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Are You a Reconstructionist? Then You Must Be an Idolater!

Andrea G. Schwartz
  • Andrea G. Schwartz
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Recently, a new convert to the writings of R. J. Rushdoony was labeled an idolater-and church members warned to disassociate from him and his family-after he dared to share what he was learning about applying the faith!

Here's what typically happens...

I have the privilege of mentoring many fine women who, along with their husbands, are delving into the writings and lectures of R.J. Rushdoony.  They've told me that they better understand why organizations like Vision Forum and Generations with Vision have been so appealing to them. They realize as they read through the Institutes of Biblical Law that they are now drinking from the same well and being influenced by the same teaching as those who lead those ministries.  Many tell me that the experience has been similar to the excitement and anticipation they felt as new believers.

A Message Met with Scorn

If only smooth-sailing afterwards was a guarantee.  But, in more than a few cases, this new-found enthusiasm to apply the Christian faith to all of life is met with scorn and contempt - from their pastors!  When the enthusiastic congregants gift their pastors with one or more books, stern reactions follow.

As we proceed to share the message of Christian Reconstruction, which is really the method by which to fulfill the Great Commission, we must not lose heart if the response we get is harsh and arbitrary. Jesus experienced the same treatment in His day:

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. (John 15:20)

The good news is that with the collapse of humanism that is evident all around us, more and more people are waking up to the fact that pietistic church-ianty provides no real answers for the times in which we live. Not all pastors in all churches are going to be antagonistic to the message of rebuilding our society with God's law as the foundation. Some (and I have recently met a number of them) are open and willing to work with brothers and sisters who are determined to apply their faith to all of life.