Podcast appearances and mentions of christian reconstruction

Who Will Take the Next Step for Christian Reconstruction?

Give to help Chris continue making Truce A small group of men calling themselves The New Right had a major role to play in bonding some evangelicals to the Republican Party. Yet many Christians don't know who these guys were or how they used money and influence to accomplish their goal. Let's meet the fellas. One was named Paul Weyrich. Weyrich's contribution to the movement is that he knew how to organize people, a skill he learned from watching liberal protests. He was a former radio newsman from Wisconsin, member of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church when he thought the Roman Catholic Church became too liberal. He saw how liberals were organizing in the US and decided to do something similar with conservatives. The goal was to bring together politicians, activists, money, and the press to have a unified front. Organizational skills were his secret weapon. Howard Phillips was a follower of RJ Rushdoony's Christian Reconstruction plan. He gutted the Office of Economic Opportunity for Richard Nixon and then founded a think tank called The Conservative Caucus. He said "we organize discontent" meaning that the New Right used emotional issues to rile up their base. Then there was Richard Viguerie. He was the king of bulk mail. The New Right used his services to advocate for their kind of politicians, for Anita Bryant, and to raise money. His company RAVCO was investigated for fraud. These men and more were vital in bringing some evangelicals into the Republican Party. Our guest today is Rick Perlstein, author of amazing history books like Reaganland and The Invisible Bridge. Sources: Reaganland and The Invisible Bridge by Rick Perlstein Mobilizing the Moral Majority: Paul Weyrich and the Creation of a Conservative Coalition, 1968-1988 by Tyler J. Poff pages 22-23 The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald Weyrich, Memorandum, April 16, 1973, Paul M. Weyrich Scrapbooks. But accessed through Mobilizing the Moral Majority: Paul Weyrich and the Creation of a Conservative Coalition, 1968-1988 by Tyler J. Poff page 18 Christian Reconstruction: RJ Rushdoony and American Religious Conservatism - by Michael McVicar Memo from Gerald Ford Library The 1974 Campaign Finance Reform Act James Robison at the Religious Roundtable Discussion Questions: What was meant by "we organize discontent"? Is this a statement Jesus would have made? Have you ever heard of the New Right guys before? Google Paul Weyrich and watch videos of him talking. How does he use language to stir fear in others? Are there issues that politicians can use to push your buttons? What are they? Why? Why are some evangelicals driven by these push button issues? How was the New Right able to use issues of sex to steer some evangelicals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Theonomoney, Jeremy has a discussion with his friend Cody about a graphic Cody made that has been making its rounds comparing and contrasting Christian Reconstructionism with Stephen Wolfe's version of Christian Nationalism. In this episode, the two talk through that graphic. Subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher, tell your friends about Theonomoney, and follow Theonomoney on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Gab. Check out great theonomic shirts and hoodies here: bonfire.com/store/theonomoney/

Give to help Chris make Truce RJ Rushdoony is not a household name. But he influenced a lot of interesting people, from members of the New Right to the Christian homeschooling movement. His books and lectures inspired people to pull their kids out of public schools and teach them at home. But who was RJ Rushdoony? He was deeply impacted by his time doing missionary work on a Native American reservation. There he saw how difficult it was to get anything done and to give people proper access to their government. He went on to work with libertarian organizations like Spiritual Mobilization and the Volker Fund. His mentor Cornelius Van Til taught him to see the triad of government, church, and family in a new way. In Rushdoony's mind, those three spheres should not interfere with each other. BUT, he did want Christians to run the government. Instead of doing a top-down change, he wanted change to begin with families, then rise to the church, eventually taking over the political sphere. Howard Phillips, one of the founders of the New Right, was a disciple of Rushdoony. So was his son, Doug Phillips, who founded the homeschooling movement known as Vision Forum. In this episode, Chris interviews Paul Hastings of the Compelled podcast about how they met at a Vision Forum film festival. The special guest for today is Michael McVicar, author of "Christian Reconstruction: R.J. Rushdoony and American Religious Conservatism." Sources: Christian Reconstruction: R.J. Rushdoony and American Religious Conservatism by Michael McVicar Reaganland by Rick Perlstein The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald Helpful article about libertarian philosophy One Nation Under God by Kevin Kruse Discussion Questions: How do you think Rushdoony was impacted by his experiences on the reservation? What is libertarianism? What do you think about it? In what ways have you seen libertarianism presented in evangelical culture? What did Rushdoony think about public schools? How was this a departure from progressive-era Christian thinkers? How does Christian homeschooling differ from other forms of homeschooling? Why did homeschooling take off in the 1980s and 1990s? What role, if any, should Christians play in public schools? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

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.

Frank Schaeffer In Conversation with Author and Professor Julie Ingersoll, exploring the themes of her book, Building God's Kingdom: Inside The World Of Christian Reconstruction._____LINKShttp://julieingersoll.weebly.comhttps://twitter.com/julieingersollhttps://www.lovechildrenplanet.com/events/in-conversation-with-frank-schaeffer-episode-414-julie-ingersoll_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said.Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth.Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. What If? So What?We discover what's possible with digital and make it real in your businessListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify FranchiseU!FranchiseU! is for those in, or considering, careers within the world of franchising. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show._____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of Fall In Love, Have Children, Stay Put, Save the Planet, Be Happy. Learn more at https://www.lovechildrenplanet.comFollow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube. https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTube In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer PodcastLove In Common Podcast with Frank Schaeffer, Ernie Gregg, and Erin Bagwell

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

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

Join us on this first episode where we speak candidly about the current state of Christianity and the assured victory of Jesus Christ our Lord and His saints. The surety of victory, The reason the Christian Reconstruction movement imploded, and the way the saints of God will overcome the world!

Dr. Julie Ingersoll is an expert fly fisher and fly fishing writer, but that's not why you're here. Dr. Ingersoll is also a researcher and scholar of religious studies, and she has been a leading voice in exposing American evangelicalism as a threat to democracy and a pluralistic society. Like me, she deconstructed decades ago, forging her own identity as a scholar and as a human outside of the confines of American christianity. Interestingly, she was once a part of the Christian Reconstructionist movement, one of the movements that influenced today's dominionist groups, including the New Apostolic Reformation. We eventually get to how fly fishing can heal our damaged psyches, but not before Dr. Ingersoll speaks some hard truths about how many branches of christianity harm us all today. Buy Dr. Ingersoll's book, Building God's Kingdome: Inside the World of Christian Reconstruction. Today's bonus is another segment of Songs of My Deconstruction at the end of the episode. Today we learn about Scott's 2nd guitar hero, Eddie Van Halen. Closing music of the segment written and performed by Scott Okamoto and Patricia Ja Lee. Chapel Probation is part of the Dauntless Media Collective Join the Dauntless Media Discord for more conversation with all the podcast communities. Asian-American-Apostate- Losing Religion and Finding Myself at an Evangelical University is available now! Music by Scott Okamoto, Jenyi, and Shin Kawasaki and Wingo Shackleford Join the Chapel Probation Patreon  to support Scott and for bonus content.  Join the Chapel Probation Facebook group to continue the conversations. Follow Scott on Instagram and Twitter and Substack You can subscribe to Scott's newsletter and learn more about the book, the blog, and performances at rscottokamoto.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scott-okamoto/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scott-okamoto/support

Gary responds to a recent radio program by Todd Friel about God's law and its application to society. Friel mentions NAR (New Apostolic Reformation), Christian Nationalism, and Christian Reconstruction, among others. While he admits that differences exist, he seems to be suspicious of all of them, while also condemning some who diverge from historic Christian morality.

An endorsement of Christian Reconstruction and critique of modern evangelicalism.

Julie Ingersoll, professor and author of the book, Building God's Kingdom: Inside the World Of Christian Reconstructionism, sits down with Tim to discuss Christian Reconstructionism. Julie shares some of her background and how she came to study and write about Christian Reconstructionism. Tim and Julie discuss what Christian Reconstructionism is. Tim and Julie discuss the founder of Christian Reconstruction, R.J. Rushdoony. They also discuss how Christian Reconstructionism has gone mainstream with people who are CR adjacent like Betsy DeVos, Charlie Kirk, David Barton, Voddie Bauchem and Doug Wilson. Lasty, Tim and Julie discuss if Christian Reconstructionism can be resisted. Sign up for Theology Beer Camp (Promo Code: TNE) Get mad with Mad Priest Coffee (Promo Code: TNE20) Follow us on Instagram: @thenewevangelicals Get Julie's Book Support Our Work Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast Transcript This week on Cross & Crown Radio: “What is Christian Reconstruction?” There are many mischaracterizations out there on the internet, especially regarding Theonomy, so a couple of months ago I put together a graphic for social media The post What is Christian Reconstruction? appeared first on Cross & Crown Radio.

Some just want to watch the world burn. But for others, the end of the world is an opportunity to rebuild it in their image. On this penultimate episode, Brad explores how global kleptocrats, Donald Trump, and Christian Reconstructionists all view the end of the world as a chance for power and control. It is the simplest and scariest explanation of why the Religious Right continues to support the 45th president--they both want to destroy the world. This episode contains an interview with Prof. Julie Ingersoll, author of Building God's Kingdom: Inside the World of Christian Reconstruction. For access to the full series, click here: https://irreverent.supportingcast.fm/products/the-orange-wave-a-history-of-the-religious-right-since-1960

“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.

“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 this episode, historian Crawford Gribben discusses his research into the Christian Reconstruction movement in the Pacific Northwest of the United States of America. If that movement seems obscure, then it might be helpful to know that Douglas Wilson would fall into that broad movement. To read Crawford's work, click here.  See also my website: wyattgraham.com and follow me on Twitter @wagraham. 

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Resistance-Evangelical-America-Reconstruction/dp/0199370222/

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. This is the topic for this in-depth episode of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz.

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 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? This is the topic for this in-depth episode of the Chalcedon Podcast. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz.

In Episode 134, Valeria Ramirez gives an update of the translation work being done by the Instituto Rushdoony do in order to spread the message of Christian Reconstruction in Latin America.

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.

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. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz.

It is what it is.... :)

Finally!

Hey all! This one is a real cliff hanger! It's Part 3 of our “What is Christian Reconstruction” deconstruction. We start to break down some of the breakdown and we also mention a short story that Uncle Donny wrote, included below. Enjoy yr wknd! Ignorance , Arrogance, and Affiance Two religious people go into a bar;  Ignorance and Arrogance, And proceed to have a discussion about whether or not  Christian people should involve themselves in politics. Ignorance stumbles in his speech as he tries to explain to Arrogance that because Christ is coming soon and these are  the last days, and the rapture is imminent, then why polish Any brass on a sinking ship. Arrogance sips his scotch, cringes and says, Christs kingdom is not of this World, and politics has nothing to do with His kingdom. The evangelicals have Become idolaters in their support of a Godless President of a Godless America and Therefore I'm apolitical! About this time Ignorance orders another diet cola and Pastor Affiance comes Through the door...... Affiance greets Ignorance and Arrogance And sits down. Before too long he overhears their conversation and Waits for an opportunity..... What do you think about Christians in politics, Pastor? May I join you asked Affiance? Please do they implored. My views on Christians in politics are similar to my views on Christians in Any endeavor.....be salt and light. Believe and behave as called. inactivity in the civil arena; affects your families, your  friends and your churches unnecessarily. Civil authorities are just people. Their authority comes from God. The ‘election' of civil authorities has nothing to do with whether or not God's kingdom exists, but for the cause and sake of all righteousness, we are called to engage in that arena. God's kingdom encompasses everything, including politics. Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2, etc. Go and sin no more Arrogance. Go and sin no more Ignorance.

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.

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. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz.

A common theme will emerge when reading pieces critical to the movement. That is, the inability of the secular mind to process the idea of literally applying commands of Jesus to our present day lives. The default resort for most criticisms is to focus on the MANY areas of divisiveness within the movement and amplify those to their end, depending on whatever it is they're taking issue with. This makes what our pastor at RCC, Devin Smith, had to say on Sunday extremely relevant. Not that it wasn't anyway, but in this discussion for sure! Enjoy. More resources coming with the next episode. Devin's Sermon from Sunday Historical Timeline of Religious Movements Mainstream View of Reconstructionism (Highly Critical) 2019 Chalcedon Article: "Reconstruction is not Dead" Chalcedon (Rushdoony Org) Definition of the Movement Explanation of Reconstructionism's influence on U.S. Politics (grain of salt time here people) "What is Theonomy" by Mark Rushdoony "The Long Strange History of R.J. Rushdoony and Christian Reconstructionism"

Show Notes: I did a lot of background for this show, but after we recorded it. While this is stupid, it's also useful. We talked about some of this in passing, but we will dive in, in future episodes. Again....emails are great for clarification: uncledonnyfm@gmail.com. ***Disclaimer.... The reconstructionist movement is filled with some pretty inflammatory stuff, especially outside of context. Be careful with this. It has been fodder for a lot of damaging conversations and interactions over the years and there are a lot of hurt feelings and broken hearts still in much need of healing. Give grace, edify, be iron sharpening iron. That's our desire here.

My guest this week is Julie Ingersoll, professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida and author of the book Building God's Kingdom: Inside the World of Christian Reconstruction (Amazon, Bookshop.org). Christian Reconstruction is a movement that can be hard to both explain and identify, but has considerable influence - especially in the realm of Christian education and homeschooling. Julie helps provide context for this movement, and why its social and political goals are anti-democratic and concerning.  Follow Julie on Twitter @julieingersoll.  Follow Blake on Twitter @brchastain, or on Instagram @brchastain_ Support the show by signing up for a paid subscription to The Post-Evangelical Post. Save 25% using this link. This episode was produced by Jake Lewis. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/powers--principalities/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/powers--principalities/support Get full access to The Post-Evangelical Post at postevangelicalpost.substack.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz.

In this Out of the Question Podcast #43, Steve Macias and Andrea Schwartz interview Steve Christenson, a prison chaplain who taught inmates the Law of God and Christian Reconstruction.

THE NATURE OF GOD’S KINGDOM Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36; New King James Version Few passages in the Bible are misinterpreted in our day as often as this one. The only other one that seems to rival it is the favorite verse of the people who resent all church discipline (or any other kind of discipline imposed in the name of God): “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). (Can you imagine a police department that went by this rule?) We will consider the interpretation of this passage in Chapter 2. But before we do, we need to know exactly what Jesus meant by the word, “kingdom.” What about the kingdom of God? Does it have any jurisdiction or manifestation on earth, or is it strictly heavenly and limited to the human heart? Whenever a Christian argues that Christians have a God-given responsibility to work today to build God’s kingdom on earth, unless he is referring only to personal evangelism or missions, someone will object. “Jesus wasn’t building a political kingdom. He was only building His church. The church isn’t an earthly kingdom. After all, His kingdom is not of this world.” Notice the implicit argument. First, Jesus was (and is) building His church (true). Second, Jesus was (and is) also building His kingdom (true). Third, the church is not supposed to be political (true). Fourth, His kingdom therefore is not political (true only if His kingdom is identical to His church). Question: Is His kingdom identical with His church? Protestants and Catholics It always astounds me when I hear Protestants cite John 18:36 in order to defend a narrow definition of God’s kingdom in history. Four centuries ago, this narrow definition was the Roman Catholic view of the kingdom. Roman Catholics equated the kingdom with the church, meaning the church of Rome. The world is outside the church, they said, and it is therefore doomed. The institutional church is all that matters as far as eternity is concerned, they argued. The world was contrasted with the kingdom (“church”), and the church could never encompass the world. In sharp contrast, the Protestant Reformation was based on the idea that the institutional church must be defined much more narrowly than God’s world-encompassing kingdom. Protestants always argued that God’s kingdom is far wider in scope than the institutional church. So, from the Protestant viewpoint: The kingdom is more than the church. The church is less than the kingdom. The Protestant doctrine, “every man a priest” – as Protestant an idea as there is – rests on the assumption that each Christian’s service is a holy calling, not just the ordained priest’s calling. Each Christian is supposed to serve as a full-time worker in God’s kingdom (Romans 12:1). What is this kingdom? It is the whole world of Christian service, and not just the institutional church. What we find today is that fundamentalist Protestants have unknowingly adopted the older Roman Catholic view of church and kingdom. Writes Peter Masters of Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle: “Reconstructionist writers all scorn the attitude of traditional evangelicals who see the church as something so completely distinct and separate from the world that they seek no ‘authority’ over the affairs of the world.”[1] We do not argue, as this critic argues to defend his own position of cultural isolation, that “The kingdom of God is the church, small as it may sometimes appear, not the world….”[2] This definition of the kingdom of God as the institutional church is the traditional Roman Catholic definition of the kingdom, and it has led in the past to ecclesiocracy. It places everything under the institutional church. The church in principle absorbs everything. This same definition of the church can also lead to the ghetto mentality and cultural isolation: it places nothing under Christianity, because the kingdom is narrowly defined as merely the institutional church. Because the institutional church is not authorized to control the State (correct), and because the kingdom is said to be identical to the church (incorrect), the kingdom of God is then redefined as having nothing to do with anything that is not strictly ecclesiastical. This is our critic’s view of the kingdom. So, pietists have sharply separated the kingdom of God (narrowly defined) from the world. Separating the institutional church from the world is necessary, but separating God’s kingdom from this world leads to the surrender of the world to Satan’s kingdom. Thus, it is never a question of “earthly kingdom vs. no earthly kingdom”; it is always a question of whose earthly kingdom, God’s or Satan’s? To deny that God’s kingdom extends to the earth in history – the here and now – is necessarily to assert that Satan’s kingdom is legitimate, at least until Jesus comes again. But Satan’s kingdom is not legitimate, and Christians should do whatever they can to roll it back. Rolling back Satan’s earthly kingdom means rolling forward Christ’s earthly kingdom. What Christian Reconstructionists argue is that this originally Protestant view of the kingdom of God in history has been steadily abandoned by Protestants since at least 1660, to the detriment of the gospel in general and Protestantism specifically. They call for the recovery and implementation of the older Protestant view of God’s kingdom. This is what has made Christian Reconstructionists so controversial. Today’s Protestants do not want to give up their medieval Roman Catholic definition of the kingdom of God, and they deeply resent anyone who asks them to adopt the original Protestant view. Their followers are totally unaware of the origins of what they are being taught by their leaders. The Kingdom of God There are a lot of definitions of the kingdom of God. Mine is simultaneously the simplest and the broadest: the civilization of God. It is the creation – the entire area under the King of Heaven’s lawful dominion. It is the area that fell under Satan’s reign in history as a result of Adam’s rebellion. When man fell, he brought the whole world under God’s curse (Genesis 3:17-19). The curse extended as far as the reign of sin did. This meant everything under man’s dominion. This is what it still means. The laws of the kingdom of God extend just as far as sin does. This means every area of life. God owns the whole world: “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). Jesus Christ, as God’s Son and therefore legal heir, owns the whole earth. He has leased it out to His people to develop progressively over time, just as Adam was supposed to have served as a faithful leaseholder before his fall, bringing the world under dominion (Genesis 1:26-28). Because of Jesus’ triumph over Satan at Calvary, God is now bringing under judgment every area of life. How? Through the preaching of the gospel, His two-edged sword of judgment (Revelation 19:15). Reform and Restoration The kingdom of God is the arena of God’s redemption. Jesus Christ redeemed the whole world – that is, He bought it back. He did this by paying the ultimate price for man’s sin: His death on the cross. The whole earth has now been judicially redeemed. It has been given “a new lease on life.” The lease that Satan gained from Adam has been revoked. The Second Adam (Jesus Christ) holds lawful title. The world has not been fully restored in history, nor can it be; sin still has its effects, and will until the day of final judgment. But progressively over time, it is possible for the gospel to have its restorative effects. Through the empowering of God’s Holy Spirit, redeemed people are able to extend the principles of healing to all areas under their jurisdiction in life: church, family, and State. All Christians admit that God’s principles can be used to reform the individual. They also understand that if this is the case, then the family can be reformed according to God’s Word. Next, the church is capable of restoration. But then they stop. Mention the State, and they say, “No; nothing can be done to restore the State. The State is inherently, permanently satanic. It is a waste of time to work to heal the State.” The Christian Reconstructionist asks: Why not? They never tell you why not. They never point to a passage in the Bible that tells you why the church and family can be healed by God’s Word and Spirit, but the State can’t be. Today, it is the unique message of Christian Reconstruction that civil government, like family government and church government, is under the Bible-revealed law of God and therefore is capable in principle of being reformed according to God’s law. This means that God has given to the Christian community as a whole enormous responsibility throughout history. This God-given responsibility is far greater than merely preaching a gospel of exclusively personal salvation. The gospel we preach must apply to every area of life that has been fouled by sin and its effects. The church and individual Christian evangelists must preach the biblical gospel of comprehensive redemption, not just personal soul-winning.[3] Wherever sin reigns, there the gospel must be at work, transforming and restoring. The only area of life outside of the reach of Spirit-empowered restoration is an area that was not affected by the fall of man. This, of course, means no area at all. Denying Responsibility There are millions of Christians today (and in the past) who have denied the obvious implications of such a view of God’s earthly kingdom. Nevertheless, very few of them have been ready to deny its theological premises. If you ask them this question – “What area of life today is not under the effects of sin?” – they give the proper answer: none. They give the same answer to the next question: “What area of sin-filled life will be outside of the comprehensive judgment of God at the final judgment?” But when you ask them the obvious third question, they start squirming: “What area of life today is outside of the legitimate effects of the gospel in transforming evil into good, or spiritual death into life?” The answer is obviously the same – none – but to admit this, modern pietistic Christians would have to abandon their pietism. What is pietism? Pietism preaches a limited salvation: “individual soul-only, family-only, church-only.” It rejects the very idea of the comprehensive redeeming power of the gospel, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, and the comprehensive responsibility of Christians in history. In this rejection of the gospel’s political and judicial effects in history, the pietists agree entirely with modern humanists. There is a secret alliance between them. Christian Reconstruction challenges this alliance. This is why both Christians and humanists despise it. [1] 1. Peter Masters, “World Dominion: The High Ambition of Reconstructionism,” Sword & Towel (May 24, 1990), p. 18. [2] Idem. [3] Gary North, “Comprehensive Redemption: A Theology for Social Action” (1981), reprinted in North, Is the World Running Down? Crisis in the Christian Worldview (Tyler, Texas: Institute for Christian Economics, 1988), Appendix C.

Jordan Wilson and Jason Garwood join us in the War Room to talk about a new Christian Reconstruction and Active Abolitionist fellowship Cross and Crown Church, being planted around 10 or so families in NE Virginia, how the decision was reached, how its coming, and what it will look like.

During this, Mark Rushdoony's first visit to the War Room, we talk about just what you'd expect…his father. Mark clarifies how to rightly identify what we call Christian Reconstruction. He talks about theonomy, the slow process of change, faithfulness, and the need to take the long view. Lastly, he explains the work of the Chalcedon Foundation.

“This is a short introduction to the basics of Christian Reconstruction. Links: Gary DeMar and Gary North's book Christian Reconstruction: What It Is, What It Isn't

The Chalcedon Podcast - Episode 3 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. Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz. Learn more about the Chalcedon Foundation at http://chalcedon.edu

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.

The Chalcedon Podcast - Episode 2 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. Learn more about the Chalcedon Foundation at http://chalcedon.edu

The Chalcedon Podcast - Episode 1 Welcome to the first episode of the new Chalcedon Podcast hosted by Chalcedon leaders Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz. Learn more about the Chalcedon Foundation at http://chalcedon.edu