A Community of Christian Faith
We will not “come together” politically, socially, or culturally unless we first come together in a communion of faith that establishes us as a community.
- Mark R. Rushdoony
It does not take a keen observer to see many levels of very public discord in the United States. To some extent, it is a vocal minority aided by a media that is drawn to conflicts; but, there is a very real problem in our country. We are not a united nation, but one at war with itself on numerous fronts.
The most powerfully uniting force is a common religious faith. Community is based on what men have in common, and religion involves a common understanding of values, ethics, justice and more. All racial and cultural differences are regulated to secondary importance when a common faith is shared. In Jesus Christ men are truly “brothers and sisters” in the household of faith.
Our culture is in conflict because we have lost the common element that enabled its unity, Christian faith and practice. My father grew up in an Armenian-speaking home to new immigrants. He attended Armenian-speaking churches throughout his youth. He only learned English in school and did not begin to think in English until his university days. After that, he never again lived in an Armenian community. His Armenian became rusty with non-use. Yet my mother observed that, because he knew the importance of Christianity in both Armenian and American history, he was more American than most Americans and more Armenian that most Armenians.
We will not “come together” politically, socially, or culturally unless we first come together in a communion of faith that establishes us as a community. The wrong faith will lead us into the dustbin of history. A community of faith, understanding, and practice will give us a transcendent strength. Only such a revival will bring us together in a positive way.
- 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 43 years with his wife of 45 years and his youngest son. He has three married children and nine grandchildren.
