Nick, to the left, TaraJane, Ben, and Stephanie at Wheaton recently.

 Not only is Nicholas at Wheaton College studying Shakespeare, Comparative Politics, Bible and Theology, and other subjects, but he is also celebrating his 18th birthday on this day--August 31, 2011.

Happy Birthday! Happy Reading and Studying! Happy Guitar Playing!  A mere 800 miles is all that is separating us.

Mount Rushdoony More: A Key to Understanding Politics

Mount Rushdoony-More

Recently there have been a series of articles in various news media sources about the influences behind certain Presidential candidates.  This has led to some really shocking revelations, including the following:
1.  Some candidates for the Presidency have actually read books. 
2.  The books and authors they read hold to conservative ideals.
3.  But it gets worse:  The "conservative ideals" are not the traditional acceptable conservative views (held by such conservatives as Richard Lugar and William Howard Taft), but rather are weird, right-wing, extremist ideas based on weird, right-wing, extremist texts, such as the Constitution, Magna Charta, and the Bible (as interpreted by weird, right-wing, extremists).
4.  The dangerous coalition (remember the vast right wing conspirators of the past!) of authors include the late Francis Schaeffer and the yet living and conspiratorial Nancy Pearcey.  L'Abri in Switzerland, where Schaeffer taught and where Pearcey attended, was a training camp for the conspirators.  The agenda taught there was simple: World Domination.  (This agenda can be easily discerned by reading some of Schaeffer's books on faith, Christian living, art, and pollution.)
5.  The real dominating influence behind the political candidates and the authors they read is R. J. Rushdoony and his Dominion Theology.  Rushdoony was hammering away at some hard core radical ideas, such as the following:  The Bible is true; we should live by the laws and precepts of the Bible;  the Gospel will spread to all nations and people; children ought to be instructed in the ways of the Lord.  There's more, but you can see the nature of Rushdoony's agenda.

It is surprising, but it took the media quite a few years to discover that Rushdoony was the guiding force behind the Presidency of George W. Bush.  It should be obvious to any discerning reader that not only were President Bush and Laura avid Dominationists (or Reconstructionists or Theonomists), but also most of his administration officials were of that same view.  Karl Rove was a theologian and Reconstructionist.  Vice President Cheney meditated on and quoted from The Institutes of Biblical Law almost daily.  Colin Powell held strongly to the application of Biblical case laws, but ran afoul of Donald Rumsfeld over the issue of stoning sabbath breakers. Condolezza Rice was personally committed to establishing Bible-based theocracies in Iraq and Afghanistan (and then the world).  The Department of Education was intently dedicated to implimenting the concepts Rushdoony wrote about in The Messianic Character of American Education.  The "No Child Left Behind" was a veiled effort to implement covenant theology and see that all children were baptized as infants. (Dispensationalists were duped into supporting "No Child Left Behind" by thinking it was referring to the rapture. Reconstructionists generally plan on stoning Dispensationalists last, assuming they don't convert.)

The foreign policy and monetary policies, the political appointments, the legislative actions, and other programs associated with George W. Bush were all done in an effort to bring about a Theocratic, Reconstructionist America.  The history of the Bush administration can be read in its prophetic predictive form by going to the many books Rushdoony wrote, but especially by paralleling the chapters of The Institues of Biblical Law with the Bush programs and appointments.

Surpringly, the media has only begun to make this connection.  There was a book that came out in the early 1970s titled It Didn't Start With Watergate.  Well, Rushdoony's influence didn't start with George W. Bush and is not confined to Michele Bauchman and Rick Perry.

It is plain to see.  The forces working for and with Rushdoony have been at work for a long time and have had only thinly veiled references to his power.  It is beyond the scope of this essay, but it can be shown that such groups as the Puritans of New England, the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock, and many of the Scotch-Irish who came to the colonies were all Rushdoonites, Reconstructionists, Theonomists, and Dominionists.

The real monument and source of Rushdoony's influence can be seen in South Dakota.  (This was designed to call attention away from Washington, D.C.--the shadow capital--and Vallecito, California--the real locus of power in America.)

We all know the mountain and the images:  It is Mount Rushmore and the four Presidents are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.  Very clever of Rushdoony to make it look like they were the sources of inspiration.  The word "Rushmore" was coined by a gathering of Reconstructionists who thought it was pure humor that the idiots would never figure out.  They were right.

All four of the Presidents sculpted on that mountain were ardent Theonomists and Reconstructionists.

Consider:

First, George Washington.  Took an oath upon a Bible. (Rushdoony even admitted that oaths were often taken with the Bible opened to Deuteronomy.)  Made religious statements concerning the necessity of faith and virtue (shorthand for "Theocracy").  Waged war against the theologically compromising Anglicans of England by using a coalition of Puritan congregationalists and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians.  Silently oversaw the creation of a theonomically centered power-base for the executive branch at the Constitutional convention.  Suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion since Reconstructionist often use force against personal liberties.

Second,  Thomas Jefferson.  The whole "separation of church and state" idea was actually a ploy to sidetrack people from his real agenda:  Combination of church and state (a basic Rushdoony idea often emphasized in his books that state just the opposite--how clever again).  The Louisiana Purchase was simply an application of Dominion theology.  Use force, cajolery, and manipulation to conquer.  The war against the Barbary pirates (often concealed in studies of American history) was a supreme act of theonomic intolerance of people whose religious views are different (Muslims) or whose economic views are different (pirates or socialists--same thing, of course).

Third, Abraham Lincoln.  The most theonomic President ever.  Rushdoony's blanket approval of Lincoln can be seen in the many references he made to the Constitutional violations and twisted interpertations that were used to justify the War of Northern Aggression.  Lincoln's policies toward the Southern Confederacy (the anti-theonomists of the time) were designed to be the microcosm of the Theonomic Agenda.  Just look at the subsequent history of America's many theonomic Presidents:  FDR's attempts to create theocracies in Japan and Germany; Truman's somewhat successful establishment of a Reconstructionist South Korea; LBJ's failed efforts to create a Bible-based Vietnam.  (Kennedy was "removed" when the powers that be realized that he was in lock step with the Vatican, hence the need for the Protestant Johnson.)

Fourth, Theodore Roosevelt.  TR was the perhaps Rushdoony's favorite President and most useful pawn (at least until George W. Bush came along).  The phrase "Speak softly and carry a big stick" is a shortened, one line version of Rushdoony's 3 volumes of The Institutes of Biblical Law.  "Speak softly" was quite a hoot for the insiders, because anyone who ever heard the thunderings and declamations of Rushdoony can attest to the fact that he had a soft, mild, slow speaking style.  Then there is the rest of the phrase "and carry a big stick."  The "Big Stick" is, of course, Biblical Law.

There will be those who "rush" (be aware of the etimology of that word) to certain sources to denounce what I have said.  Rushdoony, they will say, wasn't born until 1916 and died in 2001.  Note well, however, the key significance of those dates:  1916 was the year that Presbyterian theonomic Woodrow Wilson was re-elected. This re-election thus confirmed the institution of theonomic ideals such as the income tax and paved the way for the Reconstructionist American armed forces to enter World War I, the war designed to "make the world safe for Theocracy."  The year 2001 was the year of the 9-11 events.  These events enabled George Bush, whose Presidency had been in question, to consolidate his Reconstructionist power base and to begin waging war against other religions, namely humanists and Muslims and other proponents of religious liberty.

Yes, the influence of Rushdoony can be seen long before 1916 and far beyond the political views of Congresswoman Bauchman and Governor Perry.  The long line of Rushdoony-ites can be seen on Mount Rushdoony-More and even further back in time.  Evidences of this theocratic conspiracy trace back through Cromwell, Calvin, Knox, Charlemagne, Constantine, Augustine, Paul of Tarsus, and King David.  The news media better remember the phrase "ad fontes," meaning, "to the sources."  Psalm 2 is a great beginning place.  Rushdoony was apparently behind the agenda of that source, along with his other many efforts.

Meeting Leland Ryken and More

Sitting between two of my favorite literature scholars--Dr. Leland Ryken (on the left) and Nicholas (on the right).

In my reading experiences, there are three people who stand out in the field of literature as literary critics, scholars, and teachers.  One is the late Dr. Cleanth Brooks.  I regret that I became aware of him some years after his death, but I have been greatly blessed by Brooks' books on William Faulkner and on poetry.  A second influence is Dr. Louise Cowan of the University of Dallas.  I have been greatly blessed by getting to meet her and hear her speak on three occasions.  I am continually astounded at her on-going literary writings and talks.

And what a great honor it was this past week to meet the third of the literary influences:  Dr. Leland Ryken of Wheaton College.  I was astounded to walk into the faculty room of the English department and see this great thinker sitting in his office working.  His friendliness and humility was inspiring.  This past year, I have read and greatly profited from his book titled The Legacy of the King James Bible.  That book is one of many I have read from Dr. Ryken.  His study of the Puritans is indispensable and his works on the literary aspects of the Bible are incredibly informative. 

Nicholas is taking Dr. Ryken's class on Shakespeare.  I am both excited for him and quite jealous.

Nicholas and fellow Veritas graduate, Grace Hornok--both freshman now at Wheaton.

Don't be fooled by mine and Stephanie's smiles.  We were quite sad at having to leave Nicholas, although very proud of him.

On to Wheaton College

Wheaton College



Today, we are making the final preparations to begin the long trek to the Chicago area so that Nick can begin his studies at Wheaton College.  It is hardly sinking in to my mind that this is happening.  Wheaton is famous for the Christian thought and activites associated with the college itself and its alumni.  Sure, there have been some bad apples, but its record includes such people as Gordon Clark (once a professor there), Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Bell Graham, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hassert, pastor and author John Piper,  historian Mark Noll, and literature professor Leland Ryken and his son, Philip Graham Ryken, who is currently the president of the college.

Nick and I are working to see that he gets to take Dr. Leland Ryken's Shakespeare course this fall.  Nick will love the course, and I will enjoy the vicarious experience (without having to do the classwork).  Stephanie has been taking care of the million and one details, while I have lived in an abstract dimension.

Pray for the House family in this transition.

Readings of Late for the Soul and Mind

Fun look at the wider implications of Reformed theology

 James K. A. Smith's Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition is a good reminder of how broad and deep the Reformed tradition is and how narrow and limited we often are when first becoming aware of the tradition.  I really enjoyed this short selection of letters to a composite young Calvinist (who could have been me some 35 years ago).  I plan on reading this one again and hope to teach it to the young Calvinists around me.



A celebration of Western Civilization

The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization was written by a man who viewed Western Civilization from a different perspective.  Vishal Mangalwadi is an Indian who converted to Christianity and has worked to institute Christian ideals in his land.  Of course, the lands that have been so richly blessed by the Christian faith have been overly energetic in trying to deny their heritage.  This book belongs on the shelf with Schaeffer's How Should We Then Live? and Dooyeweerd's Roots of Christian Culture and several of Rushdoony's volumes and almost all the works of Christopher Dawson.





Helpful study of church leadership

I am working on filling in a deficit of reading on issues relating to church, pastoral ministry, and congregational issues.  Gene Getz's book Elders and Leaders: God's Plan for Leading the Church is a packed study of helpful and Biblical ideas.


The four volume ocean reduced to a great lake

There is now some hope that I will actually become better aware of Herman Bavinck's great mind and soul.  Having the beautiful four volume set on the shelves in the study only make me feel good, but this one volume abridgement gives me a way of reading through this defining work of theology.  
Coming Soon:  Readings of Late on History and Literature

Mark Royden Winchell's Books

Last week I was saddened to learn about the death of John R. W. Stott.  I have only read a few of Stott's works, but have many times been blessed by his greater influences in the Christian world.  With Stott having reached the age of 90 and being surrounded by Christian friends with Handel's Messiah playing in the background, his passing was one of celebration.

But I also learned that another influential author had died.  To my shock, this other author died some years back.  Even in a world of internet access to information, I still miss many important details.  Mark Royden Winchell, literary scholar, biographer, culture warrior, died in May of 2008. Winchell was both a graduate of Vanderbilt University and an heir to the finest traditions of literature there.  Much of the greatest literary criticism and insight of our times have been birthed at Vanderbilt.  The Fugitive Poets were Vanderbilt men.  Many of those men were also among the contributors to both a cause and a series of books, and as such were identified as Agrarians.  (The book was I'll Take My Stand by 12 Southerners.)  And the New Criticism, which dominated literary studies for a long spell, was also spawned by the rich heritage and teachings and mentors found at Vanderbilt. 

Winchell, like Dr. Louise Cowan, Dr. Mel Bradford, Dr. Richard Weaver, and many others, was an exemplar of the Southern and academic literary tradition stemming from Vanderbilt.



Biography of a literature teacher--Cleanth Brooks

When I left teaching my job teaching history in a public school and began teaching history and literature in a private Christian school, my thinking underwent a series of major changes.  I had a minor in English and had read sporadically from literary works, but had given the bulk of my time in reading and in the classroom to history. 

Almost on a whim, I ordered the book Cleanth Brooks and the Rise of Modern Criticism by Winchell.  My experience of reading it was a 'game changer.'  I learned more about Southern literature and literary criticism than I had ever imagined.  For several years, I was insanely obsessed with the Agrarians, Southern authors, Faulkner, and any other works related to those topics.  (The fire has moderated over the years, but the love of Southern literature continues.)

I not only loved this book about Brooks, but I also began collected books that Brooks wrote.  He is my favorite model of a literary critic.  I wish I had known him when he was still living.  Thankfully, Winchell's biography gives me a sense of what that man was like.

Great poet, critic, novelist, Southerner--Donald Davidson

I was estatic the year that the book Where No Flag Flies: Donald Davidson and the Southern Resistance
came out.  From my reading of the Agrarians and Fugitive Poets and some of Davidson's books, he entered the pantheon of my heroes.  Mel Bradford was originally working on this biography.  His untimely death prevented that work from being completed.  Dr. Winchell took on the mantle and did an excellent job of covering the life of a complicated and interesting man.

I wrote a letter to Winchell sometime after I read the Brooks biography.  He wrote a gracious reply, which mentioned some connection his wife had with family in the Texarkana area.  I had the hope of meeting him someday.  I wish that had happened.  I truly have benefited from his biographies.

I learned of Winchell's death in reading an announcement about his last book, which has just been published by ISI.  That book is titled The Cause of  Us All: Cultural Politics and the American South.  I look forward to acquiring it soon and enjoying yet another good read from a great scholar.

Intercollegiate Studies Institute