~ A Tribute to R. J. Rushdoony ~
By George Crocker
By now people in the Reformed community ( and most people in the Reconstructionist community) have heard of the "going home" of R.J. Rushdoony ("Rush"). On February 8th, 2001 the One who has the keys of death and Hades called Rev. Rushdoony into His presence. Rush's works for the Kingdom of God will surely follow him (Rev. 14:13).
Many of the covenant believers here at Salem Reformed Church have been affected by the influence of this man of God. This has not always been (nor will it probably be in the near future) something that many in the Reformed community would applaud us over - not that we would seek it anyway. It is true that some of those who have been influenced by "Rush" and his theology have been real "jerks" and have given what is commonly called the Reconstructionist movement a bad name. However, Rush is not the blamable cause. His kingdom work has positively affected many more Reformed and evangelical people than most of them, perhaps, would want to admit.
I (George Crocker) cannot say that I "personally" knew Rush but I can say that I have been one of thousands who have been influenced by and deeply appreciate his written works. His writings and talks (at conferences I have attended) have given me a greater appreciation and understanding for the place for God's Law in every culture, especially our own. His most influential work on my pastoral life, as well as most others I am sure, is his magnum opus, The Institutes of Biblical Law. In this work he gives us the great antithesis between the Biblical worldview and the many facet humanistic worldview. It is a book on "casuistry" - the application of Biblical principles to every-day situations. Throughout the book are how Christians must apply the Biblical worldview in every area of life - individually, in the family, in the church and in their culture. It ought to be required reading in every Christian home, school and college. His other written works (which were numerous) have also been very influential to me and others. Some of these are: The Messianic Character of American Education ; Foundations of Social Order: A Study in Creeds and Councils of the Early Church ; Politics of Guilt and Pity ; Thy Kingdom Come: Studies in Daniel and Revelation ; Law and Liberty; The One and the Many: Studies in the Philosophy of Other and Ultimacy ; the monthly Chalcedon Report ; The Roots of Reconstruction ; etc...
I am just a peon among God's kingdom workers and what I have to say about Rush is not as significant what others have to say about him. There are many good tributes to Rev. Rushdoony given in the April 2001 Chalcedon Report. Click here or on the link below to read them. Also, I would encourage you to buy and read his written works listed above or in those articles if you have not done so already. You will be challenged and motivated to apply God's Law/Word to every sector of life.
May our Sovereign receive all the glory and may He be pleased to use Rush's legacy to spread His kingdom and change the world for the King of kings.