Chalcedon Report 2002 Nov

November 2002 Chalcedon #446
report
A Monthly Report Dealing with the Relationship of Christian Faith to the World
Thriving in Babylon
Founder’s Foreword
Faith and the Family ······················································································································ 2
By R. J. Rushdoony
From the President’s Desk
Prepared for Death, Ready for Life ·································································································4
By Mark R. Rushdoony
Education for the Kingdom of God
Toward Learning Any Subject Biblically ··························································································6
By Ronald Kirk
Great are the Works of the Lord — Part 2 of 2 ························································································ 9
By James Nickel
A Christian Philosophy of History: Theocentric Principles ·······································································12
By Roger Schultz
The Law, the Gospel, and Social Justice ································································································ 14
By John B. King, Jr.
FOCus on Dominion — Interview With Rev. Norman Milbank ································································ 16
By Ford and Andrea Schwartz
Thriving in Babylon Quit Whining and Start Enjoying ············································································· 18
By Craig R. Dumont, Sr.
Family Wealth — Part 2 ·······················································································································21
By Timothy D. Terrell
Christianity and The Culture of Death ··································································································· 24
By John E. Stoos
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Chalcedon Staff:
Rev. R. J. Rushdoony (1916-2001) was the founder of Chalcedon Rev. Mark R. Rushdoony is president of Chalcedon and Ross
and a leading theologian, church/state expert, and author of nu- House Books. He is also editor in chief of the Chalcedon Report
merous works on the application of Biblical Law to society. and Chalcedon’s other publications.
Susan Burns is Chalcedon’s executive assistant and managing edi- Ronald Kirk is engaged in research and development promoting
tor of the Chalcedon Report and Chalcedon’s other publications. Chalcedon’s work to Christian schools and home educators.
Rebecca Rouse is Chalcedon's Circulation and Data Manager.

Contact her at (209) 736-4365 ext. 10 or [email protected]
Founder’s Foreword
Faith and the

Family
By R. J. Rushdoony
(Presented at the California Home Schooler Association meeting in Anaheim, CA in 1997)
I n antiquity, the family often had a major

religious function, although of a false
variety. Ancestor worship was common in many
marriage is a religious covenant. Both the physical
and religious union are celebrated as godly facts.
In the New Testament, the metaphor of marriage
cultures and still survives in this century. The is applied to Christ and His church. While both
Biblical emphasis was covenantal: the family sexuality and worship can be defiled, as created
under God and His law by His sovereign grace. and intended by God, their purposes are glorious.
In the Old Testament, we see that fathers had a Thus the family comes into its own in every
priestly role, the duty to guide the family in sphere as it serves God and lives by faith. Faith is
worship, and in the sacrament of communion, the our right relationship to God, and it is His gift to
Passover. A son would ask, “What is the meaning us. Faith is not simply believing, because the very
of this that we do?” And the father as priest would devils in hell believe and tremble (Jas. 2:19). Faith
then explain the meaning of the Passover and of is, according to Ephesians 2:8, “the gift of God.”
God’s salvation (Ex. 13:14 ff.). This, the central It is not our act of believing, “lest any man should
act of worship, was very strictly tied to the family. boast,” (Eph. 2:9), but a supernatural grace.
In the early church, while the Christian Passover Thus, although the Christian family is a bio-
was celebrated by the church, a chorus of boys logical unit, it is, because it is redeemed by God’s
would still ask the question, “What is the meaning grace, more than a natural fact. It is a fact of
of what we do?” In both the Hebrew family and grace.
the early church, the boys who asked the question
were very young, perhaps about six years of age. Socialization
But from their early years, they were expected to Man’s life is both personal and social, and, very
understand the meaning of salvation. In Scotland, clearly, life is most personal and social in the
after the Reformation, a central duty of church family. We are never more fully and obviously
elders after a time came to be the visitation of all personal in all our being than in the family, and
families in the congregation to question the nowhere else is our sense of community, our
children on their memorization and understand- socialization, greater. State school critics of home
ing of the Westminster Catechism. The family was schooling insist that the home schooled miss out
the teacher, and the church verified the character on socialization. This is an especially absurd claim
of the teaching. The duty of the family was to because socialization in any healthy sense is best
teach the children the Faith. It was also the duty of learned in the family. Moreover, when the family
the family to educate the children. Even as late as is the faith center, the personal and the social
the establishment of the United States, a high aspects of life are learned under grace.
percentage of the Founding Fathers were home One of the curses of school life in the years
schooled. Thus basic education in both the Bible since the secular revolution has been the rise of
and literacy and general learning were the routine gangs. Earlier in the century, if two boys disagreed
duty of the family. and fought, other boys formed a circle around
In Genesis 2:24 we are told that Adam and Eve them and broke up the fight if one of the two
were made “one flesh” by their union. This is fought unfairly. Now a disagreement can lead to a
plainly stated as a glorious religious fact. At the gang assault on one boy.
same time, from Abraham through Paul, we see Gang activity is socialization, non-Christian
that there must be a common faith: we are not to socialization, and the major form of such activity
be unequally yoked to an unbeliever because in many areas. There is nothing good as such in
2 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

socialization: it can be either good or bad, and in simply grew up biologically without too much
a non-Christian context, is normally bad. Its most direction, more and more Christian families are
common expressions in many non-Christian providing a strong focus and objective. Their
circles are gang activities and lawless sexuality. children are remarkable in their faith and goals.
Non-Christian socialization leads to immorality We are in the early stages of one of history’s
and the depersonalization of life. We need to most dramatic struggles and shifts. At one time,
make clear to these humanistic champions of the church dominated civilization, but during
socializing the child that their method is precisely most of history the state has been the command-
the problem we want to avoid. ing force. Now we see a growing cynicism directed
At present, many churches are in crisis because at the state. Earlier, revolutions were viewed as the
too many members’ children are in state schools corrective, but they usually produced a more evil
and their characters have been shaped by Christ’s state. Now we are seeing a double movement. On
enemies. Humanistic education denies that there is the one hand, humanism seeks a world state, a
truth; it denies God. As one writer has stated it, new Tower of Babel. On the other hand, the
citing Naum Gabo, “There is no such thing as family in Christ is decentralizing society by
absolute truth or falsity…. Anything and every- beginning with the education of its own children.
thing can be both.” 1 What is also being said is that The statists see the full extent of this threat and
there is no absolute meaning, if any meaning at all. are attempting to destroy this movement. In this
battle, the family is both gaining ground and is
Grow or Die increasingly winning. God warned Zechariah
Neither time nor man stand still. Our faith against all who despise the day of small things
either grows or dies. We should not be surprised (Zech. 4:10). To do so is to despise God’s work
when artist Jean Dubuffet said, “I believe very among us.
much in the values of savagery; I mean, instinct, __________
passion, mood, violence, madness.”2 We see all 1
James Johnson Sweeney, “Modern Art and Tradi-
around us a polarization taking place, and, as tion,” in Katherine S. Dreier, James Johnson Sweeny,
unbelief deepens, so too does faith. Erich Kahler Naum Gabo: Three Lectures on Modern Art (Port
spoke some years ago of “the outspoken attempt Washington, NY: Kennkat Press, 1949), 47.
to produce incoherence,…a veritable cult of inco- 2
Katherine Kuh, Break-Up, the Core of Modern Art
herence of sheer senselessness and aimlessness.”3 (Greenwich, CT: New York Graphic Society, 1966),
As against this, Christian faith is becoming 32.
more consistently Biblical, more coherent, and 3
Erich Kahler, The Disintegration of Form (New York,
more directed. Whereas a generation ago, children NY: George Braziller, Inc., 1968), 96.
November 2002 – Thriving in Babylon 3

From the President’s Desk
Prepared for Death,

Ready for Life
By Mark R. Rushdoony
I f our faith is real, it

dictates our under-
standing of more than our
According to my earnest expectation and my
hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but
the Faith in a manner more
encouraging to the believers.
Paul, however, though confi-
that with all boldness, as always, so now also
eternal destiny. Our faith Christ shall be magnified in my body, dent that his imprisonment
must be the context in which whether it be by life, or by death. had been helpful to his
we live, of our thinking, ministry, did not know what
attitudes, and actions. It must For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. his own fate would be. He was
give us a perspective on both But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my determined to magnify Christ
life and death. labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. “whether it be by life, or by
There is, in fact, a serious death.” He then stated those
deficiency in the Christian For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a amazing words that all Chris-
who has trouble dealing with desire to depart, and to be with Christ; tians of all eras must
death. I speak here in terms of which is far better: understand and confess: “For
death as a state, not as an to me to live is Christ, and to
event. As an event, death is Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is die is gain.” Not even the
the most heart-rending more needful of you. apostle relished dying, but he
experience we face. The loss did see life as service and
of a loved one is indeed a Philippians 1:20-24 eternal presence with God
traumatic event. We must beyond the passage death
find no fault with grief. But a failure to put death represents.
and its inevitability into the context of our faith
reveals an immaturity of faith, because life and The Appeal of Paradise
death, mortality and immortality, time and eternity In a very tender confession to good, supportive
are at the heart of our faith. A mature faith comes to friends in Philippi, Paul said he was not sure which
terms with both the physical pain of death and the was most desirable, life or heaven. Paul, a prisoner
sadness of loss by its understanding of God’s greater who had suffered beatings, shipwreck, and false
grace and promise of resurrection and life. accusations desired to live and serve, yet he confessed
When Paul wrote to the Philippian church, he a real desire “to depart, and to be with Christ: which
had languished in prison for, perhaps, five years. The is far better.” The persecuted, weary Paul sees the
Philippian church had sent Paul help on several appeal of paradise.
occasions. Now, they had again sent him help, It is wrong to see life here and now as ultimate. If
delivered by Epaphroditus. This messenger had, no we see our earthly life as ultimate, we tend to make
doubt, told Paul of his church’s concern that their ourselves ultimate, and we fool ourselves into think-
co-founder, their apostle, languished in prison when ing we are indispensable. Our goals become primary
they so desperately desired him to have an active and our circumstances dictate our understanding.
ministry. Paul thus addressed the issue of his impris- We are then upset when death inevitably intrudes on
onment and the physical limitations it represented. life. When our life is ultimate, then aging and loss of
Paul assured them that the gospel was being what was once familiar sours us. Many literary
preached because of his case, and was, in fact, “mani- references to time inveigh against it as an enemy. Yet
fest” or famous in the imperial palace. Scripture speaks of youth, of life itself, as fleeting.
Paul’s friends in Philippi, no doubt, would have liked When we see life as ultimate, we are sure to become
to see the apostle traveling, preaching, and promoting embittered. Men without hope of eternity must

eternalize time. They have no alternative. If we do decision to make. The time of Paul’s death was God’s
not see, like Paul, the issue as serving Christ versus decision to make for Paul.
seeing Christ, our alternatives are life versus death. The apostle could thus come down on the side of
Those without hope in death must cling to life. This life and service, even though he was in prison. He
must not be the Christian’s perspective. thus turned his attention from himself, his impris-
Though eternalizing time is wrong, Christians can onment, and his understanding of it to the church
go to the other extreme of emphasizing eternity to the at Philippi. “Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is
point of neglecting their duties here and now. This life more needful for you,” he said. “And having this
is not a holding pattern and God’s demands do not confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue
wait until eternity. Many people avoid faithfulness, with you for all your furtherance and joy of faith”
responsibility, and duty by thinking “We’ll sort it all (v.25). Paul, not controlling the time of his death,
out in heaven.” That is a very presumptuous attitude. plans his life’s calling, his work, his service to Christ
When God speaks, we are not given the option of even from prison.
waiting until heaven to confirm our obligation. That Believers must love life not because it is ultimate,
is to presume that God owes us the reward of heaven, but because life is God’s creation and our life in
but that we can wait until we get there to find out Jesus Christ is His grace displayed in us. We there-
what He wanted us to do here on earth. fore work willingly and joyfully because we serve
Paul did not eternalize his earthly life, nor did he God by our calling. We must see time itself as a
ignore his responsibilities in it by deferring faithful- blessing, a creation of God, which at once con-
ness until eternity. Paul did not say, “The church strains us and yet, in its every measured tick,
needs me. I have work to do; I’m not ready to die.” delineates our labors in His service. We can desire
Neither did Paul say, “I’m tired. I’m done, I want to heaven, and we would be sorry Christians if we did
go to my reward.” Paul struck an honest balance, as not, but we must see our duty, our responsibility,
must we all. Paul said he did not know if he would and the source of Christ’s blessings as in the here
live or die or which he desired most. Paul admitted and now. We do not reward quitters in life and we
that dying and being with Christ had its real allure. should not expect God to do so in eternity.
It was, he said, a “far better” thing. There are some things for which God gives us
assurances — forgiveness of sins, access to God in
Choosing Life prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the
Paul, however, came down on the side of life. The resurrection of the dead are examples. Some
reason is quite simple: choosing life was an option things, however, we must take in faith, and leave
for Paul, choosing death was not. Paul could confide in the hands of God. Paul did this with his future,
that presence with Christ had a very real appeal, but and so has no alternative but to speak of work,
his duty was to choose to live for Him, to serve Him, life, and ministry. We can see presence with a
to suffer, and endure for Him. Faithful service was loving and merciful Savior as our sure reward, and
Paul’s decision to make. Serving God was Paul’s as a source of confidence, but we must never use it
as a rationale to neglect our earthly calling. We all
desire heaven, but for now our duty is to “get back
to work!”
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Education for the Kingdom of God
Toward Learning
Any Subject Biblically
By Ronald Kirk
Binding Theory and Practice the next. God created man in His image. However,
I f God’s Word accurately reflects reality, then while man thus possesses certain potential and
for the Christian there ought to exist little gap responsibility, sin corrupts the faculties needed to
between theory and practice. The Reformation receive God’s bounty toward him. The Lord com-
launched a movement toward directly applying the mands dominion over the earth. Yet from birth, sin
Faith of Jesus Christ to every area of life. Such a so confounds man’s faculties that men from infancy
universal view of Christianity found a high expres- acquire the necessary rational skills only with consid-
sion in the American Pilgrims. In his memorial, erable effort. God provided this educational
Daniel Webster declared that they sought to “diffuse imperative. The Christ-centered man desires to
its influence through all their institutions, civil, know God’s view of life, accepting His revealed will
political, or literary.”1 Many of America’s great by faith. We thus accept the difficulty of learning
institutions can trace their lineage to the Pilgrims’ and make every effort to learn of God on His terms
applied faith. Today, Christians in our country and put that learning into practice. God rewards
universally bear a responsibility to build upon this such acceptance of His ways, just as He rewards the
legacy. Without such an integral view of faith and farmer who plants his crop by faith. The end of
life, only a tiny portion of the power of the gospel is scholarship is application such that Christ is glori-
available to our evangelism — the mere vocal part. fied. The end of all education is to love God and love
Furthermore, to deny through our practice God’s one’s neighbor in particular ways.
power over all aspects of our lives in practice is to Note that we do not seek perfection of knowledge
hold Him in contempt. God saved us to an abun- or ability in this life. We will always remain finite
dant life! Eternity for us begins now. The dominion and, in this life, sin-compromised to some degree.
mandate remains. God rewards faithful responsibility Apart from enduring trials with faith, we would tend
with blessings and more responsibility (Mt. 25). One to trade our dependence upon Christ for pride and,
knows a tree by its fruit. Theory and practice ought thus, break fellowship, leading to our own destruc-
to be inseparable. tion. In a word, we need trials and faith. We ought
After two hundred years of increasingly pietistic then routinely to repent and accept God’s way in all
Christianity, the evangelical church largely denies the things. He will bring the fruit of accomplishment
importance of “ordinary life” except as a holding cell and blessing according to His good pleasure. Educa-
while we await heaven. Meanwhile, Christians increas- tion and growth in Christ is the norm. Hence,
ingly labor under the influence of godless, mainstream, applied Biblical scholarship ought to be universal.
statist education, culture and civil government. We
have all but lost the vision and ability for applied Objects of Biblical Scholarship
Biblical learning. To bring every thought captive to the One may expect important general results from an
obedience of Christ, Christians must regain the schol- applied Biblical scholarship. The ordinarily gentle
arly tools to learn and practice the art of life on God’s trials of learning prove character and faith, and
terms. My experience avows that virtually any serious strengthen the skills needed for serving the Lord.
Christian can master applied Biblical scholarship with a Wisdom emerges from faithful effort to view life as
modest investment. God requires it. Accomplishment with an integrated
gospel view of life in a given discipline creates
A Brief Apologetic opportunities to influence others. A systematic
Such scholarship begins with the understanding approach to Biblical scholarship in all areas of
that Christ is indeed Lord of all life — this one and endeavor will tend toward a general repentance,

bringing increasing glory to God before men as its ones. Then we can continue to define the subject’s
fruit in the scholar grows. defining terms until an articulate composite defini-
The ability to represent God in the earth with tion in one’s own words results.
respect to any human discipline or endeavor is a A simple example: Webster defines music, in part,
powerful tool for the gospel. Any subject may become as “Melody or harmony; any succession of sounds so
an effective instrument of godly civilization. Better modulated as to please the ear.” Music ought to be
apprehension of God’s reality will enable higher pleasing. Webster immediately defines two major
craftsmanship and accomplishment in all endeavors. elements of music, melody — pleasing sounds
Valuable and useful products will result. Mastery individually over time — and harmony — pleasing
should lead toward making an historic personal sounds taken together. Variation or modulation also
contribution. Christians should once more realize the appears as a principle of music, suggesting much of
potential for great individual contribution. music’s interest to us.
More particularly, learning God’s mind in a Next, we seek the subject in the Scriptures, using
particular discipline leads to better decision-making its vocabulary. We note its origin and purpose, and
ability. Applied Biblical scholarship should enable the character God requires for handling it. We seek
discernment of appropriate frontiers and limits — to know how God’s law governs the subject. Prin-
the liberty and law of the subject — leading to ciples that rightfully govern the subject, such as that
appropriate expressions. A Biblical scholarship making music ought to glorify God, should appear.
utilizes God’s fundamental relational principle. This This step often requires a kind of detective ability,
principle utilizes the fact that God, reflecting His and working cleverly with synonyms, as the
Trinitarian nature, unites all individuals into greater Scripture’s vocabulary in English may not easily
wholes, without diminishing the meaning of the coincide with any given subject. Faith and persever-
parts. Thus, we organize the subject to support ever ance rule the day. For technical subjects, one seeks
further mastery and practice. A Biblical method of philosophical understanding and not necessarily
scholarship will provide a ground of wisdom for technical data, though the Bible often contains very
choosing appropriate teachers and appropriate specific information. A young student once amazed
learning instruments. As Jesus declares, the student me with his finding a perfect description of a vol-
will become like his teacher. This fact of discipleship cano, though the word volcano is itself nowhere
holds great historic ramifications either for evil or for found in the Bible. Revisiting music as our sample
good. These perhaps homely-sounding ends actually subject, we note the Biblical injunction to make a
represent powerful means for taking Christian new song, to praise God with instruments and with
dominion. skill, but at least with a joyful noise. Such proposi-
tions guide our investigation and will tend to beg
The Method important questions. Is worship music alone allowed
Here is a primer of sorts for applied Biblical to the believer? Does Scripture forbid music for
scholarship. First, identify the philosophic nature of personal enjoyment? We seek systematic and bal-
the subject and describe it in propositions or theses. anced answers to such questions. Scholarship in
Historic definitions provide an initial vocabulary for systematic theology provides tremendous support for
Biblical inquiry. Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary efforts to identify particular disciplines Biblically.
of the English Language2 provides an excellent instru- Third, we identify the subject historically to find
ment for this purpose. I use Webster because of his our place in the lineage of godly thinking, seeking
Reformed view of the world. He defines words God’s providence upon it. History is the record of
philosophically from a Biblical and theological God’s providence. We should note where pagan
perspective to enable understanding of the nature of thinking failed to produce godly results, and where
the subject and its application. For example, of Providence gave some degree of success to pagan or
philosophy Webster says in part, “The objects of clouded Christian efforts. Such observation high-
philosophy are to ascertain facts or truth, and the lights God’s sovereignty and may provide hints as to
causes of things or their phenomena; to enlarge our the need for particular repentance. We seek those
views of God and his works, and to render our expressions found in the hands of faithful Biblical
knowledge of both practically useful and subservient thinkers to ascertain the best legacy as a starting
to human happiness. True religion and true philoso- place for new contributions. And we should be aware
phy must ultimately arrive at the same principle.” In of those countries most influenced by the gospel,
Webster, one may find a rudimentary philosophical those that knew the greatest blessing and liberty. It
vocabulary of virtually any subject, even technical also helps to know and understand the Biblical and

historic language of institutional Christian liberty. over, discovery through the Scriptures and history
Civil liberty, a gift of God, reflects godly thinking can revolutionize a subject for the student. I suggest
among a people. Such qualities as personal restraint choosing a limited topic and one that may ordinarily
and magnanimity help to identify the best expres- be considered “secular,” as an appropriate initial
sions of Christian faith as exemplified in the ability exercise. This will help to drive home the truth that
to love one’s neighbor. We may also expect to ob- God is Lord over the most ordinary of concerns.
serve a lowering of expressions as a society Understanding Van Til’s learning spiral may be
increasingly secularizes, as for example, with the encouraging. One returns cyclically to the topics that
poor literacy which results from behavioral psychol- naturally compose a subject. Each new visit gains a
ogy-based methods education. greater understanding of any subject topic in terms
For example, the investigations that some Chris- of the rest. Innovative concepts may arise from such
tians are now undertaking in physics hold some research. Christians bear responsibility to test and
promise of a return to physical models of matter and prove such novelty as true to the Scriptures. A
energy, possibly relieving us of the apparent mysti- Berean faith (one that searches the Scriptures) and
cism and mere mathematical constructs of charity, not skepticism, should rule.
contemporary quantum and relativistic physics.3 Understanding one’s goal — namely the true
With respect to music, it is interesting to observe nature of and God’s purpose for a subject — leads to
how music grows from a folk art or worship expres- a curriculum for learning and implementing it.
sion to a high art as it is more exquisitely wrought. Determine how the subject breaks into its natural
Higher expressions typically build upon more departments for scientific understanding. Organize
homely ones. J.S. Bach worked the historic material, the subject for skill acquisition — its art — from its
self-consciously for God’s glory, to a high degree of rudimentary to its more advanced skills. This is
development of both melody and harmony. Unfor- particularly important for subjects such as music,
tunately, what often begins as a Christian expression, mathematics, or grammar that require skill upon
men appropriate for the glory of man. Much of the skill in a definite order.
music of the Classical, Romantic, and twentieth- Ultimately, the goal of applied Biblical scholarship
century eras reflects this predisposition. In an age of is the mastery of a discipline such that its practitio-
superb technical attainment, Christians now possess ner is capable of contributing to it in history, leaving
a tremendous opportunity to assume creative leader- some legacy for future Christians to build upon.
ship if we will once more master the craft of musical Imagine society’s best musical composers, authors,
composition beyond contemporary fashion. statesmen, scientists, and teachers being Christians!
Finally, we should collate the vocabulary and
Scriptural and historical research to compose a Conclusion
distinctly Christian model of the subject in terms of To accomplished scholars, all of this may appear
propositional truth. Working accurately with the a little quaint and elementary. In practice, I have
internal qualities of any thing will yield appropriate found that appearances are deceiving. How many
expressions. A rock will act like a rock and water will of us actually possess the tools to apply theology
act like water due to their constituting qualities. directly to specific subjects, particularly those
Soup made from rocks makes poor fare. Water usually classified as “secular”? How many have
makes a poor fire fuel. Evil assumptions will yield mastered a given discipline for application in
corrupt results. Righteous understanding should lead purely Biblical terms? However, elementary
to righteous expressions. Reasoning ability is central proficiency in applied scholarship can lead to
here. Paul the Apostle reasoned daily from the amazingly sound results even among people of
Scriptures. So ought we to learn to do in everything little previous accomplishment. Such scholarship
that concerns life and living. provides a God’s-eye-view (by faith) of the sub-
Of course, initial efforts may be very rudimentary ject. I believe God honors in every way the effort
and may not offer much improvement over existing to see our work from His point of view. Psalm 91
expressions. However, it is wise to remember that petitions God to reveal His works and to bless the
scholarship is learning, and that accomplished work of our hands. Many people are using such a
scholars are merely experienced learners. Even mere homely, self-conscious discipline to accomplish
academic exercise can be useful toward subsequent some very interesting work. Some may not pan
efforts. Nonetheless, I have watched early application out; others may lead to startling new frontiers. In
to favored subjects light zealous fires for such
humble subjects as grammar and accounting! More- — Continued on page 11 —

Great are the Works
of the Lord
Part 2 of 2
By James Nickel
L ast month, I investigated the nature of the
practice of Biblical Christian meditation as it
relates to God’s law revealed in His Word and in His
hand of God upon every act and moment.3 The
Word of God is the key to knowledge. According to
Luke 11:52, Christ accused the lawyers of His day
Works (cf. Ps. 19). In this issue, I want to focus on with taking away the key of knowledge. In our day,
the Biblical Christian attitude toward the Works of lawyers are the brunt of many jokes and are accused
God: what they are, why we should delightfully of taking away (or pocketing) dollars. Perhaps today’s
explore them, and how we are obediently to declare target of Christ’s woe should be the educators of
(or apply) the results of our deliberations. secularism (kindergarten through university) for they
certainly have dislodged the Word of God as the
What Are the Works of God That source of all knowledge for the students under their
We Should Delight Therein? tutelage (cf. Mt. 18:6-7).
• Following the standards of the Westminster Why Should We Delight in

Confession of Faith (Chapter IV and Chapter God’s Works?
V), the Works of God are two-fold:Creation; God’s Word tells us why we should delight in the
i.e., every atom of the physical creation includ- study of God’s Works. We delight in them because...
ing its structure and laws. Operational science1 The Works of God are good (Gen. 1:31). They
and mathematics are perfectly suited tools that reflect His kindness, good will, and generosity. They are
we can use to explore this realm. also good in that they reflect a marvelous and intricate
interconnectedness. The universe (comprising the
• Providence; i.e., God’s control of history, man, heavens and the earth) can only be understood properly
and his environment. This includes the disci- in the Biblical context. The universe is good in its
plines of history (Hab. 1:5) and geography. The reflection of the nature of its Creator, the Triune God
focus of these disciplines should be on God’s (the eternal unity in diversity). The temporal universe
redemptive plan and the eschatological goal of reflects its Creator because it unfolds the
salvation. Christian geographer Arnold Guyot interconnectedness (the unity) of all created things (the
(1807-1884) said, “The entire globe is a grand particulars). It is in this context that we are to under-
organism, every feature of which is the out- stand that the Works of God are perfect (Dt. 32:4).
growth of a definite plan of the all-wise Creator They have no defect; they are whole, sound, upright,
for the education of the human family, and the and honest. The Works of God are marvelous and
manifestation of His own glory.”2 Specifically wondrous (Rev. 15:3; Ps. 26:7; Ps. 75:1; Ps. 139:14).
and personally, a study of God’s Works should They are marvelous in that they awaken in us wonder
include God’s electing grace in the salvation of and surprise. They are wondrous in that they are
sinners and His acts of kindness in our lives (Ps. distinguished and extraordinary. Being full of grandeur
139:14; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 1:6; Isa. 64:8; Rom. and magnificence, they reflect God’s beauty, order, and
8:28-39). mighty power. They transcend human art as infinite
power and wisdom exceeds the finite. Consider the star
Man’s relationship to the truth about God’s Works Betelgeuse (pronounced BET’l-jews) in the constella-
will ultimately be determined by his obedient or tion Orion. This star is the single largest created thing
disobedient response to God’s Word. The writings of that our eyes can see. Picture it as a globe big enough to
the early European scientists were impregnated with enclose a 20-story building, and in comparison, the
Biblical texts; they were conscious of the imminent Earth as nothing but the “period” at the end of this

sentence. Imagine this star to be an empty star and that If God has made this world so fair where sin and
we can unscrew its lid and pour in balls the size of the death abound how beautiful, beyond compare,
Earth at the rate of one hundred per second. It would will paradise be found! 5
take 30,000 years to fill the jar. Through the lens of the
Hubble Space Telescope, Betelgeuse appears as a disk, Declaring God’s Works
not a point of light like the other stars. God’s Word not only commands us to delight in
The Works of God are terrible (Ps. 66:3). The His Works; God’s Word commands us to declare His
Hebrew word translated in the King James Version Works (Ps. 64:9). Note that if we do not first delight
means “stupendous, admirable, wonderful, illustri- in God’s Works we will have nothing to declare! We
ous.” Nothing can compare to the Works of God (Ps. declare God’s Works by:
86:8). The Works of God reflect God’s loving-
kindness or covenant love (Ps. 136:4-9). The Works • Taking hold of our vocational callings to the
of God reflect God’s faithfulness and truth (Ps. glory of God. The phrase, glory of God, is
111:7). They are firm, sure, reliable, stable, and perhaps too overused in Christian circles. We
trustworthy. His Works are done in truth (Ps. 33:4). dare not misunderstand its meaning or use
The Works of God reflect God’s wisdom, a wisdom this phrase flippantly (like some do when they
that is hidden in Christ (Ps. 104:24; Pr. 8; Col. 2:3). tack in Jesus Name to the end of their prayers
The Works of God are honorable and glorious (Ps. which to them is equivalent to rubbing the
111:3). They are splendid, majestic, magnificent, proverbial rabbit’s foot). The best definition
significant, stately, elevated, and lofty. The Works of that I found for glory of God is “the inescap-
God are just (Ps. 111:7). They are regular, orderly, able weight of the sheer Godness of God.”6 It
proper, full, and complete. The Works of God are is only as we situate our vocational callings
pleasant (Gen. 2:9). The beauty of His Works gives under this weight that we will faithfully fulfill
pleasure to the senses. The Works of God are great the dominion mandate (Gen. 1:26-28). In our
(Ps. 111:2; Ps. 8:3). They are great in quantity (Ps. vocations we must learn to understand, to
104:24; Ps. 40:5). According to the Psalmist David, excel in, and to appropriate God’s Works
“God tells the number of the stars and calls them all properly in order to reflect the glory of the
by name” (Ps. 147:4-5; cf. Isa. 40:16). Astronomers Creator.7 A farmer plows the soil of God’s
estimate that the number of stars in the visible earth for His glory. A carpenter constructs
universe is approximately 1026 (1 followed by with wood to reflect God’s glory. A physician
twenty-six zeroes).4 Counting one every second, it maintains the body for God’s glory. A musi-
would take you 3,000 trillion centuries to count to cian creates melodies, thereby using sounds for
this number. The Works of God are also great in God’s glory. An executive or manager leads
quality (significance). Man, created in God’s image people for God’s glory. An educator or parent
(male and female) is the crown of His Works. Man’s instructs youth for God’s glory. A scientist
body is fearfully and wonderfully made and man’s analyzes, innovates, and utilizes the elements
life is the object of providential care to the degree of the created order for God’s glory. A writer
that even the hairs on our head are numbered (Ps. composes words for God’s glory. A theologian
139:16-18; Mt. 10:30). interprets and applies God’s Word for God’s
glory. In this computer age, we use sand and
The God of nature and of grace, in all His works electric current to help us use knowledge
appears, His goodness through the earth we trace, efficiently for God’s glory. For those called of
His grandeur in the spheres. God in the computer arena, a properly coded
computer problem is as much a “work of art”
Behold this fair and fertile globe by Him in as a painting by Rembrandt. I have written
wisdom planned, ‘twas He who girded, like a robe programming code for computers for three
the ocean round the land. decades. After completing a piece of efficient
In every stream His bounty flows, diffusing joy and structured code or delivering a system of
and wealth. In every breeze His Spirit blows, the programs that interact seamlessly with every
breath of life and health. given interface, I can also understand what
Eric Liddell felt when he ran “head back and
His blessings fall in plenteous showers upon the lap arms flailing” for God’s glory. I can testify,
of earth that teams with foliage, fruit and flowers using his words, “When I code, I feel His
and rings with infant mirth. pleasure.”

• Discipling the nations and thereby fulfilling the only three prominent American naturalists who rejected
redemption mandate (Mt. 28:18-20). In this Darwin’s thesis. The other two were Louis Agassiz
context, we are to apprentice the nations (1807-1873) of Harvard University and John Dawson
generationally; that is, to pass to the next of McGill University.
3
generation what God has faithfully discharged Their view of the world, especially in terms of physics (a
to us (cf. 2 Tim. 2:1-2). branch of science that primarily deals with the study of
the laws of motion) was not a crass mechanistic view. It
We will not conceal them from their children, but was mechanistic secondarily, not primarily. It was mecha-
tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, nistic in terms of the principle of causality (the
and His strength and His wondrous works that He connection between cause and effect) and the principle
has done. For He established a testimony ...which of quantification (the interconnectedness of the patterns
of the created order that can be intelligibly explained
He commanded our fathers, that they should teach
using numbers and functional relationships). But they
them to their children ...that they should put their did not equate the mechanistic view with impersonalism
confidence in God, and not forget the works of (contra modern scientific naturalism). To them, God’s
God... (Ps. 78:3-8, emphasis added) decrees and ordinances reflected His personal faithful-
ness in sustaining the workings of His creation. It is
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain
because of God’s faithfulness in sustaining creation that the
a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? pursuit of science is removed from realm of futile sophistry.
And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy 4
God’s naming of each star signifies that each star has a
us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and unique and distinct purpose in God’s plan. God does
be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the not count the stars just to count them; He counts each
days in which You have afflicted us, the years in star in order to appoint to each His decreed purpose.
which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to 5
Cited in Richard Newton, Nature’s Mighty Wonders
Your servants, and Your glory to their children. (London: S. W. Partridge & Co., 1871), 17. Newton
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon cites the author of this poem as Montgomery (possibly
us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, the hymn writer James Montgomery (1771-1854)).
6
establish the work of our hands (Ps. 90:12-17) Robert L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the
__________ Christian Faith (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998), 397.
7
With decades of combined professional experience as A man who takes hold of his vocational calling in this manner
a mathematician, systems analyst, and educator, James will eventually be honored by God and he shall stand before
Nickel also holds B.A. (Mathematics), B.Th. (Theology kings, not obscure men (1 Sam. 2:30; Pr. 22:29).
and Missions), and M.A. (Education) degrees and is the — Continued from page 8 —
author of Mathematics: Is God Silent? (available
from Ross House Books). He can be reached at any case, God will certainly glorify Himself as
[email protected]. we take applied Christian scholarship to heart.4
__________
__________
Please write Ron to let him know how this column
1
Operational science concerns itself with the practical has helped you or to make requests. Our goal is to
applications (primarily useful technology) of God’s enable real people to learn and live the Christian life.
law-word revealed in the structured order of the E-mail him at [email protected] or c/o
cosmos. Operational science is contra the “vain imagi- Chalcedon. __________
nations” of scientific cosmologists who squander their 1
God-given intellectual capital and creative aptitude Verna M. Hall, Christian History of the Constitution
(San Francisco: Foundation for American Christian
through the development of futile cosmogonic theories Education, 1975), 248.
such as inflationary universes, multiple universes, and 2
Available either as a facsimile reproduction from
universes created in a laboratory. Other examples of Foundation for American Christian Education, http://
nugatory scientific investigations include the search for www.face.net, or P.O. Box 9588, Chesapeake, VA
extraterrestrial intelligence (as depicted in the movie 23321-9588, or on CD-ROM from Christian Tech-
Contact, directed by Robert Zemeckis) and the cre- nologies, http://www.christiansoup.com/, or P.O. Box
ation of artificial intelligence (i.e., robotic machines 2201, Independence, MO 64055
3
that think like humans as portrayed in Steven See David Bergman, et al, at Common Sense Science,
Spielberg’s movie A.I.). http://www.commonsensescience.org.
4
2
Arnold Guyot, Physical Geography (New York and For more in depth treatments of the subject see The
Chicago: Ivison, Blakeman and Company, 1885), 121. Philosophy of the Christian Curriculum, and Foundations of
By 1870, only eleven years after the publication of Christian Scholarship by R.J. Rushdoony, both available at
the Chalcedon Website, http://www.chalcedon.edu or
Charles Darwin’s (1809-1882) On the Origin of Species,
P.O. Box 158, Vallecito, CA 95251.
Guyot, a professor at Princeton University, was one of

A Christian Philosophy
of History:
Theocentric Principles
By Roger Schultz
C Gregg Singer once described a discussion
group of historians at the annual meeting of
the American Historical Association. The conversa-
because he is now in harmony with that meaningful
destiny (Rom. 8:28).”3
The lesson of God’s comprehensive sovereignty is
tion concerned the meaning of history, and, to a clearly set forth in Scripture. Daniel blessed God,
man, the historians argued that history lacked any affirming, “And it is He who changes the times and
discernible purpose. If that is the case, Singer asked, the epochs” and “He removes kings and establishes
“Then why teach history?” There was no answer. kings” (Dan. 2:21). King Nebuchadnezzar learned
The problem, Singer concluded, is that historians that lesson as well, stating, “That the most High is
teach and write with “no conviction that the history ruler over the realm of mankind” and “He does
they present is worth teaching or learning.”1 according to His will in the host of heaven and among
For Christians who are committed to the Word of the inhabitants of the earth” (Dan. 4:17, 35). The
God and the doctrine of God’s providence, history is Servant sections of Isaiah particularly testify to God’s
filled with meaning. This essay is the first in a series sovereign governance of human history. The Lord is
on a Christian philosophy of history and the impli- the one “declaring the end from the beginning and
cations of allowing the Bible to govern our approach from ancient times things which have not been done,
to the past. History is valuable and meaningful, but saying, My purpose will be established, and I will
only when understood from the perspective of the accomplish all My good pleasure” (Isa. 46:10).
One who has ordained history. What follows, then, Third, a Christian philosophy of history stresses
are the parameters of a theocentric or God-centered God’s particular providence in dealing with indi-
philosophy of history. viduals. God’s dealings are not restricted to the “big
First, a Christian philosophy of history emphasizes picture” of nations and kingdoms. In Psalm 139, for
God’s creation. God is the Lord of history and He example, after speaking of God’s omniscience and
began it and directs it for His purposes. Non-theistic omnipresence, David describes God’s gracious
approaches assume that history is driven by naturalistic, providence in fashioning him from his mother’s
humanistic, or irrational forces. The non-Christian womb: “Thine eyes have seen my unformed sub-
historian, to be consistent with his anti-religious stance; And in Thy book they were all written, the
presuppositions, must exclude God from the dynamics days that were ordained for me, when as yet there
of history. Christians, on the other hand, heartily was not one of them” (Ps.139:16). Thus, Christians
concur with the great London Baptist Confession of have great confidence that their individual lives have
1689, which states that “God hath decreed in himself, meaning. God has foreordained the days of our lives;
from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of He has even written those days into His book. In
his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, Psalm 56:8 David says, “put my tears in Thy bottle,
whatsoever comes to pass.”2 are they not in Thy book?” What great consolation
Second, a Christian philosophy of history empha- in time of trouble! Our trials are not meaningless.
sizes God’s comprehensive sovereignty. Our The sorrows and travails of the believer are foreor-
sovereign God, who “works all things after the dained by God and are written in His book, where
counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11), governs and directs they are stored and cherished by our Lord.
history. As R. J. Rushdoony notes in The Biblical Fourth, a Christian philosophy of history is
Philosophy of History, “The Christian accepts a world cautious in approaching particular events in the past.
which is totally meaningful and in which every event Where Scripture explains God’s purposes in history,
moves in terms of God’s predestined purpose, and, Christians may speak with authority and confidence.
when man accepts God as his Lord and Christ as his But where Scripture is silent, Christians must be
Savior, every event works together for good to him circumspect and humble. Finite humans do not

comprehend the fullness of God’s purposes, and under the sovereign governance of God, but we do
believers must not be hasty in identifying God’s not know the overarching purposes of God in the
particular purposes in history, or in their own lives. event. It may, or may not have been a temporal
Those reading the Book of Job, for example, are judgment on the United States, and we can make no
privy to the conversations of God and Satan in the claim to know such matters with certainty. The
first two chapters and learn to understand the cosmic attack, however, should have been an opportunity
significance of Job’s trials. Job and his friends, for individual and national soul-searching, for
however, didn’t have access to that information. The repentance, and for renewed commitment to Christ.
friends too quickly speculated about God’s purposes In conclusion, Christians have an obligation to read
and the meaning of Job’s sufferings. Job felt that he history from a theocentric and Christian perspective. It
was treated unfairly and demanded an explanation is the same approach to history that the Apostle Paul
from God. God never answered the particular used in dealing with the men of Athens in Acts 17. Paul
questions that Job raised, but He did emphasize His preached a sovereign and transcendent God, who made
power and perfect providence (Job 38-41). By the the world and sustains all things by His providence (v.
end of the book, a repentant Job can only confess, “I 24f). He emphasized creation, noting that God made
know that Thou canst do all things, and that no all men from “one,” or from “one blood” (v. 26a). He
purpose of Thine can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). emphasized God’s foreordination of both history and
Fifth, a Christian philosophy of history requires geography, noting that God “determined [the nations]
that the past be evaluated from a divine standard. appointed times and the boundaries of their habita-
One of the lessons of Job is that we must measure tions” (v. 26). Paul notes that God is moving history
the events of life from God’s standard, not from a toward a fixed conclusion, specifically the great day of
human standard or measuring stick.4 “When man judgment (v. 31). He also emphasizes the resurrection
makes himself and his reason god over creation,” of Christ, a critical element of the gospel proclamation
Rushdoony writes, “he thereupon destroys all mean- and one that the Athenians disliked. The dramatic
ing in creation and leaves himself a chained and point of the message, however, comes in verse 30,
gibbering baboon, sitting in terror on a wired electric where Paul proclaims that “God is now declaring to
chair in the midst of a vast universe of nothingness.”5 men that all everywhere should repent.”
In subsequent essays, we will consider how the Bible For Paul in Acts 17, then, history had vital mean-
can be used to measure and judge the past. ing. Though addressing a hostile audience, he gave a
theocentric and evangelistic reading of history.
Disasters History reminded them of the creation of God,
Sixth, a Christian philosophy of history is person- demonstrated His sovereign control of the nations,
ally challenging and should move us to repentance underscored the importance of the resurrected
and faith. Luke 13 provides an excellent example of Christ, warned listeners of the coming day of judg-
how Jesus interpreted current events, and of how we ment, and emphasized the need for human
might evaluate history. Christ’s followers raised repentance and commitment.
questions about two disasters, one natural (the Those who defy God and deny His presence in
collapse of a tower) and one human (a massacre by history are left with meaninglessness. They are like
Pilate), and asked about the purposes of God in such “gibbering baboons” in a “universe of nothingness.”
events. Jesus warned them not to draw hasty conclu- Christians, however, have great opportunities in
sions from the catastrophes. studying the past. History has meaning. It was
Jesus never explains why the disasters of Luke 13 ordained by God for His purposes and for His glory.
happened. It is simply not important for them, or for Through it God governs the nations, and in it He
us, to understand the meta-historical purpose of God sent His Son to be our Savior.
in those disasters. But Jesus does make a personal and __________
evangelistic application from the disasters: “unless you Dr. Schultz is Chairman of the History Department
repent, you will all likewise perish” (vv. 3, 5). Every at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He can
disaster and every particular providence from the hand be contacted at [email protected].
__________
of God is a reminder of our mortality and weakness 1
and is an occasion for introspection and repentance, C. Gregg Singer, “The Problem of Historical Interpreta-
and should ultimately bring us to greater faith in God. tion,” in Foundations of Christian Scholarship: Essays in
The collapsing tower of Luke 13 presents a good the Van Til Perspective, ed. Gary North (Vallecito,
California: Ross House, 1979), 53 and 63.
paradigm for understanding the attack on the Twin
Towers on 9/11. We believe that the disaster was — Continued on page 23 —

The Law, the Gospel,
and Social Justice
By John B. King, Jr.
W ithin a Biblical framework, the term “social
justice” refers to a situation in which the
equity of God’s law prevails, leveling society. As
bases property claims on ownership rather than
need. Since one cannot use his need to claim
another’s goods, it follows that the liberal view of
understood by liberals, however, “social justice” social justice violates the equity of God’s law. Of
becomes a mere buzzword with racist and Marxist course, some will argue that socialism is not stealing
overtones. “No justice; no peace,” they cry as they since the government has the power to tax. However,
fuel the flames of racial hatred and class envy to the legitimate taxing power of government pertains
solidify their grip on power. As seen by this emphasis to functions like civil justice and common defense,
on class antagonism, the liberal view of social justice from which everyone benefits and so must pay their
has definite economic implications. In particular, fair share (Rom. 13:1-7). Programs like socialized
“social justice” is thought to include “economic medicine and public education involve an attempt to
justice” and thus a so-called “equitable distribution appropriate another’s property for one’s own personal
of wealth.” In other words, the liberal view is thor- use, and any such attempt is covetous and larcenous,
oughly socialist and therefore unbiblical to the core. even if the government acts as the middleman.
Since God’s Word alone forms the necessary and Christians must oppose welfare, public education,
sufficient basis for a just society, the liberal program and related socialist schemes in principle, and not
produces a result that is neither social nor just. just because of their high cost and ineffectiveness.
That socialism is unbiblical follows from the fact In levying property taxes, the government claims
that the forced redistribution of wealth violates both ultimate ownership of the land within its domain. In
the law of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. With theory and in fact, home ownership is nullified by
respect to the law, socialism violates the Eighth state ownership, and the supposed homeowners in
Commandment by allowing a person to claim fact rent from the state. A failure to pay property
another’s property. With respect to the gospel, social- taxes results in a government lien against one’s
ism undercuts the concept of grace by holding that property that has priority over all private claims.
benevolence may be constrained by considerations of Continued failure to pay these liens eventually
need. In other words, socialism entails a mindset in results in government foreclosure and sale of the
which salvation (in this case economic salvation) is a home, thereby revealing the true locus of ownership.
needs-based right rather than a gracious gift. Thus, in Thus, in assessing a property tax, the government
seeking to constrain salvation within a man made legal implicitly claims ownership over the property itself
system, the liberal notion of social justice attacks both thereby robbing the homeowner of his rightful
the law of God and the gospel of Christ. It is simulta- claim. Since such a claim is implicit in every prop-
neously antinomian and legalistic. erty tax (no matter how small), it is the principle of
such a tax and not its amount that is so dangerous.
Ownership Christians must oppose property taxes in principle,
The liberal view is antinomian because its pro- and not just quibble over the amount. The legitimate
gram of wealth redistribution violates the equity of taxing authority of the government must operate
God’s property laws. For instance, according to the through other means.
Eighth Commandment, a man may not steal his If the property tax implies state ownership of land,
neighbor’s property (Ex. 20:15; Dt. 5:19). Since one the income tax implies state ownership of people.
may not steal even to sustain his life (Pr. 6:30, 31), it After all, in working for a wage, a person is simply
follows that even extreme need does not constitute a trading his knowledge, skill, and/or strength for
claim upon another person’s property. Biblical law money. Implicit in such an exchange is the assump-

tion that the person owns himself first of all, and, After all, God commands His people to remember
therefore, the talents he possesses. Owning himself the poor and give generously to them through tithes
and his talents, he is free to exchange a specified use and offerings (Dt. 14:2-29; 16:10-14). Because the
of them for a specified wage. However, when the needs of the poor must be met, the state will natu-
government steps into this transaction and demands rally step in to fill the gap whenever Christians fail to
a share of the wages, it asserts its ownership over the meet legitimate social needs. In fact, it is precisely
person and his talents. Since the amount of the tax is because Christians have largely abandoned their
determined strictly by the whim of the government social responsibilities that the welfare state has arisen
and could therefore rise to 100%, the claim to state in the first place and then assumed such great
ownership is total in principle. Of course, since God authority. To fight socialism it is necessary not only
is the ultimate owner of everyone, He is entitled to to oppose various welfare schemes, but even more
charge the income tax that He requires in the tithe. basically to encourage tithing among all Christians
The state, however, is not God and therefore has no so that the church has sufficient resources to meet
business imposing an income tax. In doing so, it various social needs. After all, when the church
asserts state ownership of people as units of produc- implements such a program, she, unlike the state,
tion, thereby reduces its citizens to the status of will be in a position to minister to the whole person
slaves. Since such an assertion is implicit in every and to provide loving guidance in addition to
income tax (no matter how small), it is the principle financial assistance. Because of this more personal
of such a tax and not its amount that is so danger- approach, she will be able to give people a hand up
ous. Christians must oppose government income and not just a handout. The social need, which is
taxes in principle, and not just quibble over the used to justify the welfare state, will wither away so
amount. The legitimate taxing authority of the that government programs implode from the lack of
government must operate through other means. clients. At such a point, the electorate will be more
receptive to political arguments calling for the
The Social Gospel elimination of such programs that will have become
In addition to violating the law of God, the liberal superfluous. Thus, the welfare state will be sup-
socialist program also violates the gospel. In particular, planted by a godly social program that will truly
by seeking to constrain economic salvation by consider- minister to the poor out of love and compassion. Of
ations of need, it turns such salvation into a course, such a program will be a far cry from current
needs-based right, rather than a gracious gift. Since policies that imply that the poor can demand the
charity and the gospel both rely on the principle of property of others on the basis of physical need.
unconstrained benevolence, they are alike manifesta- After all, since Biblical charity is based on giving
tions of a common principle of grace. In seeking to rather than taking, it is rooted in the concept of
constrain benevolence, the liberal program directly grace rather than coercion. And while it is true that
attacks the very principle of grace upon which both God commands charity, it is at the same time free
charity and the gospel rest. Of course, the salvation to and voluntary since it is not enforced by the state. In
which the gospel refers is eternal, regenerative and, contrast to the liberal view, the Biblical notion of
therefore, deeper and broader in its effect than a merely social justice produces a result that is both social and
economic salvation (although in its regenerating power just. It is social because people of varying economic
the gospel has economic implications as well). In means are drawn together through godly concern
advancing the principle that physical salvation is a rather than wrenched apart by class warfare. It is also
needs-based right, socialism attacks the very character just, because a system based on giving rather than
of grace and, therefore, lends itself to a parallel notion taking honors the property rights of the giver.
that eternal salvation is also a needs-based right. Thus, Within the framework of Biblical law, true social
on the basis of socialist logic, one should shake his fist justice prevails because mercy and justice come
in the face of the Almighty, demanding eternal salva- together to form a just society. May God give us
tion apart from grace and apart from Christ simply clergy with the insight and integrity to declare these
because he needs it! As horrid as such a thought is, it is simple truths.
a direct consequence of the socialist idea. Christians __________
must oppose socialism in principle since its core idea is
antithetical to the gospel and, thus, to the central reality John B. King, Jr., a free lance writer from Corvallis,
of the Christian Faith. Oregon, holds a Ph.D. in engineering. He is also a
In opposing socialism, however, one must remem- graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary West. He
ber the legitimate and pressing needs of the poor. can be contacted at [email protected].

FOCus on Dominion
Interview With Rev. Norman Milbank
By Ford and Andrea Schwartz
F riends of Chalcedon
recently interviewed The
Very Reverend Norman
Sacraments be duly ministered
according to Christ’s ordinance,
in all those things that of neces-
Milbank, rector of St. Paul’s sity are requisite to the same.”
Anglican Church in Los Altos, FOC: Prior to 1974, what
CA, which is a member of the were the major ministry out-
Anglican Churches of America reaches of St. Paul’s?
and Associates. Reverend Milbank: Our main focus was
Milbank lives and works with his on individual witnessing.
wife of 60 years, Tille Ann, at FOC: When did the idea for
Canterbury Christian School (K- Canterbury Christian School
6th grade), which has been the begin to materialize? Why did
main work of St. Paul’s for 32 you choose that name?
years. Friends of Chalcedon Milbank: That occurred
(FOC) spoke with Rev. Milbank immediately following our move
recently and posed the following to our first permanent church
questions. home in 1970. Conversations
FOC: As members of the with R. J. and Dorothy
group of ex-Episcopalians that Rushdoony and Bob and
founded St. Paul’s Anglican Maryann Thoburn helped move
Church in 1964, what was the it along. Rev. Rushdoony
biggest challenge you faced and thought it was mandatory not
how did you meet it? optional that the church should
Milbank: Our biggest chal- Rev. Milbank (as Moses leading the Children of Israel have a Christian school attached
lenge was finding a location for a to the Promised Land) at the annual All Saints Day to it. The names St. Paul’s and
Parade held each year at Canterbury Christian School.
worship service and finding Canterbury reflect our English
reliable, knowledgeable leadership. At first we had heritage and the English Reform movement of the
lay-led services using the 1928 version of the Book of 16th century.
Common Prayer (which is reliable in any age). FOC: In the 32 years that the school has been in
Shortly thereafter we met R. J. Rushdoony, I went to existence, how have the issues changed in education?
seminary and was ordained, and we also met Bob What groups (if there are any) seem to appreciate the
Ingram. idea of Christian schooling the most?
FOC: What were the major influences that caused Milbank: The issues of preparing children for a
you to feel that you should take on such a challenge? profitable life of service to the Lord are still the same.
Milbank: The fact that the social gospel was being The enemies (such as the media with their total
adopted and pursued by major denominations was a humanistic perspective on life) are now somewhat
big factor. Then there was the necessity of training more blatant. The appreciative groups seem to be the
four children in the unadulterated Word of God. parents who understand what we are all about and
FOC: Over the years has your vision for St. Paul’s want no part of the alternative — humanism. They
undergone any major changes? also have a high regard for the academic standard of
Milbank: I can’t say that it has. Article 19 of The excellence that we demand. When you hold the
39 Articles of Religion states, “The visible church of Bible as the unchanging standard and learn politics
Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in the or economics or anything, by that standard, you
which the pure Word of God is preached, and the learn a Christian worldview.

FOC: By now you must have graduates of Canter- FOC: You have quoted Rev. R. J. Rushdoony as
bury spread all throughout the country. Do you hear having said that the Book of Common Prayer is one of
from many of them? the three great works to come out of the Reforma-
Milbank: We’ve had visits from time to time, tion. What were the other two and could you give a
including some very pleasant visits from several who brief description why?
have a continuing interest in seeing that this Chris- Milbank: The Anglicans under Thomas Cranmer
tian school work is as active and focused as when contributed the Book of Common Prayer; John Calvin, for
they were here. It’s always very exciting to have them the Presbyterians, produced the Institutes of the Christian
come back and say, “I really enjoyed Chapel Ser- Religion; and Martin Luther gave the Lutherans The
vice,” “Oh, this hasn’t changed since we were here,” Bondage of the Will. All of these made a huge impact on
“Have you heard from [so and so]?” and “Is a [par- the Christian religion and are still very important to
ticular teacher] still here?” dedicated scholars. Rev. Rushdoony stated that the
FOC: In your opinion, what are the major chal- Presbyterians could have had the Book of Common Prayer,
lenges for the future for schools like Canterbury? and he believed they should have adopted it.
How do you think they will be met? FOC: Today we see various forms of sincere
Milbank: There are many persons in government worship being practiced by committed Christians.
as well as in the private sector who are antagonistic What does the Book of Common Prayer (1928 ver-
to Christian schools for what they regard as legiti- sion) have to offer to today’s congregations?
mate reasons. The Christian schools must keep on Milbank: It offers a dignified, structured service
doing what they know to be right and not be cowed absolutely faithful to God’s Word. In the General
by those “anti-s.” Also, there needs to be a more Confession, the General Thanksgiving, and one of
concerted effort to convince churches of their the Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian) as
obligation to provide Christian education. This will well as other parts of the service, the parishioners
only be done by sacrificial commitment, very much participate more than in most other major services.
including financial sacrifice. The liturgy incorporates more Scripture than per-
FOC: You and your wife both have been planting haps any other and if followed faithfully, without
faithfully the seeds of Christian faith for quite some deviation, will keep one from error.
time. Do you ever get weary of another school year FOC: Why isn’t the Book of Common Prayer more
and a whole new crop of students? widely used?
Milbank: We are human beings and human beings Milbank: People tend to want innovation and
do get tired. However, as long as the Lord sustains us, things to be more casual. They often feel uncomfort-
we’ll very likely be doing the same things. Each new able being told they are sinners, which the Book of
group is interesting and a new challenge. Common Prayer reminds you that you are. People
FOC: Would you encourage Christian young want “social gatherings,” which is why the social
people to become teachers and work to start Chris- gospel of the 40s and 50s gained popularity. In my
tian day schools? opinion, they headed mainline off into bypass
Milbank: I can’t think of a greater need and a meadows! Great men of American history, such as
more honorable career than elevating the citizens George Washington, were very positively influenced
and leaders of tomorrow to an awareness of serving by their use of the Prayer Book.
the Lord faithfully. As far as I’m concerned, a teacher FOC: You and your wife have been married for
is way at the top as far as careers go. over 60 years with four children, twelve grandchil-
FOC: Please describe how your association with dren, and two (and a half ) great grandchildren.
R. J. Rushdoony was helpful to you. What do you have to say to the challenges that
Milbank: Being called into the trenches at a young couples face today regarding marriage and
somewhat advanced age (46 in 1962), it was ex- family?
tremely helpful to have the counsel of a recognized Milbank: Get busy with the Bible. Raise children
superior leader in both church and school activities. with the Bible. Don’t be concerned about what your
His assistance was of value beyond measure. He neighbors are doing or saying. You have to be solid
saved me so much time by directing me in my study as a rock. I often recommend that families use the
— what I should and should not bother with. His Book of Common Prayer for their family devotions.
help was very practical in nature. When I told him I FOC: Can you cite noteworthy instances where
didn’t think I really had the background for running the faithful application of God’s law to a specific area
a school and that I was uncertain how to begin, his
advice was, “Just start!” — Continued on page 27 —

Thriving in Babylon
Quit Whining and
Start Enjoying
By Craig R. Dumont, Sr.
C hristians are no longer the head, but are closer
to the tail. No one is listening to Christian
leaders, except to high profile religious leaders who
was tolerant of the Jews and granted them much
latitude. In fact, Jews show up everywhere in
Babylonian culture and history. They were granted
rebuke other Christians for being, well, Christian. favors by the Babylonian government, mostly be-
We Christians are reduced to begging for “just a cause no one thought highly enough of them to
place at the table,” and we live in a time when this is worry about what they did or would do. For the
considered to be an incredibly lofty ambition! most part, Jews lived quietly among the people.
The reason for our dilemma is two-fold. Over the This concept of “just living life” is powerful and
past several generations Christians have stopped worthy of examination, because at this time in
thinking and acting as Christians, which means that history, God has seen fit to place us in a new
the salt has lost its savor and is not good for any- Babylon. Furthermore, it appears that our
thing. When we are fortunate enough to have a Babylonian experience may last for quite some time.
Christian assume a position of power or influence, Am I pessimistic about this? Absolutely not. The
that Christian doesn’t do much differently than the concept of Christian “normalcy” — “just living life”
non-Christian did. We have a President who testifies — and the power it has to transform our culture
of his conversion to Christ, and I believe President excites me. Let the enjoyment begin!
Bush is a Christian. But he is a product of a Chris-
tianity that mimics liberalism — good intentions, We read in Jeremiah 29:4-7:
not Biblical actions, are what’s important. I believe
John Ashcroft is a fine man and a Christian, but this Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all
high-profile conservative Christian man elevated to who were carried away captive, whom I have caused
the top law enforcement position in the nation to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
continues to uphold and promote the mindset and Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens
operating methods of all those non-Christians before and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and
him. So even when we’re at the head of the political daughters; and take wives for your sons and give
table, we’re still beggars! your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear
While America has deep Christian roots and sons and daughters — that you may be increased
many of the forms or structures arising from Chris- there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of
tian thought still remain, America has ceased to be a the city where I have caused you to be carried
Christian nation and, therefore, has no desire for away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in
Christian culture. Most of the time it has no clue its peace you will have peace.
what Christian culture really would look like. (I
don’t believe we’re completely “post-Christian,” as In this passage God tells us to stop whining and
some have asserted. Nazi Germany was post-Chris- longing for the “good old days,” and instead to live
tian, and despite all the horrors of modern American the life He’s given. We should be encouraged by the
life, we’re not there yet. Believe me, you’ll know Lord’s command to the Israelites who were to spend
when and if America ever becomes “post-Christian.”) many generations in captivity. He encourages them
to build new homes though their first homes were
Welcome to Babylon! taken; to plant new gardens and vineyards though
Today, America is more like Babylon: powerful, their lands had been taken; to marry and have
prosperous, and tolerant of almost anything. After children just as they would have in Jerusalem; to
conquering Israel and scattering its people, Babylon pray that Babylon, like Jerusalem would be a city of

peace; and to build a synagogue to replace the them. People are tired of complainers, but there is
temple that had been taken. something very attractive about doers. Cultural
God tells the Jews in Babylon a couple of amazing leaders understand that everyone knows we’ve have
things. First, they must take account of the marvel- major problems, so they don’t spend much time and
ous land and the opportunity it affords. It is a good energy denouncing failing institutions, but rather
place to build a house and live. They must stop invest their time building new, Biblical ones.
complaining about Babylon, because even though it’s How do we become cultural leaders? By seeking the
not home, God has made it very good. He reminds true peace and prosperity of the city, rebuilding on
them that the land is fertile; so they should plant a solid foundations all those mediating institutions and
garden and when it produces fruit, sit back and ministries that teach, heal, and sustain life — and life
enjoy it. So, too, He tells them to eat, drink, and be more abundant. We must stop the whining that
merry — not because tomorrow you will die — but masquerades as some prophetic vision and start
because “this is the day that the Lord has made. I producing something of value and service to our land.
will rejoice and be glad in it.” In essence, God is We shouldn’t spend time whining about the evils
saying to them, “The land is set forth before you and of government schools, but should start Christian
it is a good land. Take dominion and transform it in schools, even if it’s with just a few students, or even
every way, physically, religiously, into a good place to if it’s just with one family’s children in a home
live that will not only bless you and your family, but school. Today everyone knows the dangers of even
will also prosper and bless those around you.” the best government schools, and non-Christians
This was true not just then, but now as well. probably outnumber Christians in looking for
We get involved in this land and have great expec- alternatives for their children. We should stop
tations, for tomorrow is ordered by the Lord. We whining and start building a Christian school
are not longing to die, but rather to increase more where people can enroll their children. If we build
and more until we come to that point (in Israel’s it, they will come.
case, 70 years in the future) where we can go We see the bankrupt intellectual status of
home. We rejoice specifically because there is a Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and countless others, all
future and our work is not pointless, but worthy universities originally established through the finan-
of all effort to establish long-standing projects, to cial gifts of God’s people. But rather than bemoan
produce works of significance. our losses, we should start new colleges and universi-
ties like Whitfield College and Bahnsen School of
The Peace of the City Theology. We’ve lost the old ones; yes, it’s tough, but
God commanded the Israelites to “seek the peace of we must toughen up and build new universities that
the city,” and John Calvin believed it was “to be are faithful and excellent in every way.
understood [by] prosperity.” Christians are to seek the Build for the future, because we’re going to be
peace and prosperity of the place where they live, even here a while. Build because you love your neigh-
if it’s “Babylon” and not “Jerusalem.” The footnote in bor as yourself and you seek the welfare of their
Calvin’s commentaries by his editor says this: children as surely as you seek the welfare of your
own. For a city to flourish and be at peace, it
To “seek the peace of the city,” was, no doubt, to needs good schools, schools that impart the fear
promote it by their efforts, to be careful in preserv- and knowledge of God.
ing it. To “seek the land,” in Deuteronomy 11:12,
was to care for it; “not to seek the day,” in Job 3:4, Bloom Where You Are Planted
was not to regard it. Hence, to “seek the peace of Without suggesting blanket approval for govern-
the city,” was to care for, or regard it, so as to do ment funded colleges and universities, I’m glad that
everything to promote it . . . therefore the first Michigan State University, in downtown East
sense given by Calvin is the right one. Lansing, Michigan (and right around the corner
from my home and church) is prospering. Our
There is a proper place for the social critic, but community benefits tremendously from the school
having a brilliant, analytical eye and a loud voice in so many ways it’s almost incalculable. MSU is not
does not qualify a man to lead. Rather than cursing a “Christian” university, but many Christians are
the darkness, he should light a match. This is an employed there, and many others are professors and
important point. We will never lead the culture if we students. Much world-class research being done in
fail to care about the well-being of our communities agriculture and forestry is being undertaken at MSU
or their culture and fail to get involved in advancing by Christian men who have accepted invitations to

share their knowledge and expertise with our church If this doesn’t seem practical, consider that almost
and boys’ academy. While I don’t appreciate much of 90% of all cases are settled before going to trial, and
what is transpiring on the campus, a healthy and private arbitration is huge today. One of the top
strong university is vital for the life of our commu- attorneys in Lansing, a Christian man who practices
nity. Without downplaying the evil, I can work to law for one of the top law firms in the Midwest, is
celebrate the good and utilize God’s gifts in a re- also a professor at a local law school. This attorney is
demptive way by supporting and edifying (even as well known for his work in conflict resolution and is
our church benefits from) the Christian faculty and willing and able to help churches establish the
students. (Also, like Babylon, MSU has beautiful structures to handle the requirements. He probably
gardens and they’re open to the community. I must doesn’t even think about it, but over time he will
say, as I walk through the sprawling complex with become a cultural leader as he changes the way
stunning colors and relaxing fragrances, it occurs to people think and behave in the area of law.
me that we’re foolish not to take the prophet’s advice We shouldn’t complain about how Christians get no
to the Jews: Enjoy Babylon to its fullest!) respect. We should learn our vocations so well and do
In that same vein, we must envision Christian such a good job that we are called upon by the leaders
universities that are beneficial to and influential in their of our communities to work on the most important
respective communities. In other words, just as MSU projects, build the most important buildings, design the
makes people and resources available to our communi- most important landmarks, write the most important
ties, Christian universities should not be walled presentations, head up the most important associations,
fortresses keeping out evil culture, but rather dynamic, and serve on the most important committees.
productive educational and research centers that extend Go out and build a home that says we’re commit-
the gospel of Christ throughout the community in ted to our community and are here for the long haul.
terms of knowledge, productivity, and service. Make it a credit to the community by keeping it up
We “just live life” by building new schools where and adding beauty to the neighborhood. Grow a
we are. Whether at the elementary, secondary, or garden that brightens the area and, in fact, exists just
college level, we should start today with ten children “for beauty and for glory.” Throw a neighborhood
or young adults and expand to twenty next year and block party with lots of good food. Get married and
fifty the year after. There is nothing “heroic” in just stay married, have children, and raise them up in the
living lives and building homes and planting gardens fear and admonition of the Lord. Be godly leaders in
and eating, or just rebuilding all those institutions your household and constantly seek the peace of the
that have collapsed around us. city where God has caused you to live.
We shouldn’t whine and complain about ungodly Don’t spend your life complaining about what’s
medical practices and unjust health insurance wrong, but rather do something today that’s right
companies. Instead we should recruit some Christian and will contribute to the prosperity of your city.
doctors to start a community health clinic that Stop whining and start rebuilding.
young people can afford and old people can trust.
Hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, and Medi- Jeremiah encouraged the covenant people:
care/Medicaid are wildly off base today and face
Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens
huge problems, so we should reestablish charitable
and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and
ministries to the truly needy. We should help and
daughters; and take wives for your sons and give
minister to people as opposed to simply directing
your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear
them to a government agency that supposedly
sons and daughters — that you may be increased
“helps” them. We must seek the peace of our cities
there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of
by establishing medical institutions that love and
the city where I have caused you to be carried
care for their people as Christ loves and cares for us.
away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in
We should stop whining about corrupt courts
its peace you will have peace.
and the trial lawyers and learn what it means to
be an elder, including the judicial function of To put it bluntly: Enjoy life! Enjoy God’s bless-
binding and loosening in the legal affairs of ings! And without a doubt, enjoy Babylon!
church members. Instead, establish Christian __________
courts based upon Canon law. Teach elders to
judge impartially according to God’s law in all Craig R. Dumont is the pastor of Okemos Christian Center
matters so that even non-Christians will come and Grand Ledge Christian Center near Lansing, MI. You
to them for judgment. can reach him by e-mail at [email protected].

Family Wealth
Part 2
By Timothy D. Terrell
I n the first part of this two-part essay, we
examined the principles of Biblical inherit-
ance, including the incentives that a Biblically-
contributed to family breakdown, intergenerational
tensions, and massive wealth destruction.
Recently, the federal government began to increase
managed inheritance creates for Biblical, unified the amount of an estate excluded from estate taxes,
family life. In this part we will take a look at one of and to decrease the tax rates. The exclusion is now
the ways statism has weakened the family — heavy $1 million and is supposed to increase substantially
taxation. over the next few years. (The change was long
overdue, as inflation had eroded the original exclu-
Taxation and the sion.) The federal estate tax is supposed to be
Decapitalization of the Family eliminated entirely in 2010.2 This is a great victory
Despite all the rhetoric from politicians about for the financial integrity of the family. However, a
“family values,” the state today is carrying out what recent bid to make the 2010 repeal permanent was
amounts to an all-out offensive against the institu- narrowly defeated in the Senate on June 12, 2002.
tion of the family. The state has attacked home Therefore, unless estate tax opponents can regroup,
schooling, mocked parental authority and Biblical the tax will be reinstated in 2011 with the old
morality in the public school system, set up welfare exclusion of $1 million.
systems that encourage single-parent homes, threat- There are two primary ways that estate taxes break
ened parents who discipline their children with down the institution of the family. First, the estate
corporal punishment, and much more. Individuals tax renders ineffective some of the important finan-
who physically attack the family, such as murderers cial obligations that preserve and solidify
and rapists, are given shamefully light sentences, and parent-child relationships. Second, these taxes foster
(in the case of abortionists, for example) are even misplaced, short-term investments, since the taxes
vigorously protected by the state. create incentives to divert family resources to tax-
Long before these audacious recent assaults began, deductible charities and foundations.
however, the state began undermining the family
through taxation. A fundamental part of the state’s Estate Taxes and Family Disunity
aggression has been to decapitalize the family and thus Estate taxes disrupt the Biblical incentive structure
deprive it of the financial resources necessary to per- by encouraging filial disloyalty and misbehavior, and
form vital functions. With around half of the average by removing much of a parent’s power to transfer
family’s marketable output going to the civil govern- intellectual capital to a child. The ability of the
ment, the family is crippled when it comes to fulfilling parents to impose consequences on bad behavior is
the traditional economic roles of school, welfare agency, seriously compromised, and children grow up ignor-
lending institution, and venture capitalist. ing their obligations toward their elders. It’s no
wonder so many elderly people in this nation are
Inheritance Taxes and neglected by their children and grandchildren and left
Family Capital to the care of complete strangers. Children are grow-
Early twentieth century egalitarianism and the ing up isolated from their elders, ignorant of their
expenses of World War I contributed to one of the family heritage, and disrespectful of the beliefs and
most direct tax assaults on the family — estate, inherit- traditions their parents and grandparents hold dear.
ance, and gift taxes.1 Though these taxes are avoidable Rather than honoring their parents and grandpar-
with planning, and recent legislation has tempered their ents, children seek the favor of government
impact, these taxes should not be ignored as having bureaucrats. After all, whatever family wealth re-

mains after decades of predacious income taxation is This philosophy, Schumpeter continues, can lead
snatched away by the state through estate taxation, to ineffectiveness and apathy among businessmen,
and it is to the state that the children must appeal if which “decomposes the motor forces of capitalism
they wish to see their inheritance. By siphoning from within.”
power away from the family, civil government Some claim that government confiscation and
becomes even larger and freedom is lost. Politicians, redistribution of bequests is necessary in order to
not parents, receive the respect and adulation of the maintain income equality. Karl Marx and Friedrich
younger generation. Engels, in The Communist Manifesto, made plain that
the “abolition of all right of inheritance” was one of
Estate Taxes and ten essential measures for equalizing the distribution
Investment Choices of capital and making the State the supreme power
Estate taxes also create incentives for the in society.
bequesting generation to divert resources to non- Estate and inheritance taxes persist at the state
profit organizations rather than to their own level, and even under the 2001 repeal plan, gift taxes
families. Thus, these taxes encourage the will continue after the federal estate tax is eliminated
decapitalization of the family in favor of groups in 2010. All of these should be abolished. It certainly
satisfying the government’s 501(c)3 requirements. should be a priority to resume the effort to see that
There are quite a few worthy endeavors among the federal estate tax stays dead after 2010.
these tax-favored organizations, but bequestors
may well prefer to build up a family capital base
Taxes and Long-Term
for children, grandchildren, and later generations. Family Capital
Estate taxes, therefore, penalize forward-looking Estate taxes may be one of the most direct attacks
families. This sends repercussions throughout the on family capital, but other forms of taxation can
whole economy. Not only do these taxes discourage actually have a more insidious, and more powerful,
the long-term investment necessary for a high level impact. All taxes limit the family’s ability to build up
of economic growth, but they prevent families from capital for succeeding generations. It is not only the
accumulating, over several generations, the resources estate tax that can create disunity within the family
required for starting a family business or for prepar- and encourage the diversion of family wealth.
ing for uncertain times ahead. The short-term focus Income taxes, property taxes, Social Security taxes,
that estate taxes force onto families may result in a and taxes of every other sort have the potential to
lower standard of living for everyone in the long run. hinder the family’s ability to handle its traditional
In his 1942 book Capitalism, Socialism, and economic functions. By draining capital from
Democracy, the great economist Joseph A. families, taxes force reliance upon extra-family
Schumpeter remarked that in the free-market resources for business start-ups and expansions. Also,
system, the long-run interests of society depend heavy taxation makes it difficult for the family to
upon the “family motive” certain people have to perform welfare functions, as the family reserves are
accumulate wealth for future generations. This depleted and significant relief of the family’s poor or
businessman-investor class works not so much for afflicted becomes more difficult.
consumption as for the building of family capital The state may collect taxes for the performance of
over generations. The civil government, however, its Biblical duties. The Bible states this unambigu-
takes a short-run view and seeks to tax this accu- ously in Romans 13:6-7. Yet it is important that the
mulated wealth away from families, with method, and the amount, of taxation not undermine
disastrous results: the family. We will not delve into the debates over
tax methods here. It seems clear, however, that estate
With the decline of the driving power supplied by taxation deprives the family of a key institutional
the family motive, the businessman’s time-horizon support, and weakens the entire structure.
shrinks, roughly, to his life expectation. And he
might now be less willing than he was to fulfill Family Wealth and the
that function of earning, saving and investing Family Welfare System
even if he saw no reason to fear that the results R.J. Rushdoony wrote that the family is “the
would but swell his tax bills. He drifts into an major welfare agency of all history with its care of
anti-saving frame of mind and accepts with an old and young, relatives and friends, and its assis-
increasing readiness anti-saving theories that are tance to members of the ‘nuclear’ family.”4 He
indicative of a short-run philosophy.3 argued that it was the family, more than the state or

even the church, that was the most important can easily fulfill any function of the family, and they
institution in society and the primary source of relief dutifully turn over the responsibility for their aging
for the needy. natural parents to politicians. When the government
It is only within the context of the family that the takes this role, it has become the de facto heir to the
providers of assistance can gain accurate and com- parents’ fortune.
prehensive information about the needs of the However, Biblical societies will protect the
recipients. There is no way a state bureaucrat can intergenerational transfer of wealth, recognizing that
know all the relevant details of the complex situation inheritances enable families to fulfill their mutual
that has led to a person’s welfare application. Nor responsibilities to one another. As parents provide
does the bureaucrat have an incentive to inquire. for their children, and children for their aging
After all, it is taxpayer dollars he is handing out. parents, the family — and therefore all of society —
Family-oriented welfare is fundamentally different. is stabilized and preserved. We must remember, too,
The check-writer is more completely aware of the that a spiritual inheritance is of far more value than a
recipient’s situation and has an incentive to refuse physical inheritance, and that gift to one’s children
support if the recipient is unwilling to take steps that can never be taxed away.
might solve the problems leading to the financial __________
distress. Also, while the state bureaucrat does not Timothy Terrell teaches economics at a small liberal
know or care about the moral state of the recipients, arts college in South Carolina. In addition, he is director
family welfare must take this into account so as not of the Center for Biblical Law and Economics, on the
to pass on family wealth to the unrighteous. Internet at http://www.christ-college.edu/html/cble/. Dr.
Most families today are not in a financial position Terrell can be contacted at [email protected].
to provide substantial support for needy family __________
members or friends. Think of what it would take for 1
the family to take over the role of providing for the Inheritance taxes are imposed upon the beneficiary;
estate taxes are paid out of the decedent’s estate before
temporarily unemployed. Most people will find a wealth is passed on. Gift taxes are legally unified with
new job within 12 weeks of losing their old one, and estate taxes. The consequences are similar, though
in most years nearly half of all jobless people are out inheritance taxes may be worse because beneficiaries are
of work less than 5 weeks. For someone making more likely to be forced to liquidate property in order to
$45,000 a year after taxes and tithe to maintain 85% pay the tax. The federal government does not impose
of their normal spending for 12 weeks with no inheritance taxes. Estate taxes are much more common
current income, about $8800 would need to be set than inheritance taxes in state law.
aside in liquid assets. For someone netting $30,000 a 2
The gift tax is to be retained, with a $1 million lifetime
year, it would come to around $5900. It is not an exclusion.
3
impossible sum to accumulate, it would provide a Joseph A. Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism, and
small amount of interest income, and it involves no Democracy, 161.
4
expensive state bureaucracy to administer an unem- Rousas J. Rushdoony, The Institutes of Biblical Law, vol.
ployment insurance program. Yet how many families 2 (Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books), 1986, 131.
can say that there is an appropriate amount set aside
in reserves for every worker? Were it not for high tax
— Continued from page 13 —
rates, family reserve funds would be much easier to
accumulate. 2
The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 (3:1).
This Baptist classic is in theological harmony
The State vs. the Family with the Westminster Confession of Faith and to
The family has always been a more influential other Reformed confessions of theology.
institution in human society than the state. Craving 3
Rousas J. Rushdoony, The Biblical Philosophy of
this power, the modern government is attempting to History (Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presbyterian and
supplant the family by being a parent to every child Reformed, 1979), 8.
and a child to every parent. The good-faith efforts of 4
Rousas J. Rushdoony, By What Standard?: An
parents to provide for, educate, and discipline their Analysis of the Philosophy of Cornelius Van Til
children (and later generations) are thwarted by (Tyler, Texas: Thoburn Press, 1983), 189.
government bureaucrats who imagine themselves to Rushdoony notes that the Book of Job made him
be better than natural parents. The children, as a Calvinist.
5
subjects of this gigantic government parenting Rushdoony, The Biblical Philosophy of History, 15.
experiment, are trained to believe that government

Christianity and
The Culture of Death
By John E. Stoos
T he rise of modern terrorism

in recent decades has
brought the depravity of man into
When an unclean spirit goes out of
a man, he goes through dry places,
• Finally, on August 10, 2002,
Michael Oren recounted a
series of Palestinian celebra-
full view. As Christians, we have an seeking rest, and finds none. tions for the Wall Street
obligation to follow our Lord’s Then he says, “I will return to my Journal: After the cold-
command to be salt and light by house from which I came.” And blooded murder of seven
showing that only Christians can when he comes, he finds it empty, people and maiming of 80
understand and explain what I call swept, and put in order. Then he more by a terrorist bomb at
the “culture of death.” As Chris- goes and takes with him seven the Hebrew University,
tians we must confront this culture other spirits more wicked than Palestinian children were seen
of death both at home and abroad. himself, and they enter and dwell cheering and singing in the
The culture of death is often there; and the last state of that streets as adults showered
what people simply call evil. Con- man is worse than the first. So them with candies. He talked
sider some of these shocking shall it also be with this wicked about the dancing from the
examples from the Middle East: generation. Matthew 12:43-45 rooftops in 1991 as the Iraqi
scud missiles landed in Israeli
• On June 18, 2002, the BBC reported on a neighborhoods and the estimated 70,000
mother who appeared in a videotape with her Palestinians who filled a Gaza stadium to
son who was about to go on a suicide mission: cheer a re-enactment of a bus bomb that had
“God willing you will succeed” she said. “May killed dozens in Israel including the writer’s
every bullet hit its target, and may God give sister. Mr. Oren reminded Americans that
you martyrdom. This is the best day of my the death of 3,000 of our citizens on Septem-
life.” The son responded by saying, “Thank ber 11 was also cause for dancing in
you for raising me.” Asked if it mattered Palestinian streets even though coverage was
whether her son killed women and children she greatly restricted for the Western press.
said, “The women and children are also Jews,
they’re all the same for me.” She has nine more Mr. Oren went on to contrast properly this
children. culture of death with reactions by Western
civilizations to the death of women and children,
• On July 18, 2002, Gary Bauer did a report on even accidental death. His piece is a thoughtful
the conflict in Jenin contrasting the truth with consideration of how difficult this Middle East
much of what was reported by the mainstream situation will be to solve, but in the course of his
media: “During the heavy fighting, the Israeli discussion he makes an interesting comment:
Defense Force worked hard to keep the hospital “[T]here is no rational explanation for the out-
open in Jenin and offered the Palestinians burst of joy bordering on ecstasy at the
blood for their wounded. Incredibly, the blood dismemberment of innocent children, women
was rejected because it came from Jews! The and men.”
IDF brought in blood from Jordon but a Jewish Christians, and only Christians, can and must
reporter asked the right question: “How do you provide a rational answer to this type of madness.
negotiate with a hatred so great that it will More importantly, not only can we rationally explain
refuse to accept your blood even to save its own why these things happen, we can provide the hope
people’s lives?” that there is a solution.

Beginning at the Beginning And of course, we will want God to be on our side
Christians must begin at the beginning; or as Ken in this battle!
Ham would say, you must find the answers in
Genesis! In the early chapters of Genesis, we learn However, God might have a few questions, like
that the fall of man ushered in the culture of death. Jesus did when He walked with the disciples:
It is important to understand that God was serious
when He said: “You shall surely die.” Man experi- Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what
enced death both physically and spiritually. Man judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with
experienced death both now and for eternity. From the measure you use, it will be measured back to
the point of the fall of man forward, on one side you. And why do you look at the speck in your
man struggles, trying to earn his salvation, and on brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your
the other God reaches out in His abundant grace. own eye? Or how can you say to your brother,
“Let me remove the speck from your eye”; and
The salvation found in Christ is a real answer look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First
because we are clearly told the end: remove the plank from your own eye, and then you
will see clearly to remove the speck from your
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and brother’s eye. (Mt. 5:1-5)
become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since
by man came death, by man came also the resur- The Sacrament of the West
rection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even Let’s go back to that shocking Palestinian
so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every mother who appeared in the video with her son.
man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; She was willing to sacrifice her own son to help
afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. her people. Allow me to contrast her with a
Then cometh the end, when he shall have deliv- modern western mom who was the focus of an
ered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; article by Ken Connor of the Family Research
when he shall have put down all rule and all Council in a recent Washington Update. The
authority and power. For he must reign, till he parents made a television appearance to discuss
hath put all enemies under his feet. The last plans to work with a controversial doctor and a
enemy that shall be destroyed is death (1 Cor. secret medical team to produce a cloned baby.
15:20-26). According to Connor’s report, “Despite the
mounting evidence that cloned animals develop
In 2 Timothy 1:8-11, we find more encouraging defects, Dr. Zavos says the mistakes made with
words from the Apostle Paul referring to “our Savior animals may not apply to cloned human beings.”
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death.” We should also Even so, the mad scientist has a contingency
remember those sobering words about the end of time plan. The following is an excerpt from the show.
in Revelation 20:11-15, including the fact that
“Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.” BILL (husband): We’re not going to give birth to a
Only with the truth of Christianity can we begin monster or an abnormal child. If there is a serious
to understand and rationally explain the culture of abnormality, absolutely we will — and Dr. Zavos
death. Only a solid Biblical worldview can honestly concurs — that we will abort.
explain this profound evil and then offer the hope
that people, and nations, so desperately need. GUILLEN (host): And when you said the word
Recent events provide us with an incredible “abort,” lots of people are going to think... you’re
opportunity because people see more clearly that this piling one abomination on top of another.
culture of death is a big problem. As Christians, we
must consider how to engage this culture of death KATHY (wife): Well, at least they’ll have stem
with a properly balanced Christian response. We cells to possibly help improve someone’s life who is
must have a solid Biblical worldview that centers on having a problem.
Christ as the answer! We would, and must, confront
the terrorist. The confrontation can be anything GUILLEN: You would harvest stem cells from the
from rhetoric to war. We would, and must, protect, aborted fetus for... research?
and comfort the victims. We can do these through
anything from preaching to practical compassion. KATHY: Well, I’m a controversial person.

We are also learning about some odd results from command the locusts to devour the land, or send
the war on terrorism. In a recent report from ProLife pestilence among My people, if My people who are
Network we learn that “A British abortion business called by My name will humble themselves, and
said that it will officially open one of the first dedi- pray and seek My face, and turn from their
cated ‘reproductive health clinics’ in Afghanistan.” wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and
Steve Mosher, president of the Population Research will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now
Institute, said it best: “Afghan refugee women face a mine eyes shall be open and mine ears attentive to
new reign of terror designed to violate their right to the prayer that is made in this place.” (2 Chr.
bear children.” 7:12-15)
I would humbly suggest that we as Americans
have a very big log in our eye. Since the 1973 Roe v. Dr Gene Veith stated our challenge well in the
Wade decision, we have had abortion on demand. July 20, 2002 edition of WORLD magazine: “Civili-
Consequently, over 40 million of our children have zation requires vigilance against barbarians, both
been lost. Instead of repenting of this holocaust, from without and from within.”
today many see abortion as the new “sacrament,” not Yes, as Christians and Americans, we must con-
unlike how that Palestinian mom saw terror. front terrorism abroad and clearly present Christ as
Father Frank Pavone recently discussed the 1992 the answer. But, we must also confront terrorism
book, The Sacrament of Abortion. The author, Ms. here at home! If we desire God’s mighty blessings,
Ginette Paris, argues in the book that abortion is a we must be willing to stand up to this new Diana as
sacred act, a sacrifice to Artemis, a goddess known to the early Christians did in Ephesus. Read Acts
the Romans as Diana. Father Pavone observes, 19:24-34 to review the impact that those early
“Diana is both a protector of wild animals and a Christians had on that pagan city. Both here at
hunter who kills them with deadly aim. How can home, as well as abroad, we must see and boldly
these contradictory roles be found in the same proclaim Christ as the answer.
female deity? The view proposed in this book is that We Americans above all others have a special
a mother properly cares for life only if she possesses responsibility based on the light that we have
full power over life and death. Death is sometimes been given. Consider these sobering words of our
preferable. The one who can provide death in order Lord as He spoke to the enlightened cities of
that one may escape an unfriendly life, is really Israel in His day:
loving the one who is being killed. Abortion, then,
is seen as ‘an expression of maternal responsibility The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment
and not a failure of maternal love’” (p. 8). “Diana with this generation and condemn it, because they
stands for the refusal to give life if the gift is not pure repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a
and untainted... As Diana might kill a wounded greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the
animal rather than allow it to limp along miserably, South will rise up in the judgment with this
so a mother wishes to spare the child a painful generation and condemn it, for she came from the
destiny” (p. 55). ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon;
In the garden, Satan tempted the woman by and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. When
saying in part, “you shall be as gods.” Ms. Paris has an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes
taken the original rebellion against the Creator to through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
new heights with her “maternal responsibility” that Then he says, “I will return to my house from
has woman exercising the complete power of life and which I came.” And when he comes, he finds it
death over her offspring. empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and
takes with him seven other spirits more wicked
Defeating the Culture of Death than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and
If we want God’s blessings in these battles against the last state of that man is worse than the first. So
the culture of death, then we must be honest. After shall it also be with this wicked generation. (Mt.
the completion of the great temple in Jerusalem, 12:41-45)
King Solomon heard this warning from God:
After September 11, many thought that the
Then the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and proverbial demons were being cast out and the house
said to him: “I have heard your prayer, and have was starting to be swept clean: flags were flying,
chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. many public prayers were offered, people were
When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or singing “God Bless America” and, boy, was there a

national uproar when Dr. Newdow tried to take
“under God” out of the Pledge!
Yes, a demon can be sent packing at times and we
can even sweep things up and make the house look St. Paul’s Anglican
pretty tidy. But, if it was not Christ who drove away
that demon, and if we don’t keep Christ at the center
of all we do, that same demon can easily return with
Church
a whole lot of his fellow demons!
__________ Teaching faithful to God’s Law-Word
Liturgy according to the
John E. Stoos is a political consultant living in
1928 Book of Common Prayer
Sacramento California with his wife Linda. They have
six children and soon fifteen grandchildren. John is also
host of the radio talk show, Dialog, on KFIA, AM710 Sunday Worship
in Sacramento, which airs weekdays from 5-7 pm. You
can reach him at (916) 451-5660 or [email protected]. 10:30 am
— Continued from page 17 — 101 N. El Monte
Los Altos, CA 94022
or situation greatly affected the direction of
your ministry? (650) 949-0909
Milbank: Romans 8:28 comes to mind. Visit us on the web
When discouraged because of how the general www.stpaulsanglicanchurch.org
society influences my thinking, I’ve said,
“Wait a minute... All things work together for Easy to reach from San Francisco, the Peninsula,
good!” I encourage myself to just keep on Silicon Valley, and the East Bay
with church, school, family, and whatever it
might be.
FOC: You have acknowledged R. J.
Rushdoony and Bob Ingram as major influ-
ences. How about C. S. Lewis?
Milbank: Not really. I was and am very
grateful to J. I. Packer and his contributions.
He saw the church going in a liberal direction
(e.g., same sex unions), and actively opposed
it. His little booklet The Gospel in the Prayer
Book is one I heartily recommend. I also want
to mention the value to our ministry of a
close relationship with Truman Davis, our
first bishop. His inspirational and knowledge-
able leadership was of inestimable value to us.
His successor, Ron Johnson, is likewise doing
an outstanding job of spiritual leadership.
FOC: At the seasoned age of 86, we
sincerely hope that the Lord provides you
with many more years of service to His
kingdom both for our sake and for the sake of
all those children who pass through your
school.
__________
Rev. Milbank can be reached c/o St. Paul’s
Anglican Church and Canterbury Christian
School at 101 North El Monte, Los Altos, CA
94022, (650) 949-0909.

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November 2002 Chalcedon #446

Rebecca Rouse is Chalcedon's Circulation and Data Manager.

Faith and the

I n antiquity, the family often had a major

2 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

November 2002 – Thriving in Babylon 3

Prepared for Death,

I f our faith is real, it

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8 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

• Following the standards of the Westminster Why Should We Delight in

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14 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

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16 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

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20 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

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T he rise of modern terrorism

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26 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

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28 Thriving in Babylon – November 2002

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