CR101 Radio - Podcast Network

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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?

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.

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)

What happens when thinking starts with the wrong premise? This episode explores the biblical declaration, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” No matter how logical one’s reasoning may seem, if it begins with denying God, it leads to folly. True wisdom starts in the heart—with faith in God—and shapes how we live, think, and understand the world. Without that foundation, all else is warped.

What does it mean to be “guarded in Jesus Christ”? This episode unpacks Jude’s powerful message that believers are preserved—not from suffering, but for God’s purposes. Just as athletes are protected to fulfill their calling, so too are Christians guarded by the Lord to remain faithful and effective in His service. True security isn’t the absence of hardship, but being kept close to Christ through it all.

In this episode, we confront our deep-rooted impulse to meddle—especially in our own lives. Though we claim to surrender to God, we often keep one hand on the wheel, unwilling to fully trust Him. True peace begins when we take our hands off and let God truly lead. Only then do we find the rest our souls crave. Let go, and let the One who cares for you take full control.

The Witness of the False Prophet: Satan, Conspiracies, and the Sin of Misplaced Power What if much of what passes for “discernment” today is actually false prophecy in disguise? In this episode, we confront the dangerous trend of ascribing to Satan the power that belongs only to God. From conspiracy obsessions to fear-fueled eschatology, we explore how attributing history’s direction to demonic forces is not just poor theology—it’s false witness. You’ll hear why Jesus rejected Satan’s claim to the kingdoms of the world, how modern Christians risk repeating the same lie, and why obsessing over the “deep things of Satan” leads not to truth, but to idolatry. This is a call to reject the counterfeit power of conspiracies and return to the only true authority: the sovereign God and His law.

What does it really mean to be free—and to be a friend? This episode uncovers the deep, original connection between freedom and love. True freedom isn’t isolation or irresponsibility, but being beloved and surrounded by loving friends. Jesus calls us His friends if we obey Him, showing that love means commitment and care. Real freedom comes through Christ, who gave His life for His friends to set them free from sin and death.

What if the church's greatest weakness today isn’t the world outside—but the ancient philosophy still whispering inside? In this episode, we uncover how early thinkers like Origen and Gregory of Nyssa imported Greek dualism into the faith, spiritualizing Scripture and sidelining God’s law. You’ll hear how abstract principles replaced the incarnate Christ, and how "spiritual religion" paved the way for today’s antinomianism, feminism, and experiential theology. From Origen’s castration to modern sermons about tabernacle colors, we ask: are we still chasing “hidden meanings” while ignoring God's plain Word? The Bible doesn’t need decoding. It demands obedience.

In this thought-provoking episode, R.J. Rushdoony explores how modern conservatism falters without a faith that shapes every area of life. From a professor undone by a simple student question, to the religious nature of the state and law, to Rome's deification of power and today's humanistic legal order, Rushdoony weaves history, theology, and cultural critique into a bold challenge: without a root-and-branch Christian worldview, even the best intentions collapse. A powerful teaser for his upcoming work, The State as the New Church.

What if the louder the world cries for "human rights," the more it paves the way for total control? In this eye-opening episode, we explore how modern humanism’s obsession with rights has created not freedom, but the rise of a bureaucratic superstate—a god-like power that demands total knowledge, total authority, and leaves man increasingly powerless. From Orwell’s warnings to today’s expanding data-driven regimes, we’ll trace why true liberty cannot come from the state, but only from God’s law and lordship. If you're ready to question the modern gospel of rights and reclaim the freedom of dominion man, this episode is for you.

What does it truly mean to “rest”? This episode explores the biblical meaning of rest—not escape from work, but the peace and security that come from trusting in God, obeying His Word, and dwelling in His care. Unlike the restless and fearful wicked, the faithful find true rest in the Lord. Vacations may offer a break, but only resting in God brings lasting peace.

We live in a time when the state takes almost everything—our money, our freedoms, even our definition of what it means to be human. But is taxation the real issue, or is it a symptom of something far deeper? In this episode, we expose how modern statism, masquerading as savior, has become a jealous god—confiscating not just property, but authority, identity, and hope. From corrupt education to economic control, we trace the crisis back to its true root: false theology. If you're tired of watching Caesar consume everything in sight and ready to reclaim God's design for freedom, justice, and dominion—this episode is your call to stand.

What does circumcision really signify—and why does it matter for the church today? In this foundational message, R.J. Rushdoony explores Genesis 17 and God’s covenant with Abraham to show that circumcision, like its New Testament successor baptism, is far more than a ritual. It is a declaration of God’s sovereign grace, the priority of divine election, and the central role of the family in covenant life. This episode deepens our understanding of the church not as an institution of man’s choice, but as a covenantal people formed and sustained by God’s promise.

Many blame their unhappiness on difficult people or circumstances, but the real struggle often lies within. In this episode, we explore how peace with ourselves begins by making peace with God—and flows outward in how we treat others. True inner peace isn't found in blaming others, but in loving God fully and loving our neighbors as ourselves. When we live in harmony with God, we become people of peace—even in an 'unpeaceful' world.

The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s new creation and the ultimate defeat of sin and death. This episode explores the cosmic significance of Christ’s coming—His incarnation, resurrection, and reign. Though the world resists Him as it did from the beginning, His Kingdom continues to grow without end. Christ reigns—over history, over creation, and, for those who receive Him, over the heart. The question is: does He reign in you?

Is mental illness always a medical reality—or is it sometimes a label used to silence or control? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore psychiatrist Thomas Szasz’s claim that mental illness is a myth, and consider how society increasingly pathologizes disagreement. From the dubious “discovery” of drapetomania to modern diagnoses like dyslexia, we question whether some conditions reflect medical truth—or cultural convenience.

Jesus’ resurrection isn’t just history—it’s power for today. This episode explores how Christ’s victory over death assures our own resurrection and calls us to live transformed lives now. The power of His resurrection means we must reject defeat, embrace our calling, and advance His Kingdom in every sphere. Christ is not a distant figure—He is the reigning King, and His Word must shape our lives and our world.