Rights vs Duties - The Chalcedon Podcast - Ep. 29
“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.
- Mark R. Rushdoony ,
- Martin G. Selbrede ,
- 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 28 of the Chalcedon Podcast.
Hosted by Mark Rushdoony, Martin Selbrede, and Andrea Schwartz
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- 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. His biography of his father will be published later this year (2024).
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 has lived in Vallecito, California, since 1978. His wife, Darlene, and he have been married since 1976. His youngest son still resides with him. He has three married children and nine grandchildren.
- Martin G. Selbrede
Martin is the senior researcher for Chalcedon’s ongoing work of Christian scholarship, along with being the senior editor for Chalcedon’s publications, Arise & Build and The Chalcedon Report. He is considered a foremost expert in the thinking of R.J. Rushdoony. A sought-after speaker, Martin travels extensively and lectures on behalf of Christian Reconstruction and the Chalcedon Foundation. He is also an accomplished musician and composer.
- Andrea Schwartz
Andrea carries out a number of administrative duties at Chalcedon, putting much attention on promoting Chalcedon through social media and conferences. A main focus includes her direction of the Chalcedon Teacher Training Institute (ctti.org) -- online classes in Biblical law for women. She began working for Chalcedon as a volunteer in 1987 and has been on staff since 1992.