CR101 Radio - Podcast Network

What does it mean to bind and loose in Christ’s name? In this deeply pastoral and theologically rich message, Rushdoony reveals that Matthew 18 is not simply a manual for church discipline, but a powerful charter for restoration, justice, and mercy in the body of Christ. Binding and loosing are not about authoritarian control, but faithful service—grounded in truth, humility, and reconciliation. Whether confronting sin, forgiving a brother, or confronting the evils of our time, the church’s power lies not in the sword, but in its faithfulness to God’s Word and its exercise of the keys of the kingdom.

Psalm 127 teaches that without God, all national efforts are in vain—and that true defense begins with building godly homes. Children are described as arrows, weapons for God’s Kingdom, meant to shape the future through faith and obedience. When we raise godly children, we prepare leaders who will shape society and justice. In the end, strong families rooted in God are the most powerful defense a nation can have.

What if the freedom to sin is not a flaw in God's design—but a vital part of His purpose? In this episode, we explore Chalcedon Position Paper No. 78 and uncover why Eden’s forbidden tree wasn’t a trap, but a test—an opportunity to choose obedience and learn the high cost of rebellion. From the coercive schemes of statist control to the errors of antinomianism, we examine humanity’s failed attempts to eliminate sin through law or indulge it under grace. True freedom, we’ll discover, includes the freedom to fail—but even more, the grace to be redeemed. Join us as we wrestle with judgment, liberty, and the hard road to divine wisdom.

This episode of Out of the Question revisits R.J. Rushdoony’s 1966 essay Social Unrest and highlights its continued relevance in today’s climate of violence and societal upheaval. Rushdoony argued that prayer alone is not sufficient; it must be coupled with active Christian responsibility to restrain evil and uphold justice. Simply retreating into sentimentality or saying “I’ll pray about it” while avoiding action is, he maintained, a form of disobedience. The discussion stresses that prayer should not be a substitute for action but must be informed by God’s Word and applied through faithful obedience to His law in everyday life, whether in personal responsibility, family, or civil society. The hosts connect these principles to current events, showing how permissiveness, shallow theology, and reliance on humanistic systems have led to chaos, from violent crime to collapsing communities. They emphasize that true mercy cannot exist without justice, and that God has ordained civil government to restrain evil and enforce righteous order. Christians are called not to retreat but to advance the kingdom by applying God’s standards in practical, concrete ways—beginning with their own lives and families. Faithful obedience, not passive religiosity or sentimental “niceness,” is what God requires to confront evil and preserve a godly society.

Most people long for wealth—but only for themselves. They chase riches while resenting others who have them. Whether rich or poor, sinful hearts remain greedy and self-centered. No economic plan can fix that. Only God can change the heart. History shows that when faith fades, crime and disorder rise—and then people look to government to save them. But the real question is: who is your Savior? If it’s Christ, no other can take His place.

John, a successful Christian businessman, married Jane, a former actress drawn to glamour and the party life. Though she briefly embraced church life, she soon left, calling it dull. John kept hoping she’d return, even as she disrupted his future and his son, Junior, stole from him and rejected his guidance. Friends blamed Jane, but the real issue was John’s heart — he was in love not with Jane herself, but with the illusion of glamour she represented. As Proverbs says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” John's tragedy was self-made.

In a world that dismisses divine law, words lose their weight—but Scripture tells a very different story. In this powerful chapter, Rushdoony confronts the devastating consequences of careless, slanderous speech, showing that even our "idle words" fall under the judgment of God. Slander is not merely rude or socially disruptive—it is a violation of God's justice, a theft and a murder by the tongue. From courtroom injustice to cultural gossip, Rushdoony exposes how false witness permeates humanistic societies and reveals that true accountability begins with the words we speak.

What happens when the light breaks in? In this episode, we reflect on how the shafts of God’s truth reveal the hidden dust of our lives—not to shame us, but to heal and renew. From childhood memories in a sunlit barn to the deeper call of Scripture, we explore how God's light exposes, cleanses, and restores. If you're weary from darkness, fear, or simply too much busyness, this is your invitation: throw open the windows and let the light in.

What if humanity's greatest problem isn’t just moral failure—but rebellion masked as salvation? In this episode, we uncover the devastating reach of original sin as defined in Chalcedon Position Paper No. 76. Far more than a theological concept, original sin is the daily impulse of fallen man to replace God’s law with his own word, His will with human autonomy. From fear and debt to statism and false gospels of “love,” we’ll explore how the drive to be our own gods has shaped history—and how only Christ, the Second Adam, restores the right pattern: “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

We often ignore God while living off His blessings, much like ungrateful in-laws mocking the one who supports them. Yet Scripture says, “Remember the Lord your God.” If we wouldn’t tolerate such ingratitude, why should He? It’s time we remember Him — with thanks and obedience.

From a call to prayer for persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain to the forgotten truths about medieval households, R.J. Rushdoony takes listeners on a provocative journey through Soviet elitism, historical revisionism, the feminization of sainthood, and the erosion of parental rights in America. Along the way, he examines forgotten principles of constitutional government, the legal perils of public faith, and how Christianity reshaped the very meaning of “family.” Thoughtful, unsparing, and rich in historical insight, this episode challenges Christians to wake up and take action.

Why do modern ideologies always seem to need a scapegoat? Whether it's blaming a class, a race, or a political group, today's culture thrives on dividing the world into “good guys” and “bad guys.” In this episode, we unpack R.J. Rushdoony’s Doctrine of Selective Depravity—a powerful critique of this humanistic mindset. Rushdoony argues that true change doesn't come through blaming others, but by confronting the reality of universal sin and our need for redemption in Christ. Don’t miss this deep dive into the roots of cultural division—and the only path to lasting renewal.

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul urges respect for godly authority and commands, “Be at peace among yourselves.” True peace starts with humility — in the church, in the home, and in our hearts. Yet, many quarrel over petty things, placing their own will above unity. The root of conflict is often pride, not principle. Real peace comes when we stop insisting on our way and start saying, “Thy will be done.”

On September 14, 2025, Andrea Schwartz welcomes Mark Rushdoony and Martin Selbrede for Episode 59 of the Chalcedon Podcast to announce Mark’s forthcoming, heavily documented biography of his father, R. J. Rushdoony—now at the printer and expected in Vallecito in October. Expanded from Mark’s 2015–16 “brief biography” essays, the book draws deeply on journals, letters, and personal papers to provide a reliable touchstone amid myths and internet rumors. It traces Rushdoony’s roots through Armenia—the first Christian nation—and shows how Armenian history (including Urartu’s check on Assyria) and a family line of ministry shaped his kingdom-centered vision. Mark also addresses painful family chapters candidly, not to sensationalize, but to set the record straight and explain the man’s enduring joy, resilience, and refusal to be embittered. Selbrede underscores why biography matters: truth is lived by whole persons, not abstractions, and Christians must know the “rock from which we were hewn.” The episode highlights Rushdoony’s practical impact—courtroom testimony, congressional hearings, and pivotal roles in defending Christian education and homeschooling (e.g., Texas cases)—and explains why younger audiences are experiencing a “flight to quality” in his uncompromising application of Scripture to all of life. Listeners are encouraged to read the biography both to understand Rushdoony’s legacy and to “stand on shoulders,” carrying forward faithful scholarship and action in church, family, and society.

We live in an open world—open to voices, distractions, and influences that shape us before we even notice. But what happens when we’re so open that nothing takes root? In this episode, we unpack Proverbs 1 and explore Solomon’s urgent call to the “simple”—those unfenced souls easily trampled by the world—to gain subtilty, the spiritual discernment that slips past snares and clings to God’s wisdom. Join us as we examine how true wisdom doesn’t close us off, but grounds us in holy fear, giving us discernment, discretion, and the strength to walk wisely through a world full of noise.

Who—or what—is the rock upon which Christ builds His Church? In this powerful message, Rushdoony unpacks a central passage often shrouded in controversy to show that the Church’s true foundation is not Peter the man, but the confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Tracing the consistent witness of Scripture and church history, he reveals that Christ alone is the unshakeable rock, and that all authority in the Church is ministerial, not legislative—serving God’s Word, not supplanting it. Here lies the Church’s strength, and her promise: that even the gates of hell cannot hold out against her faithful advance.

In False Atonements, R.J. Rushdoony explores the ancient and modern human obsession with blood sacrifice—and how rejecting Christ’s atonement inevitably leads people to invent their own. From the pagan rituals of Moloch worship and the myths of Iphigenia, to the modern sacrificial altars of abortion clinics and political violence, Rushdoony argues that guilt demands an outlet. If it is not laid at the foot of the Cross, it will surface elsewhere—through sadism, masochism, or the cultural glorification of death. Only through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, he insists, can men find true release from guilt and the basis for a just and enduring civilization.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 tells us to “see life” with the one we love — meaning, to truly experience and enjoy life together. In a godly marriage, a spouse isn’t just a companion but a source of strength, vision, and wisdom. Proverbs calls a virtuous woman a treasure — like a strong ally. And when Adam saw Eve, he saw part of himself. Marriage, when grounded in God’s design, helps us see life more clearly and live it more fully.

What if the root of the world’s problems isn’t political, racial, or cultural—but theological? In this episode, we unpack Chalcedon Position Paper No. 170 and reclaim the vital doctrine of original sin. Far from abstract theology, original sin explains the brokenness of our world and the futility of man-made solutions. We explore how denying total depravity leads to misplaced trust in the state, the rise of racism, and the politics of coercion instead of redemption. Join us as we confront modern delusions and rediscover the biblical truth: sin is the problem, and Christ alone is the answer.

In this episode, we unpack Genesis 4:9’s “Am I my brother’s keeper?” to show that Scripture calls us brothers under God—not tyrannical keepers of one another—and that true responsibility means living honestly under His law rather than imposing “care” by force. We’ll also explore how collectivist policies echo Cain’s murderous overreach, and why only the Lord is our rightful keeper.

What role do women truly have in the life and ministry of the church? In this message, Rushdoony explores Paul’s instructions to Timothy and uncovers the often-neglected office of deaconess, the responsibilities of widows, and the high calling of women as servants in Christ’s family. Far from sidelining women, Scripture honors them with meaningful duties rooted in faith, charity, and community. The biblical vision affirms the dignity of women in the church—not by flattening distinctions, but by upholding God’s order, where grace, strength, and humble service flourish together.

ChatGPT said: The doctrine of sin, as defined in Scripture and the Westminster Shorter Catechism, is clear: sin is lawlessness, a failure to conform to or a transgression of God’s law. Yet many professing Christians today fail to recognize this reality, with surveys showing that nearly half of respondents don’t even view themselves as sinners. This distorted understanding of sin often stems from a lack of systematic theology, resulting in fragmented, man-centered interpretations of the Bible rather than a whole-counsel view. When sin is minimized or redefined, the Incarnation and atonement lose their meaning, and Christianity itself is hollowed out. Modern trends, from antinomian dismissals of God’s law to legalistic distortions, reflect a failure to teach and uphold the biblical theology of sin, which is foundational for a God-centered worldview. Instead of condemning sin, many within the church have shifted to condemning the law, aligning themselves with cultural definitions of morality rather than God’s standards. This creates confusion, where obedience is reduced to man-made “do’s and don’ts” rather than conformity to God’s will. The root issue goes back to the fall in Eden, where humanity chose autonomy over submission to God. Without understanding sin’s theological nature—its origin, consequences, and remedy—Christians will continue to substitute humanistic definitions of right and wrong for God’s law. The result is cultural decay and personal compromise. The biblical call is to recover a God-centered theology of sin, grounded in the fear of the Lord, which alone brings wisdom, obedience, and victory in Christ.

In this episode, we trace how Scripture’s laws against theft and covetousness serve not just to protect possessions but to secure the family, and explore Engels’ claim that private property is the economic foundation of monogamy and parental authority. We’ll then discuss how state control of land and inheritance erodes family freedom and turns children’s loyalty from parents to government, warning that relinquishing God-ordained property rights invites tyranny and bondage.

In this episode, we examine how today’s laws—especially in public schools—have inverted justice by privileging some viewpoints while suppressing Christian expression, citing Psalm 94:20’s warning about “organizing oppression under the pretense of law,” and we reflect on why a nation that abandons God’s standards must reckon with His judgment

Slander doesn’t just damage reputations—it robs people of peace, dignity, and standing, making it a form of theft as well as false witness. In this chapter, Rushdoony draws out the deep interconnection between lying, stealing, and slander in biblical law, showing how corrupt speech violates both the eighth and ninth commandments. True speech nourishes community; slander destroys it. As he explains, no society can flourish—economically, morally, or spiritually—where words are weaponized and truth is cast aside.

Is being “taken for granted” really a sign of neglect—or could it be the highest compliment love can pay? In this episode, we explore how trust, constancy, and assumed loyalty are not signs of fading affection, but of deep, enduring love—both in the home and in our life with God. When love becomes the solid ground beneath our feet, it frees us to live with confidence and joy. Join us as we reflect on why the deepest relationships—especially with God—must be dependable enough to take for granted.

In this incisive session, R.J. Rushdoony explores how delegating Christian responsibilities to the state breeds bureaucracy, while reclaiming them dissolves it—starting with the church's potential to eliminate welfare dependence. From royal bastards and broken inheritance laws to medieval marriage reforms and modern ideological delusions, Rushdoony weaves a striking tapestry of history, theology, and political insight. Whether dissecting race politics, environmental extremism, or the collapse of law and morality, he calls Christians to reject statist illusions and reclaim leadership grounded in God’s Word.

What if the God who created all things is not just the beginning—but the continual governor of every moment? In this episode, we explore Chalcedon Position Paper No. 196 and recover the often-forgotten doctrine of God's providence. Once central to Reformation theology and everyday life, providence affirmed that God not only made the world but sustains and rules over every detail with purpose and power. Today, many have traded that assurance for deism or chance. Join us as we reconnect creation, predestination, and providence—and rediscover the nearness of the God who governs all things for His glory and our good.

In this episode, we explore how every choice we make—big or small—reveals what we truly value and where our faith lies, contrasting the self-chosen life of “my will be done” with the believer’s calling to embrace God’s will as laid out in Scripture and enjoy the blessings of serving Him.

In The War Against Chastity, R.J. Rushdoony exposes how modern legal and educational systems, under the banner of the First Amendment, have waged an aggressive campaign to suppress Christian morality—particularly the Biblical virtue of chastity. He argues that while Christianity is pushed out of public life, an opposing religion—secular humanism—is now firmly entrenched and zealously promoted in its place. According to Rushdoony, humanism glorifies the natural, fallen man and his unchecked self-expression, making the rejection of chastity not just cultural drift but spiritual rebellion. The fight over sexual ethics, he insists, is just one front in a broader war between two irreconcilable faiths: Christianity and humanism.

In this episode, we revisit Wells Fargo’s remarkable trust-based response in the 1906 San Francisco quake—paying out lost deposits on faith and lending equipment to evacuate citizens—and use it to illustrate how godly leadership once met crisis with responsibility, while today’s retreat of people of faith leaves society weakened.

What is the true calling of the Christian layman? In this message, Rushdoony recovers the biblical vision of every believer as a minister—called not only to personal holiness, but to bring God’s Word into every corner of life. From the family and the workplace to culture and civil society, the faithful layman is a chaplain to the world, bearing witness through love, integrity, and obedience. The church is not confined to walls; it is wherever God’s people live out their calling with courage and conviction.

Before wisdom governs nations or speaks in the streets, it begins at home. In this episode, we explore Proverbs 1 and discover that the foundation of all godly living starts with honoring our parents and fearing the Lord. Wisdom, Solomon tells us, is first learned in family life—and tested in the wider world. As young men leave home and face the enticements of sinners, Scripture offers both warning and assurance: those who listen to wisdom will dwell securely, quiet from fear of evil. Join us as we reflect on how the fear of the Lord and the honoring of father and mother shape a life rooted in truth.

In this episode, we unpack Jesus’ radical demand to “let the dead bury their dead” (Matt. 8:21–22), exploring how true discipleship calls us to prioritize the life and joy of Christ’s kingdom over earthly mourning. We’ll challenge listeners to live as members of a wedding procession—rejoicing in the Lord always—rather than lingering in the funeral march of this world.

When murderers walk free on the grounds of "PMT"—premenstrual tension—what does that say about justice? In this episode, R.J. Rushdoony confronts the growing trend of excusing crime instead of punishing it. With biblical clarity, he warns how denying personal responsibility erodes morality, law, and freedom. Tune in to hear why true justice demands accountability—not excuses.

In this episode, we look at the Mozarabic Rite’s use of Psalm 2:7–8 by Christians under Muslim rule as a bold declaration of Christ’s sovereign dominion, and connect it to Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. We’ll challenge listeners to embrace their calling to victory in Christ—living in total obedience, serving rather than seeking comfort, and advancing His reign in a world desperate for hope.

In The “Right to Privacy” and the “Right” to Sin, R.J. Rushdoony critiques the modern legal reinterpretation of the U.S. Constitution, particularly how the Supreme Court has turned the “right to privacy” into a judicial shield for sin. He argues that while the state increasingly intrudes upon churches, families, and businesses, it simultaneously protects and sanctifies moral rebellion—especially in areas like abortion and homosexuality. According to Rushdoony, this distorted use of the Bill of Rights undermines true liberty, replacing God-given moral order with state-sanctioned lawlessness and paving the way for cultural and political tyranny.

In this episode, we unpack Paul’s declaration in Colossians 1:13–17 that Christ not only created all things but also sustains them—“by him all things consist.” We’ll explore what it means for every sphere of life—from politics to family—to stand only on Christ’s unshakable foundation, and the inevitable collapse that follows when we build on anything less than Him.

The church was never meant to be a passive institution—it is a divine commission. In this message on Matthew 28, R.J. Rushdoony reminds us that Christ, having received all power in heaven and earth, commands His people to disciple the nations. The church is not called to retreat from the world but to confront it as witness, teacher, and herald of the crown rights of Christ the King. We are a holy convocation, summoned by God, empowered by the Spirit, and sent to bring every area of life under His lordship. This is not merely a mission—it is a mandate backed by divine authority and sustained by the living presence of Christ Himself.

Is the modern obsession with the demonic a sign of deep spiritual awareness—or a dangerous distraction? In this episode, we explore Chalcedon Position Paper No. 132 and confront the rising fascination with evil, both inside and outside the church. From bestselling “Christian” thrillers to occult curiosity, we examine how overrating the demonic and underrating both God and man distorts true faith. Scripture warns us not to explore “the depths of Satan” but to focus our minds and hearts on Christ, whose victory over sin, death, and the devil is already won. Tune in to rediscover the power of a Christ-centered life—and the danger of a faith distracted by darkness.

In this powerful exposition of Exodus 40, R.J. Rushdoony calls the church to recover the long-neglected biblical doctrine of the real presence of God. Drawing from the glory cloud that filled the Tabernacle, he reminds us that God’s throne, once visibly present above the Ark, now abides with His people by covenant. To disregard or reduce this presence is to strip the church of its strength and surrender the world to false powers. In an age of political idolatry and spiritual isolation, the church must once again recognize that the Lord is truly in her midst—guiding, protecting, and empowering His people in every battle.

In this episode of Out of the Question, Andrea Schwartz and Pastor Charles Roberts tackle the increasingly common practice of tattooing—particularly among professing Christians—and explore its cultural, theological, and spiritual implications. Drawing from Leviticus 19:28 and other scriptural texts, they argue that the normalization of tattoos in Christian communities reflects a broader infiltration of pagan, secular, and humanistic ideologies into the Church. They challenge the idea that tattooing is merely a personal or aesthetic choice, instead urging believers to consider whether such practices align with God's commands or stem from a desire for autonomy over submission to His Word. The hosts discuss the physical consequences of tattoos, including immune system stress and potential long-term health risks, while also pointing to the spiritual dimension—asking whether a deeper force may be influencing the trend. They share anecdotes, medical insights, and biblical parallels to highlight how tattoos may symbolically and literally mark a departure from a theonomic worldview. Ultimately, the episode calls Christians to reflect on their motivations, reexamine God's law in both Old and New Testaments, and consider how their choices reflect or distort the image of God in themselves.

In this episode, we liken Jesus’ offer of living water (John 7:37) to the life-saving importance of water in a desert—showing how without Christ we’re spiritually parched like the Sahara, and how coming to Him fills our deepest thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6).

In this episode, we unpack Zacharias’s proclamation of Christ as the “Dayspring from on high” (Luke 1:78) and Isaiah’s prophecy of light piercing darkness (Isa. 9:2), using a personal anecdote of stumbling down a dark path to illustrate how Christ’s coming brings us out of fear and into perpetual joy. We’ll conclude by urging listeners to keep their eyes—and lives—open to His light every day of the year.

Slander is more than idle gossip—it is, according to Scripture, a form of murder that destroys reputations, communities, and truth itself. In this chapter, Rushdoony lays bare the biblical weight of slander, showing that it is not merely a private sin but a public crime. He draws from Leviticus, Ben Sirach, and the wisdom of the rabbis to show how malicious speech corrodes justice and unravels society. Responsible speech, not unbridled expression, is the cornerstone of a godly order—and where it is absent, a culture of lies and death takes root.

What does it mean to inherit the earth—and who are the meek who receive that promise? In this episode, we reflect on Solomon’s vision of wisdom that leads not only to a meaningful life now, but to a glorious inheritance to come. From Canaan to the New Creation, Scripture tells us the earth belongs not to the powerful, but to the faithful—those tamed by God, walking in righteousness, and rooted in His truth. Join us as we explore the rich, double promise of life in the land: joyful stewardship now, and eternal rest in the Kingdom to come.

In this episode, we explore the comforting image of a mother hen sheltering her chicks and unpack Jesus’ lament in Matthew 23:37 over Jerusalem’s refusal to take refuge under His wings. We’ll reflect on what it means for individuals and communities today to either trust in Christ’s protective care or face the consequences of going it alone—and invite listeners to find safety and purpose under the wings of God’s mercy.

Was the incarnation of Christ just another myth among many ancient legends? Or was it something so radically different that it upended the entire philosophical order of the Greco-Roman world? In this episode, we delve into Chalcedon Position Paper No. 173 to uncover why the incarnation wasn’t just miraculous—it was scandalous to the ancient mind. We’ll explore how Greek philosophy couldn’t comprehend a God who creates, governs, and becomes flesh—and how Christianity’s bold claim shattered that worldview. Join us as we examine how the Word made flesh still confronts modern intellectuals, and how true faith must also become incarnate in action, transforming both hearts and history.

In this wide-ranging reflection, R.J. Rushdoony compares the decline of medieval ecclesiastical authority with the unraveling of modern statism, arguing that both crises reveal man's misdirected hope in institutional salvation. From feudal vassalage to faculty politics, illiteracy, and false eschatologies, Rushdoony explores how freedom once thrived under mutual responsibility and biblical order—and how its loss has led to social and spiritual decay. He calls for a return to self-government under God and challenges Christians to reclaim leadership, responsibility, and culture with clarity, courage, and conviction.

In The Arrogance of Evil, R.J. Rushdoony exposes the bizarre moral inversion of a culture that champions criminals as victims and treats resistance to evil as injustice. Drawing from personal anecdotes and broader societal trends, he highlights how, in rejecting God's law, society has enthroned self-expression and autonomy as supreme. The result is not only growing lawlessness but also a new form of Phariseeism—self-righteousness rooted not in God’s truth, but in man’s rebellious desires. For Rushdoony, only a return to God’s law can unmask this delusion and restore genuine moral order.