Christian Reconstruction: What It Is, What It Isn't (e-Book)

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Subtitle: What It Is, What It Isn't

About the Title: "Christian Reconstruction." In 1980, hardly anyone had heard the phrase. By 1990, it was becoming famous - or at least infamous - in American evangelical circles. Even the secular media had begun to pick up on it, most notably Bill Moyers, who devoted an entire Public Broadcasting System television program to the topic.

Christian Reconstruction is a theological system, a movement of independent activists, and a cultural ideal. Its goal is nothing short of transformation of the world. "And they shall build the old wastes, and they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generation" (Isa. 61:4). Isaiah's vision of cultural transformation was recapitulated by Christ, but applied to the whole world through God's church, not just to the kingdom of ancient Israel: "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matt. 21:43). Will the church be successful in presenting God's message? Yes! "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Isa. 11:9).

In today's world, Christians have been told that there is nothing they can do to improve society. This idea is the devil's own lie, one that gives him breathing room. They have been told that the world is lawfully governed by neutral principles of ethics, law, and science. Christians have believed this, but the results have been anything but neutral: secular humanism, New Age mysticism, and abortion on demand. In the name of neutrality, Christians have handed the world over to Satan and his covenanted disciples. All they want is a little peace and quiet. But they cannot get it: "For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace: when there is not peace."(Jer. 8:11)

Then what about the Great Commission? It is a hopeless goal? "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt. 28:18-20). Is Jesus powerless? Are his people powerless? Is Jesus' kingdom limited in history to the regenerate heart, the local church, the Christian family, and (maybe) the local Christian day school? Who says so? The humanists do. So do their allies in the churches, the pietists. Reconstructionists ask: "What is the limit of God's offer of redemption?" They answer: "As far as sin extends its unholy reign."

Is Christ's kingdom unreal in history until He comes again to sit on an earthly throne? If so, is Satan's kingdom unreal in history until he comes to sit on an earthly throne? If the second question is ridiculous, then so is the first.

Christian Reconstruction: What It Is, What It Isn't spells out in a clear, concise way just what the theology, the movement, and the ideals of Christian Reconstruction really are. It sweeps the systematic misinformation of the secular media and the pietist press regarding this important movement. If you want to know what Christian Reconstruction is, go to the source.

Authors: Dr. North & Gary DeMar

About the Authors: Gary DeMar is the President of American Vision. Gary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in Christian Intellectual History from Whitefield Theological Seminary. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrappedboth broadcasted and podcasted.

Gary North received his Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Riverside in 1972. Gary is the author of 42 books including The War on Mel Gibson: The Media versus The Passion and Crossed Fingers: How Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church. Gary is one of the most insightful and thought-provoking historians in modern times.