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Standing on the Shoulders of Others

By Mark R. Rushdoony
November 25, 2017

Recently, I opened one of my father’s works, his commentary Hebrews, James, and Jude.  It was published shortly after his death. Whenever I have cause to refer to it, I stop to read its dedication. Unbeknownst to me, he had dedicated it to me. It was kept a secret until I saw the published book after his passing. 

This time my eyes also stopped on the acknowledgment page. When Dad passed, I sent a letter to our supporters asking them to help fund our backlogged publishing projects. We acknowledged their help in getting this commentary and other works published. As I read the list of names, I noted many have since passed on. Others are now well along in years, and we have entirely lost touch with a few. 

The Thanksgiving holiday has just passed. It is a reminder of our Christian heritage, and a time to remember what God has done for us. Yet, we must remember, with gratitude, what others have done for us, especially when they have done so as an act of faith. God has and continues to provide for Chalcedon, yet He often does so through the faithfulness of men and women—our supporters and underwriters.  We at Chalcedon are thankful for all those who are His instruments of blessing. 

We stand on the shoulders of others. We benefit from their work and dedication. As I read those names, I was struck by the debt of gratitude we owe for those and for all who have done the work of the Kingdom before us. 

It is my hope and prayer that the present work of Chalcedon (and those who share in it with their prayers and support) will provide shoulders on which my children and grandchildren and their children might stand.


Topics: Church, The, R. J. Rushdoony, Theology

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.

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