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The Failure of Peashooter Religion
Much of modern religion tries to solve deep, global problems with shallow solutions—what could be called peashooter religion. We face crises like lawlessness, anarchy, and moral collapse, but instead of turning to God's truth, many offer feel-good messages, legal tweaks, or vague niceness. But the Bible says the real issue is sin—and the only cure is regeneration through Jesus Christ and obedience to His Word. Weak religion can’t confront serious evil. If we’re trying to stop a charging elephant with a peashooter, failure is certain. It’s time to abandon powerless answers and return to the power of God and His truth.

The Limitations of Law
Can law bring liberty—or lead to tyranny? In this episode, we examine Chalcedon Position Paper No. 3 and explore how God’s law limits human power, not expands it. Rushdoony exposes both state overreach and church legalism as dangerous forms of man trying to play God. We’ll unpack why many serious sins in Scripture carry no man-imCan law bring liberty—or lead to tyranny? In this episode, we examine Chalcedon Position Paper No. 3 and explore how God’s law limits human power, not expands it. Rushdoony exposes both state overreach and church legalism as dangerous forms of man trying to play God. We’ll unpack why many serious sins in Scripture carry no man-imposed penalties, and what that says about justice, freedom, and God’s role as ultimate judge. Plus, we’ll look at how both statist education and welfare push a false gospel of salvation by works. Law can't save—but God's law can set us free.posed penalties, and what that says about justice, freedom, and God’s role as ultimate judge. Plus, we’ll look at how both statist education and welfare push a false gospel of salvation by works. Law can't save—but God's law can set us free.

Is 'Judeo-Christian' Misleading?
The episode “Is Judeo-Christian Misleading?” challenges the commonly used term Judeo-Christian, arguing that it masks fundamental theological differences between Judaism and Christianity. Hosts Andrea Schwartz and Charles Roberts trace how the phrase suggests a natural alliance—often political rather than spiritual—between Jews and Christians, despite their opposing views on Christ’s identity. They emphasize that Jesus’ main opposition came not from Rome but from the religious establishment of His day, which ultimately rejected and crucified Him. The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, they argue, marked the definitive end of the Old Covenant system and its rituals, replaced by the New Covenant in Christ. Yet many modern Christians, especially in evangelical or dispensational circles, continue to adopt Jewish customs like Passover Seders or menorah lightings, mistakenly believing this draws them closer to God. The hosts further explain that true Christianity cannot merge with Judaism, since the latter denies Christ’s deity and the Trinitarian nature of God. They discuss how historical shifts—from post-exilic Judaism to modern secular Israel—have blurred distinctions in the minds of Christians influenced by sentimental or political loyalty rather than Scripture. Through scriptural references, especially from Galatians and Hebrews, they stress that the old system has “become obsolete,” and warn against reviving it under the guise of unity or heritage. Ultimately, they call listeners to view faith through the lens of covenant history rather than cultural tradition—understanding that the people of God are those redeemed through Christ alone, not through ethnic or ritual identity.

The Gospel
The early church’s use of the word “gospel” wasn’t just spiritual—it was bold and revolutionary. Borrowed from Roman imperial language, evaggelian originally proclaimed Caesar as the source of joy and salvation. But Scripture declared a different truth: true good news comes only through Jesus Christ. By using Rome’s own word to announce Christ’s birth and reign, the early Christians were challenging every political claim to salvation and security. The gospel wasn’t just comfort—it was confrontation. Today, we must do the same: proclaim Christ alone as Savior in every area of life. There is no other gospel, and no other hope.

Procedures of the Court (Remastered)
Biblical court procedure was neither primitive nor informal—it was public, principled, and deeply theological. Trials were held at the city gates, open to all, and guided by written records, oaths, and a hierarchy of appeals that culminated in the king or chief magistrate as the supreme judge. Far from being neutral arbiters, judges were charged to actively uphold God’s law, making justice swift, visible, and sacred. This chapter traces how the courtroom was once the throne of righteousness, and how the erosion of that foundation has led not to liberty, but to the rise of secret courts, statism, and administrative tyranny.

How to Pray: Part 1 - Teach Us to Pray
What does it mean to truly speak with God? In this first episode of our new series on prayer, we return to one of the simplest and most profound requests the disciples ever made: “Lord, teach us to pray.” We explore the power of sentence prayers—brief, honest moments of connection with God that can transform your day and deepen your faith. Whether you’re a new believer or walking with the Lord for years, this episode offers a quiet but powerful invitation: to talk with God, simply and sincerely, moment by moment. Tune in and begin where all real prayer begins.

Jacob - From Zero to Abundance
Jacob - From Zero to Abundance https://cr101radio.com/podcast/jacob-from-zero-to-abundance The message “From Zero to Abundance” explores Jacob’s journey from loss to prosperity as a model for believers facing hardship. It begins with Jacob’s abrupt fall from privilege—forced to flee from his wealthy home with nothing but a staff in his hand—and connects this to modern struggles such as financial insecurity, fractured family relationships, and the growing difficulty of building a stable life in today’s world. Like Jacob, many men today feel stripped of opportunity and inheritance, yet God’s Word offers timeless guidance. The lesson is that even when earthly fathers fail, God the Father’s love is steadfast and His provision sure. The believer’s path from emptiness to blessing begins with recognising God’s faithful love and applying His principles to daily work and calling. The teaching then unpacks how Jacob’s example reveals the biblical “formula” for abundance: diligent labor, skill mastery, integrity, and obedience to God’s law. Jacob learned his trade, worked tirelessly under unjust conditions, maintained an impeccable reputation, and turned obstacles into opportunities through wisdom and persistence. His story culminates in massive increase—not by luck or manipulation, but by consistent faithfulness and divine favour. Christians are likewise called to “work their land,” develop excellence, lead others, and build lasting wealth that blesses future generations. Through Jacob’s life, we see that abundance is not achieved through worldly shortcuts but through godly work, righteous leadership, and unwavering trust in God’s covenant provision.

Episode #116 (February 24, 1986)
In this special episode of The Easy Chair, R.J. Rushdoony sits down with Cindy Rocker, a woman whose post-conversion journey led to a radical commitment to serving the poor in Christ’s name. From launching thrift stores and food banks to founding a Christian preschool and uniting churches across denominational lines, Cindy shares how obedience and compassion transformed a small Central Valley town. Hear her story of faith in action, how illegal immigrants became neighbors, and why true Christian service means building systems—not just handing out charity. This is a powerful reminder that the gospel is not just spoken, but lived.

Natural Law and Canon Law
Is nature a trustworthy guide for justice—or a Trojan horse for tyranny? In this episode, we dive into Chalcedon Position Paper No. 55 and expose the slippery history and fatal flaws of natural law. From Aristotle to Aquinas to Enlightenment thinkers, we trace how natural law replaced God’s revealed Word with man’s reason—and how this shift led to secular states that now claim moral authority. We’ll contrast natural law with canon law, the historic understanding of God’s Word as the rule for both church and state. The choice is stark: the rule of law from heaven—or the rule of man on earth.

The Family of Christ
The family of Christ is far greater than our earthly relatives or even the saints we know. As James Saurin preached, it includes all the redeemed across time and nations, the angels in Heaven, and every soul who does the will of God. Jesus Himself said, “Whoever does the will of my Father… is my brother, sister, and mother” (Matt. 12:50). This vision of Christ’s family fueled compassion for the lost, care for the poor, and love within the church. The question isn’t just whether we see ourselves as part of His family—but whether He sees us as kin. Do we live as His true disciples?

Politics and Theology
In this episode, we examine R.J. Rushdoony’s “Politics and Theology,” a sweeping critique of modern political ideals grounded in humanism rather than divine truth. From the shattered dreams of poets like Ezra Pound to the utopian fantasies of Walt Whitman and statist educators, Rushdoony argues that efforts to build a paradise without God only yield destruction and despair. When man makes himself the center, denies sin, and rejects God’s law, the result is not freedom or peace, but anarchy and perpetual revolution. Join us as we explore why lasting justice, true liberty, and a restored society are only possible when politics is rooted once again in Biblical theology and the sovereign Lordship of Christ.

The Almighty
When God tells Abraham, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Gen. 17:1), He isn’t demanding sinless perfection, but uprightness and maturity. In Scripture, “perfect” means whole, faithful, and righteous—not flawless. We often chase unrealistic ideals, whether in houses, people, or life itself, expecting perfection where it can’t exist. But only God is truly perfect and almighty. To walk before Him means living in faith and obedience, recognizing that perfection and fulfillment are found in Him alone—not in this world. Maturity begins when we stop expecting the impossible from creation and start trusting fully in the Creator.

The New Year
Noise, horns, shouting—what are we really trying to drown out on New Year’s Eve? In this episode, we peel back the tradition of noisemaking to uncover the deep fears it masks—and contrast that with the quiet confidence of those who walk with Christ. As 1954 dawns, we’re reminded: we don’t need to chase away the unknown with sound. We step into the future not with fear, but with faith. Tune in, and greet the new year with a shepherd’s peace and a pilgrim’s hope.

Israel, Egypt and the Ancient Near East (Remastered) (A Christian Survey of World History)
In this sweeping lecture, R.J. Rushdoony dismantles the myth of religious pluralism by arguing for the absolute uniqueness of biblical revelation and its central place in the understanding of history. He challenges the modern evangelical tendency to marginalize Scripture’s authority in favor of humanistic or academic claims, asserting instead that the Bible is not only a true historical account but the only infallible one. Rushdoony surveys ancient civilizations like Egypt, Akkad, and Babylon, contrasting their fatalistic and despairing worldviews with the hope and clarity of biblical faith. As cultures collapse under the weight of their own godlessness, he shows how only a Christian vision—anchored in God’s sovereignty and law—can sustain true meaning, justice, and historical purpose.

A Bad Teacher
The idea that "experience is the best teacher" is popular—but wrong. Experience alone doesn’t teach wisdom; it only reflects what’s already in the heart. An alcoholic doesn’t become wise by getting drunk, nor does someone become discerning by being hurt. Without faith and a godly heart, experience leads to bitterness, not insight. As Proverbs says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence,” because it’s the heart—not the experience—that shapes what we learn. True wisdom comes not from what we go through, but from how God’s Word and Spirit shape us in it. Experience isn’t the teacher—faith is.

How Friendly are You to Vampires?
What do bloodsuckers, bureaucracy, and broken homes have in common? In this episode, R.J. Rushdoony skewers the absurdities of modern government—from the EEOC taking vampire discrimination cases seriously to the Supreme Court excusing murder over “emotional backgrounds.” When courts coddle criminals and agencies embrace fantasy, justice dies a slow death. Tune in to hear why the real vampires aren’t from Transylvania—they’re taxing you from D.C.

Horror Stories
Many people today indulge in fear for entertainment—horror movies, scary stories, and imaginary threats. But this craving for false fear often masks a deeper issue: a refusal to face real fear—the fear of the Lord. Scripture says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). Healthy fear keeps us grounded in reality and warns us of danger. But fearing monsters instead of God shows a rejection of wisdom. Fools avoid real accountability by choosing fake fears they can escape. But the fear of God confronts us with our sin—and calls us to repentance, truth, and life. What kind of fear shapes your life?

Moralism
In this episode, we explore R.J. Rushdoony’s piercing critique of moralism—the belief that man can save and sanctify himself through good behavior, social reform, or political virtue. From Samuel Pepys’ self-imposed fines for adultery to Stalin’s daughter preaching faith in human decency, Rushdoony shows how moralism, far from being neutral or noble, is a counterfeit gospel rooted in humanism. It replaces God’s sovereign grace with man’s self-made standards, offering a false hope that ultimately leads not to righteousness, but to deeper rebellion. Join us as we uncover why moralism, though cloaked in virtue, is one of the most dangerous forms of anti-Christian religion.

Natural Law and Theonomy
Can nature really teach us right from wrong? In this episode, we tackle Chalcedon Position Paper No. 200 and challenge the popular myth of natural law. Drawing from the insights of Cornelius Van Til, we expose how natural law and natural theology, far from offering moral clarity, often mask man’s deeper desire for autonomy from God. From Greek philosophy to Enlightenment rationalism—and even modern pulpits—natural law has too often been a fig leaf for rejecting God’s enscriptured Word. Join us as we explore why theonomy, not nature, is the only foundation for true justice and righteousness.

Basic Education
True education must focus on life’s basics—or it becomes miseducation. First, it must teach about God, the source of life; ignoring Him is to train for ignorance. Second, it must uphold the family, our first and most vital institution. To neglect it is to deny our foundation. Third, it must teach core skills—reading, writing, reasoning—the tools for daily life. Without these, we send children into the world unarmed. Scripture calls us to educate the whole person in truth. If we neglect this, we are not just failing our children—we are helping a generation stumble toward destruction.

Why History is Important: Part II (Remastered) (A Christian Survey of World History)
In this powerful and far-reaching lecture, R.J. Rushdoony challenges the humanistic view of history and reasserts a thoroughly biblical understanding of the past, present, and future. He argues that all history is guided by God's sovereign hand and cannot be rightly understood apart from Scripture. Contrasting the despair and confusion of modern historians and educators with the confidence of a Christian worldview, Rushdoony shows how faith in God gives meaning, order, and hope to history. This message is a clarion call to Christian families, educators, and leaders to reclaim history as God’s story—and to live their lives as deliberate plans for the future under His law and grace.

Can a Pastor be Faithful and Silent?
The episode opens with Andrea Schwartz reflecting on how modern pulpits often avoid engaging with real-world crises through a biblical lens. After events like 9/11, many churches declared that such tragedies had nothing to do with God, effectively denying His sovereignty. Over time, pastors have increasingly been discouraged from addressing cultural and political events from the pulpit, leaving congregants without clear biblical interpretation of current events. This void became evident after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, when many pastors were instructed to ignore the incident altogether. David Sims, a Michigan-born pastor and veteran, chose to address the event from Psalm 120, declaring that Christians live among those who hate peace. His refusal to apologize for the sermon’s tone or content led to his forced resignation, revealing deep tensions within modern churches over how to address cultural conflict biblically. In his sermon, Sims identified two core forces shaping the present crisis: the pervasive influence of Marxism and the church’s capitulation to a functionally Gnostic, pietistic faith that divorces belief from action. He argued that anti-God ideologies—abortion, transgenderism, statism—have flourished not merely through cultural dominance but because the church has largely withdrawn from active resistance. Sims contrasted biblical obedience and prophetic boldness with modern Christian tendencies to seek comfort, avoid offense, and reduce faith to private spirituality. His message emphasized that Christianity requires confronting evil and applying God’s law to all of life—not just personal devotion. The reaction to his sermon, including walkouts, elder opposition, and eventual dismissal, highlighted how many congregations have become more concerned with comfort and numerical growth than covenantal faithfulness and prophetic clarity.

How to be a Curse
If you want to be a curse in your church, be quick to criticize, slow to listen, and convinced you alone know the truth. From coast to coast, pastors encounter such people—those who grill visitors, drive others away, and speak of “love” while showing none. Scripture calls us instead to submit to godly authority and be “ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1). A spirit of constant judgment tears down the body of Christ, while humble obedience and readiness to serve build it up. So ask yourself honestly: are you a blessing—or a burden—to the church?

The Court (Remastered)
Every courtroom is a religious institution—whether it acknowledges God or not. In this chapter, Rushdoony demonstrates how biblical courts were rooted in God's law, guided by theological authority, and inseparable from the moral life of the community. When courts abandon divine law and claim the power to "bind and loose" apart from Scripture, they become instruments of tyranny or collapse into chaos. Without a shared moral foundation rooted in God’s word, law degenerates into coercion, and justice is replaced with bureaucratic violence. The courtroom, once sacred, becomes a stage for secular idolatry.

How to be a Blessing
One grieving husband learned, too late, that his wife had quietly praised him to others—but never to him. Her constant complaints left him feeling unappreciated, despite her true feelings. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:4 that thankfulness—not bitterness or foolish talk—is fitting for believers. Yet gratitude is often the gift we give least, though it blesses both giver and receiver. A thankful heart reflects contentment with God and brings peace to others. If you want to be a blessing, start with thankfulness—because a truly thankful person is a blessing.

Journey's End
Are you walking through life followed by fear—or by the goodness and mercy of God? In this final reflection on Psalm 23, we discover the Shepherd’s promise: not just peace in the pasture, but peace at the journey’s end. Whether your days feel stormy or bright, this episode invites you to travel with the One who walks with you now… and forever.

The Sociology of the Sabbath
In this episode of the The Chalcedon Podcast, Andrea Schwartz and Martin Selbrede explore the biblical and cultural meaning of the Sabbath, drawing from the work of R. J. Rushdoony in Salvation and Godly Rule. They argue that modern society has abandoned the biblical view of time—linear, purposeful, and punctuated by Sabbath rest—and replaced it with “deep time,” an undifferentiated stream without meaning or goal. In Scripture, Sabbath is not just a day off but a divine ordinance tied to creation, dominion, and eschatology. It divides time into meaningful segments, giving both individuals and communities a rhythm of work and rest that reflects God’s sovereignty over time and history. A defective doctrine of Sabbath leads to a defective view of work, resulting in either slavish overwork or escapist idleness. The conversation also connects Sabbath to broader cultural and technological issues. Historically, secular regimes (e.g., French Revolution) sought to dissolve biblical time by changing calendars and disrupting communal rest. Similarly, modern 24/7 work culture and technological obsession detach people from godly rhythms. Instead of retreating from technology, Christians should view it as a tool of dominion under God’s law, not as an idol or tyrant. The Sabbath reminds believers to trust in God’s provision, celebrate their labors, and prepare for future work. This future-oriented rest undergirds Christian hope and victory, culminating in the ultimate, eternal Sabbath. The episode ends by calling Christians to recover a full “sociology of the Sabbath” — reconnecting work, rest, dominion, and eschatology — as a foundation for cultural reformation.

Episode #115 (February 11, 1986)
In this landmark Easy Chair conversation, R.J. Rushdoony is joined by Dennis Peacocke and Bob Mumford for a passionate and far-reaching discussion on Christian Reconstruction. Together, they unpack the church’s calling to engage every sphere—spiritual, social, and economic—with the authority of Christ. From the failures of modern pietism to the rising global hunger for biblical answers, the trio explores why the future belongs to those with faith, expectancy, and action. If you’ve ever wondered whether the gospel is meant only for heaven or also for transforming history, this episode will ignite your vision.

The Source of Law
Whose law governs your life—God’s or man’s? In this episode, we unpack Chalcedon Position Paper No. 185 and confront the inescapable truth that all law is religious at its core. Whether it comes from God or from man, law reveals who we serve and where our loyalty lies. When a society rejects God’s law, it doesn’t become neutral—it enthrones human opinion, unleashes injustice, and invites chaos. Join us as we explore why the source of law matters more than ever, and how restoring God’s law is essential to reclaiming justice, order, and true freedom.

Mother Murder
In 1 Timothy 1:9, Paul includes “murderers of mothers” (metraloais) among the worst offenders—a shocking reminder of how deeply sin can corrupt. This word implies not only literal murder but any violent or dishonorable assault on a mother’s God-given role. Scripture commands us to honor father and mother, not because they are perfect, but because the family is God’s foundational institution. To attack or dishonor that structure is to strike at the root of social order. Paul’s warning is clear: when we allow the authority of parents—especially mothers—to be undermined, we invite societal collapse. His words are urgent for our time.

Jacob's remedy for bitterness towards your father
https://cr101radio.com/podcast/jacobs-remedy-for-bitterness-towards-your-father Jacob endured one of the greatest personal injustices a man can face—his father, who walked closely with God, showed no love or favor toward him. Though Jacob was upright, dutiful, and the chosen heir of God’s covenant, Isaac consistently preferred Esau, the ungodly brother who despised his birthright. For seventy-one years Jacob labored faithfully in his father’s household, receiving neither affection nor tangible provision. When the time came for him to secure a bride, unlike Isaac who was richly supplied, Jacob was sent away with nothing but a staff in his hand. Isaac withheld not only his love but also the material support a father owed his son. And yet, despite a lifetime of neglect, Jacob never allowed bitterness to rule his heart. Jacob’s remedy was faith. He believed the promises of God more than the failings of men. He anchored himself in God’s covenant, walking in obedience and trusting that the inheritance would come in God’s timing—not Isaac’s. He honored his father even to the end, refusing to rail against the man who caused him such pain. This story isn’t just about Jacob’s suffering but about his triumph through faith and steadfastness. It’s a call to all who face their own “Isaacs”—unjust authorities, unloving fathers, or spiritual leaders who withhold what matters—to lay hold of God’s promises, reject bitterness, and keep walking faithfully. In the end, God’s blessing overtakes the one who trusts and obeys.

Anarchism
What happens when man declares himself god, rejects all authority, and demands absolute freedom? In this episode, we unpack R.J. Rushdoony’s scathing analysis of anarchism—not just as a political impulse, but as the logical end of modern humanism. From Rousseau to the hippie rebellion, from existentialist despair to daily domestic chaos, Rushdoony reveals how the denial of God’s law births moral collapse, cultural ruin, and spiritual death. Join us as we explore why true liberty is not lawlessness, but joyful submission to the sovereign Lord who alone gives purpose, order, and life.

Giving to God
In 1751, Americans protested Britain’s practice of sending criminals to the colonies, calling it a gift of contempt. They rightly asked: what good parent sends poison to their children? But the question cuts both ways. If we, as children of God, give Him only our leftovers—our spare time, energy, and money—aren’t we showing the same kind of contempt? Jesus said no good father gives a stone instead of bread. So what are we offering our heavenly Father? Our gifts reflect our hearts—and poor gifts may reveal a heart far from Him.

What Are You Waiting For?
Are you waiting for the world to change… while your own heart stays the same? In today’s episode, we explore Psalm 39 and ask a timely question: What am I really waiting for? From daily frustrations to lifelong dreams, we often wait in vain—until we learn to wait on God. Join us for a reflection on the only waiting that brings renewal, hope, and transformation.

Why History is Important: Part I (Remastered) (A Christian Survey of World History)
In this powerful and far-reaching lecture, R.J. Rushdoony challenges the humanistic view of history and reasserts a thoroughly biblical understanding of the past, present, and future. He argues that all history is guided by God's sovereign hand and cannot be rightly understood apart from Scripture. Contrasting the despair and confusion of modern historians and educators with the confidence of a Christian worldview, Rushdoony shows how faith in God gives meaning, order, and hope to history. This message is a clarion call to Christian families, educators, and leaders to reclaim history as God’s story—and to live their lives as deliberate plans for the future under His law and grace.

Can We Sanctify Folly?
A wealthy Christian couple gives generously to ministries but shows deep personal inconsistency: they ignore their godly, struggling son while endlessly supporting their rebellious daughter. This kind of misplaced compassion reflects a broader problem—when even Christians excuse sin and enable folly, how can we expect the world to act differently? If the church is soft on unrepentant sinners, society will be too. True grace is never a license for sin, and real love holds people accountable. As Scripture says, judgment begins in the house of God. We must not try to sanctify what God calls folly.

The 'Iks'
What happens to a people when all faith, family, and moral law are stripped away? In this episode, we examine The Mountain People, Colin Turnbull’s haunting study of the Ik tribe—a society reduced to brutal egoism, where children are discarded, the weak are mocked, and survival is the only value. R.J. Rushdoony takes Turnbull’s account as a sobering portrait of what humanism inevitably produces: a collapse of virtue, community, and civilization itself. Join us as we explore why neither left nor right can halt this decay—and how only a return to God’s law can rebuild what humanism has torn down.

The Judgment of Hypocrites
Jesus warns that a hypocrite eagerly judges others while ignoring his own sin. He condemned this false judgment—not judgment itself, but judgment without integrity. A man who spoils his children, indulges his brother, and then blames his wife and criticizes society is not making righteous judgments—he’s deflecting blame and masking his failures. True judgment starts with personal accountability and is guided by God’s Word, not self-righteousness. We all judge—but are our judgments rooted in truth and obedience, or in hypocrisy? God will judge the difference—and He shows no mercy to the hypocrite.

The Church as Property and Function (Doctrine of the Church)
In this powerful exposition of Acts 5, R.J. Rushdoony explores the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira to underscore a fundamental truth: the church is not ours—it is God’s property. Far from being an institution we manipulate or merely attend, the church is a living temple indwelt by the Spirit, and each member is called not to status, but to service. This message reminds us that violating God’s ownership—through pride, deceit, or profanation—invites His judgment. But it also offers a hopeful correction: the church’s power and purpose are found not in institutional prestige, but in faithful obedience to God’s calling.

Dangerous People
The greatest threat to society isn’t just criminals or immoral acts—it’s those who tolerate evil, especially when it comes dressed in charm, wit, or sophistication. When style outweighs substance, and appearances matter more than faith or morality, society begins to decay. This misplaced value shows up even in churches, where image can matter more than spiritual integrity. Scripture warns us: “They that forsake the law praise the wicked.” True danger lies in admiring sin when it looks respectable. How we judge others—by faith or appearances—reveals how we’ll be judged ourselves.

The Meaning of Theocracy
What if theocracy doesn’t mean tyranny—but liberty under God? In this episode, we unpack Chalcedon Position Paper No. 15 and rediscover the biblical meaning of theocracy: not rule by priests or power-hungry leaders, but the rule of God and His law over every sphere of life. Far from centralized control, biblical theocracy empowers self-governing individuals, families, churches, and communities through tithing, responsibility, and dominion. We’ll expose how modern statism has stolen the public realm in the name of reason, and how only Christ’s kingship can restore freedom and order. Forget what you’ve been told—theocracy is not the enemy. It’s the answer.

Has Cowardice Been Enshrined as a Virtue?
In this episode of Out of the Question, hosts Andrea Schwartz and Charles Roberts examine how cowardice is treated in Scripture, particularly in Revelation 21:8, where “the cowardly” appear first in a list of those condemned. The conversation explores how cowardice is often overlooked or minimized compared to other sins like murder or adultery, despite its serious placement in the biblical text. Roberts reflects on his initial surprise at this verse and draws on Rousas John Rushdoony’s observations linking cowardice to democratic systems that allow people to hide behind majority opinion rather than taking personal responsibility. The discussion critiques how fear of man—particularly fear of government—has led many churches to abdicate their roles during crises, such as the COVID-19 mandates, rather than standing courageously for biblical convictions. The hosts argue that cowardice spreads socially and institutionally, infecting churches, leadership, and culture. They trace this cultural softness to modern comfort, bureaucratic leadership, and the absence of real risk-taking role models. Drawing on historical figures like Alexander Solzhenitsyn, they warn of the West’s decline in civic courage. The episode concludes by urging Christians to name and condemn cowardice, contrasting it with biblical courage modeled by figures such as Gideon, Abigail, Deborah, and the Puritans. The core message is that cowardice is not a harmless weakness but a betrayal of God’s kingdom—and that fearing God over man is the only true foundation for courage and cultural resistance.

Rejoice
We often hear, “He’s a good man, but…” as if goodness can excuse a spirit of constant criticism or complaint. Paul, who suffered much, gives us a different command: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He reminds us that no matter our circumstances, God is on the throne and working all things for good. Complaining blinds us to this truth, while joy opens us to God’s peace. True faith looks beyond present troubles to eternal triumph. A joyful heart isn't naive—it’s rooted in trust. Rejoicing isn’t optional for the believer—it’s essential.

The Responsibility of Judges (Remastered)
Biblical law places an uncompromising burden on judges and rulers: justice must be done—even when the offender is unknown. In this chapter, Rushdoony unpacks the powerful principle behind the law of the slain man in Deuteronomy 21, showing how civil authorities bear collective responsibility before God for righting every wrong. The requirement of restitution, even by proxy, reveals a deeper truth: true justice cannot be evaded, and when rulers fail in their duty, God's judgment falls not only on the individual, but on the entire social order.

The Spiritual Man
Today, we often think of "spiritual" as vague, gentle, or mystical—but Paul meant something far more powerful. In Romans 7:14, when he says “the law is spiritual,” the Greek word pneumatikos points to divine power—God-backed, heaven-filled authority. The spiritual man isn’t weak or detached; he’s empowered by God to act, overcome, and lead. In contrast, the “carnal” man (sarkikos) is not powerful, but weak—tied to the physical, ruled by sin. We've flipped this in our thinking, seeing the carnal as strong and the spiritual as soft. Paul says the opposite. True strength belongs to the spiritual man.

My Cup Runneth Over
In a world marked by conflict, exhaustion, and fear, Psalm 23 gives us more than comfort—it gives us a Host. In this episode, we step into the rich promises of verse 5, where God prepares a feast not in peace, but “in the presence of our enemies.” What does it mean to be welcomed, anointed, and overflowed with grace even in the thick of battle? Join us as we reflect on divine hospitality, holy abundance, and the Shepherd who turns weary pilgrims into royal guests.

The Reversal of Standards
What happens when a culture abandons good and evil entirely? In this episode, we examine Chalcedon Position Paper No. 119 and confront the modern reversal of standards—from criminals becoming heroes to the unborn being sacrificed while murderers walk free. This is no mere moral confusion—it’s the outworking of a religious war against God’s law. We explore how humanism has become more faithful to its creed than many Christians are to theirs, and why “neutral” conservatism offers no solution. Join us as we call for repentance, not pendulums—because restoration doesn’t come automatically. It starts with God’s judgment, grace, and our obedience.

A Good Conscience
Some people speak of long-past sins—like swearing at age twelve—as signs of a sensitive conscience. But often, these "confessions" are more about self-righteousness than repentance. A truly tender conscience isn’t fixated on minor sins from childhood—it’s alert to today’s responsibilities, aware of current failings, and eager to obey God now. Scripture tells us that God tests our hearts and lives in the present, not the past. A good conscience isn’t haunted by old guilt—it’s shaped by grace and alive to God's will today. So, what is your conscience focused on: the past—or your present obedience to Christ?

Episode #114 (January 27, 1986)
In this special Easy Chair episode, R.J. Rushdoony welcomes Jean-Marc Berthoud from Switzerland for a deep, urgent discussion on the spiritual decline of Europe. From skyrocketing youth suicides and drug use to the collapse of church influence and public morality, Berthoud outlines the crisis gripping Switzerland and France. But amidst the decay, he shares signs of hope—grassroots Christian organizing, legal victories for biblical education, and a new Reformed seminary committed to the full authority of Scripture. Tune in for a powerful reminder: truth is irresistible, and faithful witness can still turn the tide.

Why are Christians Blind to Wealth and Power in the Bible?
This episode challenges the way modern Christians view wealth and power, exposing how pagan philosophical influences have blinded many believers to the full picture of God’s blessings in Scripture. While Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job were powerful and immensely wealthy men, most Christians have been conditioned to see them only through the lens of weakness, poverty, or abstract “spiritual” qualities. Nathan traces this distortion back to ancient dualistic ideas that despise matter and elevate “spirit,” showing how these pagan categories have crept into the church and shaped how believers read the Bible — often skipping over the very words of the Holy Spirit. Nathan argues that this blindness is not accidental but the result of a strategic deception. The early church inherited temples, priests, and a false view of Scripture that kept ordinary people — especially those involved in business, leadership, and wealth — at arm’s length from the plain meaning of the Word. By recovering the biblical vision of creation, incarnation, law, and covenant, Christians can once again see that wealth and power, rightly used, are not evil but instruments of godly dominion and blessing. The call is clear: take off the blindfold and read Scripture for what it truly says.