The Chalcedon Podcast

Man's end-of-the-world mentality refuses to believe history will continue beyond their time, and Christians are often guilty of insisting the end is near, resulting in a paralyzing of their duties. Christianity becomes unessential because societal concerns are irrelevant. Our expectations of the end are false, leaving us with a superficial faith.

Work is a central part of a faithful Christian life as one embraces and fulfills their dominion calling to labor six days regardless of the type of work they do. The Kingdom of God is the greater purpose work serves, and this purpose also extends to children.

Rushdoony wrote, “The goal of Babel was a radical unity against God and a unified social order… total community without God,” and fallen man continues his quest for modern Babels as “a substitute for Eden.” The results are always dystopian.

Unlike many theologians, Rushdoony devoted the last section of his two-volume “Systematic Theology” to the subject of prayer, and he was a devout practitioner of having a continual conversation with God as well as providing us with a deep analysis of Biblical prayer.

Rushdoony predicted much of what we're contending with today but also proposed a solution in Christian Reconstruction. Our times offer great opportunities for those willing to apply their faith to every area of life.

It hasn't been since the late 1970s that more Americans have been this aware of the sudden rise in prices and how it's affecting their livelihood. But there are reasons for inflation, both practical and spiritual.

In this special episode, we answer listener's questions on various topics

Chalcedon began in 1965 for specific reasons and with a specific purpose that still governs our mission today. Listen in as Chalcedon's leadership discusses its origins and the importance of our mission and message for the years ahead.

Man wants to build his “Canaan” but only creates continual hells. America itself worsens in its social and economic issues partly due to a retreat by evangelical churches who watch the decline from the sidelines and even participate in it. The same old wounds of class and racial hatred remain, and crime is on the rise. Is this not the time to return to God and His law?

Rushdoony wrote that social financing is a necessity, and it will be done either by the faithful tithing of God's people or by the coercive taxation by the state. If Christians are to establish alternative means of government, education, and charity, then they'll have to do it through the tithe. For this reason, the tithe plays a central role in the great mission of Christian Reconstruction. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

Chalcedon scholar and vice-president Martin Selbrede discusses his recent article in the “Arise & Build” newsletter (“A Stone Cut Without Hands”) in which he critiques Stephen Wolfe's controversial book “The Case for Christian Nationalism.” Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

Subversive activity seeks to undermine society, and a significant factor in these schemes is the subversion of words where meaning is hijacked to make way for revolution and marginalize opponents. This is especially damaging when the subversion is happening within Christianity itself. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

Humanistic thinkers like Freud and Bertrand Russell believed that the decline of religion would follow the solving of societal ills while diminishing any sense of guilt. In this sense, they wanted to build a society free from religion, which would only mean that it would reconstructed by the religion of man. To achieve this would require rule by a scientific state acting as God and regulating every area of life and thought. As we can now see, this idealism took a nose dive as society eroded, especially along moral lines, and confusion and destruction are sapping the hope of the next generation. In this sense, humanism is suicidal, but a great return to Biblical Christianity is underway as a new governing class is developing through Christian education and a return to God's law. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

The modern world witnesses a troubling drift, as many today, detached from history and divine purpose, see humans as merely “disposable.” This perspective is a far cry from the “dominion man” envisioned by the Scriptures—man made in God's image to steward and lead creation with purpose. Tragically, this detachment from our intended role breeds societal unrest, leading us from one crisis to another. As we abandon our rightful place in history, we risk becoming its victims. In this episode, we dive deep into this paradigm. Which role will we choose: the disposable or the dominion? Join us to explore the path forward. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

The doctrine of selective depravity, favored by humanism, stipulates that certain people are inherently evil, creating conflict by targeting specific groups instead of addressing universal sin. This perspective distorts the biblical concept of salvation, replacing Christ's role with a self-identified “righteous” segment of society. The doctrine fuels conflicts, as witnessed in the 20th century, and enables politicians to manipulate public sentiment by demonizing specific groups. Marxism effectively exploits this doctrine. Deeply ingrained in modern socio-political structures and education, the doctrine of selective depravity impedes genuine solutions, intensifying the problem with each “remedy.” This is the subject of Episode 36 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

Conspiracy theory has played a role in the margins of American society for more than two centuries, but it is now mainstream with the help of the internet and social media and myriads of self-appointed experts. But does the Bible discuss conspiracies? And if so, what should Christians do about it? R. J. Rushdoony had an extensive collection of books on conspiracies and addressed the subject several times throughout his works. To this day, his position is a unique one, and one that we feel is the Biblical approach to this subject. This is the subject of Episode 34 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

In the modern era, every decade brings a new public struggle over some aspect of the Bill of Rights. Still, the average citizen is not only unfamiliar with the contents of the Bill of Rights, they are equally unfamiliar with its origin, purpose, and the history that preceded it. Added to this is how we are to view these rights Biblically. Join us on this podcast as we dive deep into the Bill of Rights and explore the Bible's primacy over all of man and his social contracts. This is the subject of Episode 33 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

Socialism is basically and essentially humanism applied to economics. Socialism denies economic laws; it plans to remake the world in terms of man's welfare as seen by the planners. It is a government of men, not of laws, by men, not by law, and society is placed under man, not under God. A generation reared in humanism is bent on sacrificing law to suit the criminal, giving food to subsidize socialism; paying men not to work, appeasing criminals and Communists, and on pouring out its pity on the degenerates. This is the subject of Episode 32 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

The faith of modern man is Pelagianism, and Pelagianism believes in the natural goodness of man; it is not man who is evil but his environment. The state also is naturally good and is therefore to be trusted with all the powers necessary in order to cope with an evil environment. This is the subject of Episode 31 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

Syncretism is the “reconciliation or union of conflicting beliefs,” with a secondary definition being an “egregious compromise in religion or philosophy.” Biblically stated, man can have no other gods before Him; there can be no syncretism. Biblical revelation cannot be mixed with anything else. Yet, we live in an era of syncretism within the church. This is the subject of Episode 30 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

“The rights of man” is a political doctrine, and this is basic to its error. The assumption is that man's freedom depends on and must come from the state. Now, certainly, the state can be a major enemy to man's freedom, but it cannot be seen as the source of liberty. A “duty” is an obligation we owe to God or man, or to both. A “right” is a claim we make on the world, on men, and even on God, as in Adam's case, who claimed with Eve the “right” to be as God (Gen. 3:5). The two are seriously at odds in our culture because we are at odds with God. A duty can be a legal obligation, but it is also always a moral obligation. This is the subject of Episode 29 of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz

For well over 500 years now, Western civilization has been in a state of civil war, with two aspects thereof in a growing conflict with one another. These two contending forces are humanism and Christianity. Humanism began its rise to power in the medieval era, and its strength was such that it captured the church, much of the academic world, and the state as well. At the same time, however, the growing bankruptcy and imminent collapse of humanism has been increasingly in evidence. By replacing God with man as the new ultimate and absolute, humanism has introduced moral anarchy into the world. If every man is his own god and law, then no order is rationally possible. Humanism, having deified rationality, must now use the irrational and coercive power of the socialist state to hold society together. This is the subject of Episode 28 of the Chalcedon Podcast.

Deuteronomy is the “go to” book for theocracy because it's the most clear about the importance of the law and its application in the promised land where Israel would no longer be guided by the pillars of cloud and fire nor miraculously provided for by manna and water out of a rock. Wilderness season is ending, so the emphasis of the law will shift to governing a people within their own country instead of as a nomadic people in the wilderness. This is extremely helpful for the church today.

The temptation to skip over books like Numbers is a great one. After all, isn't it just the numbering of Israel? Is there anything of significance found in its pages? R. J. Rushdoony penned an enlightening commentary on Numbers, and Chalcedon's leadership sits down to discuss the importance of Rushdoony's insights. This is the subject of Episode 26 of the Chalcedon Podcast

The Book of Leviticus reveals more than a way to holiness. It shows us the path to dominion—even to a realized new Garden of Eden. The laws of God are essential to modern Christian community. This is the subject of Episode 25 of the Chalcedon Podcast. 

The Book of Exodus is more than a telling of Israel's early history. It's a motif that appears throughout the Bible and culminates in the great exodus of Christ Himself. This is the subject of Episode 24 of the Chalcedon Podcast.

R. J. Rushdoony was a true creationist which is why the book of Genesis was central to all that he taught. He would go on to write a commentary on the book of Genesis while bringing out a unique approach to the first book of the Bible. This is the subject of Episode 23 of the Chalcedon Podcast

Episode #22 - Certain religious and theological ideas are inescapable even when it involves humanism in all its forms—especially statism. Today, there is a “doctrine of the Holy Spirit,” but it is a false doctrine, and understanding it begins with understanding the Biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

Are there things to which God is indifferent? Are there areas of life that are neutral, and we as man can create our own moral standards? Anyone familiar with Rushdoony's work is familiar with the phrase “the myth of neutrality,” but are we familiar with an ancient problem in the church known as adiaphorism? The meaning of the term is “things indifferent,” or areas of life that God does not legislate and therefore man has the freedom to legislate. The end result is anything but freedom. Its consequences are sin and totalitarianism.

We are living in a time of great overreach by the civil government while protests are erupting all over the world in resistance, but what freedom are people looking for? Is it Christian liberty? What is Christian liberty? Can you have liberty without law?

“Men's hearts failing them for fear.” (Luke 21:26) The corrosive forces of humanism are creating great fear throughout the world as the bottom falls out for man's morality and social order. Humanity struggles to contend with an unending supply of crises because their worldview is bankrupt. Rushdoony wrote, “The only thing that can counteract and overcome the deadly personal and social effects of the Great Fear is the Great Faith,” and that means a faith that overcomes the world! This is the subject of Episode 19 of the Chalcedon Podcast.

The bad words of political systems are fascism, socialism, and theocracy, but does the average truly understand the definitions of each term? Take fascism, for example. Groups like Antifa—defined as anti-fascist—act more fascist than those they accuse, so what exactly is fascism? The same goes for socialism and theocracy. They are terms we throw around to demonize our political opponents without truly understand their meaning—especially in a Biblical sense. In this episode of the Chalcedon Podcast, we discuss the meaning of these political systems and what the Bible has to say about God's form of government.

“Both liberties and powers are alike limited, under God, and hence under law. Liberty is limited and power is limited because the temporal order is under God.” (The One & The Many, p. 20) For fallen man, the political battle is always one of power vs liberty. Some men seek for liberty while the remaining seek for power. For example, anarchists and libertarians desire liberty while socialists, technocrats, politicians, and oligarchs seek for power. To seek power is to emphasize the “one,” while to seek liberty is to emphasize the “many.” This is an unresolvable conflict without God as the determining factor for both power and liberty, which is resolved in the law of God and the kingship of Christ. Therefore, both power and liberty are limited by law—God's law. Part of the educational mission of Chalcedon is to restore this presupposition and further the development of its implications, and that's the subject of this episode of The Chalcedon Podcast.

“Christian Reconstruction” is a school of thought that is diametrically opposed to the autonomous reason of man which itself has long infected Christianity. Today's Christian assumes that fallen man is an impartial judge over knowledge and reality—that he is “neutral”—and that fallen man can be “reasoned” into faith. R. J. Rushdoony continued the battle against modern man's pretended neutrality by building off the thinking of his mentor, Dr. Cornelius Van Til, who himself was developing the implications of the Dutch school that began with Abraham Kuyper. In this episode of the Chalcedon Podcast, hosts Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz share a short history of the Dutch school as well as the implications of this philosophy on modern Christianity.

In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul writes, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The dynamic of New Covenant living is the radical pursuit of proving the will of God for every area of life, but does that mean the Old Testament prophets are obsolete? Quite the contrary, the whole of God's Word is for us including the law and the prophets, one of the joys of Christian living is studying the entirety of Scripture in order to see its application for life and thought. In this episode of the Chalcedon Podcast, hosts Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz share insights on how we can better glean God's good, acceptable, and perfect will of God from all of God's Word.

Rushdoony often noted that the way to build Christian civilization—or save it—is to restore the spiritual capital of faith and character. This is a central part of the work of Christian Reconstruction because it's established upon God's Kingdom, His law, and the covenant He established through Jesus Christ. As we labor to restore that spiritual capital, it's important that we secure ourselves during uncertain times, and to do that means putting the Kingdom of God first before all things. There is no greater security than the firstness of the Kingdom.

Rushdoony often noted that Christian Reconstruction was not a movement but rather the definition of Christian action. For the past few decades, we saw it explicitly applied to education by way of homeschooling and Christian schools. What's next for Christian Reconstruction, and how should approach answering that question?

Rushdoony wrote a chapter on “Extraterritoriality” in his volume Christianity and the State, in which he emphasized the importance of understanding the church as an embassy—and we as ambassadors of Christ—in the earth. The modern church needs to better understand this concept so as to truly challenge the culture as a “nation within a nation.”

Outside of the Bible itself, no other literature or writer is referred to more in Rushdoony's writings than his mentor, Dr. Cornelius Van Til. It's difficult to estimate the importance of Van Til on Rushdoony, but as their personal history shows, Rushdoony was more than a student of Van Til. He was a defender of the Dutchman, a colleague, and one of the most prolific expounders of applied presuppositionalism. You'll enjoy this in-depth discussion as Chalcedon's leadership shares not only the importance of Van Til's thinking but also the personal history between Rushdoony and Van Til. A lot of other prominent scholars have done a great deal to expound Van Til's apologetic, but it was Van Til's epistemology and ethics that helped drive a young Rushdoony to develop the implications of theonomy. Learn more about the Chalcedon Foundation at http://chalcedon.edu​ https://cr101radio.com/thechalcedonpodcast/

Godly dominion and Christian Reconstruction are not a “work of the flesh,” where men presume to be able to usher in the Kingdom of God through their own works, political action, or any other humanistic means. It is the Holy Spirit who is at work in our own lives, homes, churches, and more in order to enable us to apply our faith and obey God's commandments. In this episode of the Chalcedon Podcast, we discuss the importance of the work of the Holy Spirit in advancing the Kingdom of God.

Listen as Jeff Durbin of Apologia Radio interviews Chalcedon President Mark Rushdoony on the topic: "What Do We Do In America Now?" Interview begins at timestamp 10:23. Mark R. Rushdoony Mark R. Rushdoony graduated from Los Angeles Baptist College (now The Master's College) with a B.A. in history in 1975 and was ordained to the ministry in 1995. He taught junior and senior high classes in history, Bible, civics and economics at a Christian school in Virginia for three years before joining the staff of Chalcedon in 1978. He was the Director of Chalcedon Christian School for 14 years while teaching full time. He also helped tutor all of his children through high school. In 1998 he became the President of Chalcedon and Ross House Books, and, more recently another publishing arm, Storehouse Press. Chalcedon and its subsidiaries publish many titles plus CDs, mp3s, and an extensive online archive at www.chalcedon.edu.   He has written scores of articles for Chalcedon's publications, both the Chalcedon Report and Faith for all of Life. He was a contributing author to The Great Christian Revolution (1991). He has spoken at numerous conferences and churches in the U.S. and abroad. Mark Rushdoony lives in Vallecito, California, his home of 40 years with his wife of 42 years and his youngest son. He has three married children and nine grandchildren. → More by Mark R. Rushdoony Jeff Durbin Jeff Durbin is Pastor/Elder of Apologia Church in Tempe, and has worked for many years as a hospital-chaplain. Jeff is a popular speaker for camps, conferences, churches & schools across the nation. He has participated in outreach to various different religions across the nation and has even engaged in public debate against Atheism. Jeff was featured on a series for the History Channel called, “The Stoned Ages” about the Christian approach to drugs and alcohol. Jeff hosts a weekly radio program heard on KPXQ called “Apologia Radio” and is heard internationally via podcast at apologiaradio.com. Jeff is a World Champion martial artist with 5 Black-Belts and and has starred in popular video games and even played Michaelangelo and Donatello for the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise as well as Johnny Cage in “Mortal Combat” the world-tour. The younger crowd may have even seen him as a fighter in MTV's “the Final Fu”. Jeff has been married to his bride, Candi, for over 14-years. Candi and Jeff have 4-children: Sage, Immagin, Saylor, and Stellar. Two more children are in heaven with Jesus, because they went to be with the Lord during pregnancy. → More by Jeff Durbin

In his book “Revolt Against Maturity,” Rushdoony reveals the paradise motive in humanistic man in which he always reverts back to the power of the state to usher in his utopia. Despite continued failures, fallen man never loses hope of creating a paradise divorced from God and His law.

This episode was recorded just after the 2020 U.S. election with a final winner still undecided, yet the climate is still as divisive as ever, and even Christians are caught up in the strife. The Bible has much to say about this because the Bible speaks to communion and community, and Rushdoony addressed the topic frequently. In this episode, Chalcedon's leadership speaks to the crisis of our times as a nation and people divided while offering a Biblical solution. https://cr101radio.com/thechalcedonpodcast/

It's often said that those attracted to Christian Reconstruction are serious readers, and for that reason, much of the growth of CR is the result of publishing books, newsletters, and journals. In this episode, Chalcedon's leadership discuss the joy and importance of reading as well as the unique reading and study habits of R. J. Rushdoony. They also share a glimpse of the future of Christian publishing.

In 1965, during a time of rioting, revolution, and a break down of law and order, Rushdoony began the Chalcedon Foundation in order to represent a countermeasure to the prevailing ideas of that time as well as equip disillusioned Christians with a victorious gospel. His writings during this time were especially prescient, and what we are experiencing now is a close reflection of what was happening during the 1960s. Join us as we discuss our times in light of what the Bible says and consider the only way forward: Christian Reconstruction.

Does the Bible address the issue of abuse? Whether domestic, social, or ecclesiastical, there is physical, emotional, and even spiritual abuse at every level of society. In this episode, Chalcedon scholar, Martin Selbrede, reveals the Biblical approach to dealing with abuse. For several years, Martin has researched the subject extensively and is currently finalizing a massive study on abuse for Chalcedon's new academic journal. Although news and social media are currently replete with topics about the virus or social justice, the evil of abuse continues its growth undercover, and Christians must be alert to it in order to bring God's justice to bear upon it. Hosted by Martin Selbrede and Andrea Schwartz.

People are crying out for justice, but they're willing to be unjust in order to secure their justice. Mankind has a distorted view of justice, or righteousness, because they do not submit themselves to the righteousness of God as found in His law-word. What do the Scriptures provide us in order that we may better understand and act during these difficult times? That's what this episode of the Chalcedon Podcast is about. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz.

More citizens are experiencing a pronounced overreach by their local governments which is giving them a taste of authoritarianism they're not familiar with. What they don't realize is that this was always the case. Their liberties were always under threat by the bloated bureaucracy of statism. But for Christians, they must take civil authoritarianism seriously and begin the work of Christian Reconstruction.

A global pandemic is isolating people, tanking the economy, and expanding the powers of the state. Is this God's judgment? Is this an enforced sabbath? How should Christians view this crisis, and what should we be doing to prepare for the future? Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz. The audio version of this podcast is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher. Just visit our website for more information. Learn more about the Chalcedon Foundation at http://chalcedon.edu

Welcome to the first episode of the new Chalcedon Podcast hosted by Chalcedon leaders Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz. Years ago—before podcasting was—Chalcedon published a regular discussion-based audio series entitled “The Easy Chair.” We're excited to bring back a new version of that format in the digital age. Learn more about the Chalcedon Foundation at http://chalcedon.edu