Quasi-Objectivist?

Question: I've read most of Ayn Rand's work, and aside from her views on theism [which in my view, can be a rational belief] and abortion, I am in total agreement with her philosophy (I am still a Christian).

Would the Objectivist movement be welcoming of people like me? And, would it be acceptable for me to refer to myself as an Objectivist or, at the very least, a quasi-Objectivist?

Answer: The extent to which you agree or do not agree with the ideas of Objectivism is ultimately a fact you must evaluate for yourself. There are a variety of levels on which one might consider oneself an Objectivist, from the brief description of Objectivism (from the appendix to Atlas Shrugged) that appears on our "About Objectivism" page, to the sketch of distinctive positions in Objectivism that David Kelley describes in The Contested Legacy of Ayn Rand. At an extreme, one might be in lockstep with all and only what Ayn Rand said and wrote, but this would probably reflect such a lack of independent thought—because it would at least fail to integrate one's own context and current events with Rand's ideas—that one would not deserve the appellation "Objectivist" in that case.

This does not mean that an outside observer cannot also judge for himself to what degree you are an Objectivist. So I will take a crack at it. I don't see how one can really be truly a Christian (accepting Jesus as one's prophet in this life and savior for a supernatural life hereafter, with the Bible as the guide to Jesus' teachings), and actually be in "total agreement" with Objectivism. Either you do not take your Christianity very seriously, or perhaps that is your attitude to Objectivism. So, I suppose, at this time "quasi-Objectivist" or "Objectivist sympathizer" might be an objective description of your views.

How you resolve the tensions in your views is most basically your business. As long as you conduct your life in accordance with reason and rational self-interest, you will be a value to all rational people, no matter what your metaphysical speculations. Yet philosophy is a system for understanding reality, and its systematic character will put pressure on your thought in one direction or the other. If you commit your mind to the ideas of a supernatural afterlife and mystically revealed sacred duties, this will over time probably erode your appreciation for your real life and for reason as the means of knowing about it.

I hope the erosion will work in another direction. I recommend, as you might expect, stepping back from Christianity and taking an objective look at it. Compare it with other world religions. Learn the history of its development. (The Teaching Company sells some excellent lectures on the Bible and Christian thought, if you can't find a good class near you.) Read over our little FAQ essays on metaphysics and religion if you haven't already. Search our extensive website materials for pages featuring key words you are interested in. Come to a TAS event like our Summer Seminar and experience the sense of life of Objectivism. Take part in discussion groups, online or in person, where you can work through your ideas.

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