CR101 Radio - Podcast Network

What does it mean to be holy? In this sermon, R.J. Rushdoony challenges the modern church’s narrow, private view of holiness and reclaims its true, biblical meaning—rooted not in retreat from the world, but in the majesty, government, and power of God. The holy assembly is not withdrawn but engaged, called to rule, to build, and to bring every area of life into obedience to Christ. Holiness, far from being passive, is power consecrated to God’s purpose.

What if the entire universe—stars, stones, beams of timber—were not neutral but actively aligned against evil? In this powerful reflection on Judges 5:20, we explore how all creation testifies to the sovereignty of God and wages war against unrighteousness. From the crushing defeat of Sisera to the witness of walls and wood against Babylon, this episode reminds us that rebellion is vain, and God's purposes prevail—even through the wrath of men. Join us for a word of hope, faith, and quiet confidence in a God who never comes too late.

Is daydreaming harmless, or is it a spiritual danger? In this episode, we take a hard look at the fantasy life many of us indulge in. Drawing from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we’ll explore how dreaming about “what might have been” or “what could be” can pull us away from obedience, dull our sense of reality, and blind us to present opportunities for faithfulness. Heaven is not built on wishful thinking—but on trust, truth, and obedience. Tune in as we challenge the allure of daydreams and call each other to live in God’s reality.

What happens when the Bill of Rights is redefined—not as a restraint on government, but as a tool of its expansion? In this bold and timely analysis, R.J. Rushdoony dissects California’s state-sponsored “Bill of Rights” textbook and exposes the quiet revolution behind its carefully crafted pages. Behind the modern rhetoric of equality and civil liberties lies a deeper question: are our rights God-given or state-granted? Is education preserving liberty—or quietly training a new generation in socialism? Join us as we unpack the forgotten Biblical foundation of rights, the danger of trusting plumbing without a reservoir, and the call to real faith in an age of apostasy. This isn't just a critique of curriculum—it’s a challenge to reclaim truth, liberty, and education grounded in the sovereignty of God.

Is our bureaucracy safeguarding fairness—or turning common sense into comedy? In this episode, we take a sharp look at how well-meaning regulations have spiraled into absurd mandates, from ski lodge toilets for the inaccessible to ramps for hypothetical handicapped strippers. What began as inclusion now borders on parody, as bureaucrats use every rule to expand their control and erode practical freedom—one ridiculous edict at a time.

What does it mean to be the church? In this powerful message, R.J. Rushdoony uncovers the original meaning of ekklesia—not merely a gathering for worship, but a royal assembly, a governing body called by God. The church is not a passive institution, but an active community of priests and rulers, empowered by grace and commissioned to shape history under Christ’s kingship. Far from being a private affair, the church is God's visible order in the world, called to rule, intercede, and shine as light in the darkness.

What is sin—just bad behavior? Or something deeper? In this episode, we go beyond surface-level definitions to explore sin as Scripture defines it: not just a wrongful act, but a heart condition, a rebellion against God’s law and lordship. We’ll examine how sin is profoundly religious—placing faith in ourselves rather than in Christ—and why true life is found not in lawlessness but in righteousness. If sin feels attractive, what does that say about the state of our heart? Let’s dive into what it really means to live under grace and reject sin’s false promise of life.

The French Revolution, beginning in 1789, marked a violent rejection of Christianity and traditional order, ushering in the Reign of Terror and a lasting faith in revolution through bloodshed. While the subsequent counterrevolution sought to restore the old order, it failed because it lacked a living Christian faith—offering only the form of godliness, not its power. Thinkers like Emerson and Carlyle abandoned orthodox Christianity, replacing God with man and history, while conservatism and revolution alike became humanistic and anti-Christian. Churches, often infused with humanism themselves, remain largely indifferent to the growing attacks on Christianity, both politically and culturally. As hostility toward faith intensifies—with courts attacking churches and schools—Christianity faces a spiritual war. The call is urgent: believers must resist, uphold Biblical truth, extend Christ’s dominion, and prepare for God’s judgment on a blind, self-focused society.

This discussion centers on questioning long-standing church traditions and examining whether they are genuinely rooted in Scripture or simply maintained out of habit. The conversation explores how many Christian practices—such as formalized worship structures, hierarchical offices, and rigid rules—might reflect human control rather than the Spirit-led model Jesus exemplified. Joseph Foreman, drawing from his extensive theological background and practical ministry experience, argues that the early church’s gatherings, like the upper room, were dynamic and relational rather than rigidly structured. He contends that the Gospel calls believers to embrace personal responsibility, self-governance, and Spirit-led unity, rather than relying on enforced order or a professional clergy class to keep people in line. Foreman emphasizes that true church government should reflect the nature of the Trinity: harmonious, non-coercive, and centered on serving others. Instead of top-down authority or traditions treated as sacred, leadership should arise organically from giftedness and mutual accountability. He warns against conflating spiritual gifts with formal offices, arguing that authority rooted in coercion mirrors fallen structures rather than God’s kingdom design. Ultimately, the conversation challenges listeners to envision a model of worship and governance where believers engage voluntarily, driven by the Holy Spirit, and where church life prioritizes authentic discipleship and love over institutional control.

We all love spiritual highs—those mountaintop moments where God’s presence feels near and radiant. But what happens when the glow fades and real life returns? In this episode, we revisit the Mount of Transfiguration and Peter’s very human desire to stay on the peak. But Jesus leads us back down—to the valley, to the work, to the daily responsibilities of Christian maturity. Join us as we unpack why the “mountain-bottom” life of faithfulness, labor, and quiet obedience is where true fruit is grown.

In this incisive study of biblical justice, R.J. Rushdoony exposes the deadly seriousness of perjury—not merely as a crime against man, but as blasphemy against God. Rooted in the authority of Scripture, Rushdoony argues that false witness destroys justice, fractures society, and aligns us with evil itself. Rejecting modern sentimentalism and environmental excuses for sin, he calls for the strict application of God's law, where guilt is personal, justice is proportional, and pity must never override righteousness. A powerful defense of truth as the cornerstone of any godly order.

What kind of God defends the defenseless and champions the cause of the powerless? In this episode, we explore one of the Bible’s most repeated and most neglected truths: God is the protector of widows. From ancient landmark thefts to modern legal injustices, we look at how Scripture reveals God’s unwavering defense of those without earthly power—and why miracles, judgment, and justice often begin with the widow. Join us for a stirring look at a God who still establishes borders, restores the lost, and remembers the forgotten.

When was the last time you asked God for wisdom? In this episode, we take a hard look at James 1:5 and explore why one of God’s most generous promises—wisdom, given liberally and without reproach—is so often ignored in our prayers. Are we too proud to admit our need, or just too comfortable with our own foolishness? Discover why wisdom is more valuable than riches, more essential than education, and more absent from our lives and churches than we dare admit. If wisdom is "the principal thing" (Prov. 4:7), maybe it’s time we started asking.

Pragmatism defines truth as “what works” for man and the state, rejecting absolute truth and God’s revealed Word. Rooted in thinkers like Nietzsche and Dewey, it allows lying and dismisses Christianity as anti-democratic. This philosophy has deeply influenced the modern church, shifting preaching from systematic Biblical teaching to topical, entertaining messages aimed at pleasing congregations. As a result, church members are largely ignorant of doctrine, focusing on what God can do for them rather than God Himself. Pragmatism reduces the triune God to a resource for personal gain rather than the sovereign Lord to be served. The church must recognize this and return to a God-centered faith.

Is your prayer life centered on listening—or just asking? In this episode, we challenge the modern obsession with “getting things from God” and return to the biblical pattern of hearing Him first. Drawing from Paul, Samuel, and Christ’s own teachings, we explore what true spiritual maturity looks like: not demanding from God like spoiled children, but responding to His call with obedience and humility. Are you ready to hear what God has to say—or are you just trying to be heard?

In this wide-ranging Easy Chair session, R.J. Rushdoony revisits the rich legacy of the Irish Church, delves into the enduring heresy of Pelagianism, and offers sharp insight into the moral decay behind state power—from Diocletian’s Rome to modern bureaucracies. With reflections on Christian resistance under tyranny, the dangers of statist education and healthcare, and even the cola wars as political allegory, Rushdoony’s commentary blends historical depth with biting cultural critique, challenging listeners to discern the spiritual roots beneath society’s surface upheavals.

In a world obsessed with definitions, the Bible gives us something better—life-based meaning. In this episode, we explore how Scripture defines holiness, faith, and trust not by words alone, but by action. What does it truly mean to be a “holy woman” or a faithful believer? Are we living by trust in the Lord—or by worry, control, and self-reliance? Discover why biblical definitions are not about labels, but about how we live—and whether our lives show real faith in a sovereign God.

Can man reengineer himself into paradise? Or is he merely replacing God with mirrors and microphones? In this piercing analysis from 1976, we revisit a generation that staked its hope on evolution, science, and state power to usher in a “fabulous future”—only to find disillusionment at the door. R.J. Rushdoony explores the deep theological shift from trusting in Providence to trusting in man’s plan, and what it means when churches stop preaching God’s government and settle for bureaucratic salvation. Tune in as we ask: has the new god delivered, or has the old faith simply been forgotten?

Is the Sabbath just a break from work—or a celebration of victory? In this message, R.J. Rushdoony shows how the Sabbath is not merely a day off, but a holy day grounded in creation, redemption, and resurrection. It is God’s appointed sign of peace, joy, and access to His throne—a time of worship, family, and festival that marks the church as the people of triumph. To forget this is to rob the church of its calling and to turn rest into burden. The Sabbath is not gloom; it is glory.

Vengeance and the Justice of God What does it really mean to “heap coals of fire” on your enemy’s head? In this episode, we explore the biblical tension between justice and mercy—and why personal vengeance is not just wrong, but a denial of God's own justice. You’ll hear how vengeance corrupts when it’s in human hands, and how returning good for evil isn’t weakness, but powerful faith in the God who judges rightly. When we forgive, we’re not ignoring justice—we’re declaring that it belongs to the Lord alone. Because in the end, every sin will be paid for—either in hell or on the cross.

Is America suffering from a self-inflicted and incurable political illness? In this episode, we examine how U.S. foreign aid often funds our competitors—and even our enemies—while draining our economy and undermining national interests. The problem isn’t Japan or any other nation making shrewd use of our money; the problem is us. Rooted in a costly belief that dollars can save the world, our foreign policy reflects a deeper national foolishness—one that no amount of spending can cure.

When life is reduced to the pursuit of pleasure, a society is on the brink of death. This episode examines Proverbs 21:16 and the rise of a culture that values comfort over truth, convenience over life, and amusement over responsibility. From ancient Rome to modern attitudes, we see the same pattern: a “congregation of the dead.” The question is—do we belong to that lifeless crowd, or to the living body of Christ?

What do land seizures, inflated taxes, gun control, and government-run media all have in common? They’re symptoms of a deeper disease: a collapsing socialist order propping itself up through progressive confiscation. In this episode, we expose how modern states, in the name of fairness and reform, are systematically destroying property, liberty, and even the family itself. But behind this economic and political theft lies something greater: a rebellion against God’s sovereignty. As the socialist dream unravels, we’ll explore why faith in God—not man or the state—is the only real path to survival and reconstruction. If you're feeling the pressure of a world in freefall, this episode will equip you to stand firm on the winning side.

What if grace isn’t just about your salvation—but the force that once reshaped civilizations? In this episode, we confront a hard truth: the modern church talks about grace but lives without it. We trace how God’s grace—His charity—once unleashed hospitals, schools, orphanages, and missions… and how today, the state has hijacked that role. Why? Because Christians want comfort, not costly obedience. Rushdoony shows us that grace is not a doctrine to recite but a power to live—dangerous, generous, and disruptive. You’ve received freely. Are you giving at all?

What does it mean that “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us”? In this message, R.J. Rushdoony explores the deep covenantal roots of the church—not merely as an institution, but as a redemptive community grounded in God’s deliverance and destined for jubilee. Drawing on Old and New Testament imagery, he shows how the Passover shaped the early church’s mission, its instruction of children, and its call to purge out the old leaven of pride and sin. True church life begins not with polity, but with a people redeemed to rule under God.

Growth takes time—“first the blade, then the ear.” This episode reflects on Jesus’ reminder that spiritual fruit doesn’t come instantly. Many begin good work but quit when results don’t come quickly. Yet Scripture calls us to patience, persistence, and faithful service. We are saved not for ourselves, but for God’s purpose. Sow the seed, trust the process, and work while it is still day—others may reap what we faithfully plant.

Christians can often neglect the Old Testament prophets, but Mark Rushdoony demonstrates the richness of their writings and how they are speaking to us now in an age still compromised by the same sin and philosophies.

Good soil grows weeds—and so do living churches. This episode uses a farmer’s wisdom to highlight a spiritual truth: where there is life and growth, problems will come too. Strong churches attract both faithful workers and those looking for ease. But rather than grow bitter, we are called to contend for the faith and remain rooted in God’s love. The battle is real, but so is Christ’s victory.

Is justice truly blind—or just tilted in favor of the state? In this episode, we examine the hard reality behind the Equal Access to Justice Act: while it helps small businesses and individuals recover legal fees when they defeat government overreach, the deeper problem remains. Bureaucrats face no consequences for wrongful actions, while citizens pay the price in time, stress, and taxes—even when they win. Real justice won’t exist until the state is held to the same standard it imposes on the people.

Corroboration: Justice Demands Witnesses In an age of emotional trials and trial-by-media, the Bible’s demand for corroboration sounds almost revolutionary. In this episode, we explore how God’s law establishes justice through strict rules of evidence, protecting against coerced confessions, forced testimony, and false accusations. From lie detectors to privileged communication, from Achan’s confession to modern courtroom procedures, you’ll hear why biblical justice requires two or three witnesses—not surveillance, manipulation, or guesswork. Corroboration isn’t just legal process. It’s a safeguard of truth, a defense of liberty, and a warning against lazy mobs and power-hungry states.

True thankfulness begins with humility. This episode explores the biblical call to give thanks—not just in blessings, but in recognizing that all we have is from God. While we often credit ourselves for success and blame others for failure, Scripture reminds us that God is the source of all things. Gratitude is more than good manners—it’s a declaration of who really sits on the throne of the universe.

The Jazz Generation: Feeling Over Faith? In this episode, we dive into the deeper meaning of jazz—not just as a musical style, but as a cultural symbol of our age. Jazz, with its syncopation and swing, throws off structure and restraint to chase raw feeling. But what happens when this emotionalism seeps into the church? What does it mean when Christianity is improvised, not doctrinal—when worship syncs to personal gratification instead of God’s law? You’ll hear how the jazz mentality has shaped modern religion, replacing reverence with relevance and catechism with convenience. The faith that begins with man ends in chaos. The faith that begins with God ends in peace.

Step into the time machine with R.J. Rushdoony’s Easy Chair No. 102—recorded July 30th, 1985—where we unravel the fascinating story of the early Irish Church: its radical equality, missionary zeal that fueled Africa’s Christian expansion, and the meticulous artistry behind the Book of Kells. Then, brace yourself for a sweeping survey of church government—from Caesaropapist East to the spirited West—and a spirited debate on episcopal, presbyterian, and congregational models. Along the way, Rushdoony challenges us with provocative insights on Augustine’s legacy, the pitfalls of over‑organization, and the enduring power of charismatic faith. Whether you’re a history buff, a theologian, or simply curious about how ancient structures still shape modern belief, this episode promises to both enlighten and inspire.

Faith is more than admiration for Christian ideas—it’s total trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This episode explores the difference between mere opinion and true belief, showing that real Christianity is a living relationship with the risen King. In Christ, we are reborn into power, purpose, and victory. We are heirs of His Kingdom, called to overcome the world—not live in defeat.

What if the greatest threat to the church today isn’t persecution—but the craving to be liked? In this episode, we expose the deadly lure of respectability: how pastors, scholars, and churches are trading faithfulness for applause—from academia, from culture, even from fellow Christians. From seminaries seeking state approval to Christians silencing truth for the sake of image, we ask: what happens when the fear of man overrides the fear of God? Jesus was rejected by the respectable. Paul was called a counterfeit. Why should we expect better?

Life is never still—we're always departing from something. This episode looks at Paul’s use of the word “apostasy” to show that every life is marked by movement: either a departure from sin or a falling away from Christ. Faith is not static; it demands growth, change, and obedience. In a world shaped by time and transformation, standing still in your walk with God is not an option—it’s a form of spiritual death.

Everywhere today we hear about "planning"—urban planning, economic planning, social planning. But what if the master plans of modern bureaucrats are actually paving the way to chaos, not order? In this hard-hitting episode, we unpack why every attempt at total control—whether through data banks, central planning, or global governance—inevitably collapses under the weight of false statistics, political manipulation, and a desire to play god. From the Soviet Union’s fake harvests to America’s bloated data-driven bureaucracy, the results are the same: failure masked as progress. If you’re ready to reject the illusion of man-made utopias and reorient your life around the only plan that works—God’s—this episode is your blueprint for reality.

Is man a created being with purpose—or a cosmic fluke without meaning? In this episode, we unpack R.J. Rushdoony’s Accidental Man, a deep exploration of how the West’s rejection of God has transformed our language, culture, and morality. From Darwin’s elevation of chance to Sartre’s celebration of evil, Rushdoony traces how the loss of “substance” has led to a world where crime is random, virtue mocked, and man defined by nothing but impulse. But he also reminds us: accidental man dies, while redeemed man lives. Join us as we contrast the emptiness of chance with the enduring truth of God’s Word.

In this powerful reflection, we meet Rolf Thomassen—a severely disabled man whose life of physical limitation is outshined by extraordinary faith and creativity. Though bound to a chair, Thomassen lives with joy and purpose because his heart is set beyond today—beyond the hardships of this life and anchored in eternity with Christ. His story reminds us that true hope isn’t found in our circumstances, but in a life hidden with God. The most crippled life is not the one with a broken body—but the one with no eternal hope.

When killers are set free under the excuse of "PMT"—premenstrual tension—what becomes of justice? In this episode, R.J. Rushdoony exposes the dangerous shift from responsibility to rationalization. With biblical conviction, he shows how excusing evil undermines law, morality, and freedom itself. True justice requires accountability—not excuses.

How do we train the next generation to rule well under God? In this message, R.J. Rushdoony examines Psalm 78 alongside Exodus and Deuteronomy to show that true government begins in the home—with fathers teaching their children the meaning of salvation, God’s law, and personal responsibility. Biblical leadership isn't born in statehouses or seminaries, but at the family table, where boys are raised to be faithful men, and men are called to govern in every sphere. Without this foundation, all government collapses into tyranny.

Are you living with a full faith—or just a small dose? This episode explores the danger of being “vaccinated” against true Christianity: having just enough religion to avoid the real thing. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:5, it challenges listeners to move beyond a mere form of godliness and embrace the full power of God in every area of life—heart, home, and wallet. Don’t settle for imitation faith. Go for the power.

Why do bold campaign promises so often vanish after the ballots are counted? In this episode, we explore the troubling disconnect between what politicians say before election day and what they actually do in office. From Reagan to Roosevelt, history shows a pattern of forgotten vows and reversed positions—fueling public distrust and weakening the foundations of representative government itself.

Behind the looming food shortages, economic instability, and rising lawlessness lies a far deeper crisis—a spiritual one. In this gripping episode, we confront the real root of famine and societal breakdown: not drought or overpopulation, but the godless faith of humanism and its false gospel of man-centered compassion. From socialist mismanagement of agriculture to the moral collapse of a nation that pities predators more than victims, we trace how turning from God's law leads not to utopia, but to devastation. If you’re ready to see through the lies of modern compassion and face the truth about what’s really starving our world, this episode pulls no punches—and offers the only real way forward.

Why do we ignore what even animals seem to know instinctively? This episode draws on Isaiah’s imagery and old-fashioned “horse sense” to highlight a simple truth: we were made for God and His Kingdom. Yet in our sin, we suppress what we know deep down—that He is Lord. True wisdom begins with acknowledging our Creator. To reject His way is not only rebellion—it’s foolishness.

Is holiness only for the few? This episode reminds us that God’s command—“Be holy, for I am holy”—is for everyone. Holiness isn't unnatural or restrictive; it’s the true normal, the life we were created to live. Sin distorts, but obedience restores. True joy and purpose are found when we glorify God and live in the holiness He calls us to—a life of order, peace, and deep fulfillment.

What kind of government does God require—for the family, the church, and the state? In this sermon, R.J. Rushdoony examines Jethro’s counsel to Moses in Exodus 18, showing how God established a decentralized model of authority rooted in elders, households, and local responsibility. Far from being a relic of the past, this biblical pattern once shaped early English law, medieval cities, and even the early church. It remains today a call for men to reclaim godly leadership—beginning in the home, extending to the church, and ultimately shaping a free society under God.

What if the church’s deepest crisis isn’t cultural decay—but a ghost from the ancient world still whispering in our theology? In this episode, we expose how early thinkers like Origen and Gregory of Nyssa smuggled Greek dualism into the church, replacing the plain authority of God’s Word with hidden meanings and abstract “principles.” From Origen’s self-castration to modern sermons about tabernacle curtain colors, we trace how spiritualized religion paved the way for today’s antinomianism, feminism, and experience-driven faith. Are we still trying to decode the Bible—when God calls us to obey it?

When politicians call “drunk” and “sober” mere metaphysical concepts, what does that say about truth in public life? In this episode, R.J. Rushdoony exposes how modern leaders weaponize language to obscure meaning and avoid accountability. From Orwellian word games to broken promises, he warns that corrupted speech reflects a deeper moral crisis—not just in politics, but in us. Want leaders with integrity? Then truth must begin at home.

This episode revisits the heartbreaking story of Grace, a young woman with Down syndrome, whose hospital death sparked a family’s fight for justice, and explores the challenges of medical malpractice lawsuits, the importance of advocacy, and the lessons learned about faith and the healthcare system. (Guest Scott Schara)