they typically suppress free speech as a means of controlling information and maintaining their authority. The quote serves as a warning about the potential dangers of absolute power and the importance of upholding freedom of expression in democratic societies to prevent such abuses of power.


"The only justifiable purpose for which to invade another country is to end slavery."

This quote by Gary North emphasizes that the sole ethical reason for a nation to wage war or invade another is to abolish the institution of slavery, which is an inhumane practice that treats human beings as property. It underscores the importance of freedom, justice, and humanity, suggesting that military intervention can be morally justified when it leads to the emancipation of enslaved people.


"War is the health of the state." - Randolph Bourne (often attributed to Gary North)

This quote by Randolph Bourne, often associated with Gary North, suggests that war serves as a means for the state to expand its power and control over society. In times of conflict, states can justify increased surveillance, censorship, and mobilization of resources, which can ultimately strengthen their influence. The statement implies a critique of the role of war in fostering the growth and consolidation of state authority at the expense of individual freedoms and liberties.


"The Bible does not teach salvation by good works, but it does teach good works as evidence of salvation."

This quote suggests that while Christianity doesn't endorse the idea of earning salvation through good deeds (a concept known as salvation by works), it does emphasize that genuine salvation will be evident in a person's life through their actions, particularly good works. Essentially, the evidence of one's faith is manifested in the way they live and behave.


Satan cannot win. Why not? Because he has denied God's sovereignty and disobeyed God's law. But Moses was told explicitly, God's blessings come only from obedience. Satan will not win because he has abandoned God's tool of dominion, biblical law.

- Gary North

Blessings, Why, Explicitly, Dominion

What the ten commandments set forth is a strategy. This strategy is a strategy for dominion.

- Gary North

Set, Commandments, Dominion

This is God's world, not Satan's. Christians are the lawful heirs, not non-Christians.

- Gary North

Religion, Satan, Lawful, Heirs

Nevertheless, this one fact should be apparent: turning the other cheek is a bribe. It is a valid form of action for only so long as the Christian is impotent politically or militarily.

- Gary North

Fact, Other, Nevertheless, Apparent

Jesus was not denying the legitimacy of biblical law. On the contrary, He was affirming biblical law. We love God first; God commands us to keep His word; therefore, we must enforce the law on ourselves.

- Gary North

Love, Law, Ourselves, Enforce

Socialism is simply Communism for people without the testosterone to man the barricades.

- Gary North

Man, Communism, Testosterone, Socialism

Jesus Christ is our supreme commander, but He operates only through His word, which is unquestionably a training manual. However, He has many interpreters, and few people see the Bible as a true training manual.

- Gary North

Through, Unquestionably, Manual

Do you really believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, plans to be a loser in history?

- Gary North

Jesus Christ, Christ, Lord, Loser

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