Key takeaways
• Christian Reconstructionism calls for society to follow Old Testament laws.
• It began with R. J. Rushdoony’s work in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Its ideas spread into homeschooling, charismatic movements, and politics.
• Critics warn it may harm democracy and religious freedom.
What is Christian Reconstructionism?
Christian Reconstructionism is a movement that wants modern laws shaped by the Bible. It argues that Old Testament rules still apply today. Supporters say civil life, education, and culture must honor God’s commands. They see secular democracy as unstable. Instead, they call for divine authority in courts and schools. Although its core following stayed small, its ideas have influenced many Christian groups. These include homeschool networks, charismatic circles, and parts of the Christian right.
Roots of Christian Reconstructionism
Christian Reconstructionism took shape in the late 1950s and grew in the 1960s. The key thinker was R. J. Rushdoony, an Armenian-American theologian. In his 1973 book, “The Institutes of Biblical Law,” Rushdoony said Old Testament laws must guide modern society. He even called for the death penalty for crimes like adultery and blasphemy. In 1965, he founded The Chalcedon Foundation, a publishing house for reconstructionist ideas. There, he trained leaders such as Greg Bahnsen and Gary North. Together, they built a tight network of theologians and activists. Their shared goal was to help Christians “take dominion” over all areas of life.
How Christian Reconstructionism Shapes Homeschooling
One key area influenced by Christian Reconstructionism is homeschooling. Many families choose Christian schools that mix faith and learning. They use curricula rooted in Reformed theology and divine law. For example, some lessons cover how biblical history connects to current events. Parents often resist secular public schools. They fear those schools ignore God’s rules. As a result, thousands of Christian homes teach math, history, and science through a reconstructionist lens. These programs stress traditional family roles and moral training based on scripture.
Christian Reconstructionism and Broader Networks
Despite its niche roots, Christian Reconstructionism fed into wider dominionist streams. Dominionism is a broader idea that Christians should guide culture and politics. Unlike reconstructionism, dominionism does not demand literal enforcement of every Old Testament law. It focuses on influence rather than legal codes. Between the 1960s and 1980s, reconstructionist thinkers turned dominionist beliefs into a clear political project. They laid out how to replace secular governance with biblical truth. Meanwhile, charismatic and Pentecostal groups advanced similar aims using prophecy and spiritual power.
From Reconstructionism to the New Apostolic Reformation
In the 1990s, charismatic leader C. Peter Wagner adapted reconstructionist ideas for a new movement. This group is known as the New Apostolic Reformation. Wagner taught that modern apostles and prophets should lead society. He encouraged Christians to seize control of seven “mountains”: family, church, government, education, media, business, and arts. This strategy echoes reconstructionist calls for divine rule. However, Wagner added a focus on spiritual gifts and warfare. His vision spread rapidly through conferences and church networks. Today, the New Apostolic Reformation reaches thousands of congregations worldwide.
Doug Wilson’s Role in Christian Reconstructionism
Pastor Doug Wilson of Moscow, Idaho, serves as another bridge between original reconstructionism and today’s Christian activism. Wilson borrows heavily from Rushdoony but softens some of the harsher demands. He writes books on marriage and education that apply biblical principles to modern life. Through his Canon Press publishing house and classical Christian schools, Wilson’s ideas reach many families. His group, the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, adds to a network of about 1,300 members in his church alone. In this way, Christian Reconstructionism influences everyday faith and community life.
Why Critics and Supporters Clash
Critics say the fusion of reconstructionist and dominionist thought threatens pluralism and democratic norms. They warn that pushing laws based on one religion can harm rights for others. For example, enforcing Old Testament punishments would violate modern human rights. These critics fear that even mild forms of reconstructionism blur the line between church and state. Supporters, however, argue their goal is moral renewal. They believe divine authority leads to true flourishing for all. They also stress that reconstructionist ideas serve as a guide, not a forced legal code.
Enduring Impact on American Public Life
Today, Christian Reconstructionism operates through small but well-connected church groups, homeschool associations, and media outlets. Its influence extends far beyond its original circle. Even people unaware of Rushdoony may echo the movement’s key themes. You can see this in political debates over religious freedom, school choice, and public morality. Reconstructionist patterns also appear when some leaders call for Godly law to shape national policies. Moreover, the movement’s legacy lives on in the New Apostolic Reformation and other dominionist networks.
Conclusion
Christian Reconstructionism began as a radical plan to apply Old Testament law to modern life. It stayed small but left a larger mark through homeschool groups and charismatic circles. Leaders like C. Peter Wagner and Doug Wilson adapted its ideas for new generations. While critics fear its push for a single faith-based legal order, supporters see it as a path to moral renewal. Either way, its core message—that divine authority should guide society—remains part of America’s ongoing debate.
FAQs
How did Christian Reconstructionism start?
Christian Reconstructionism began with R. J. Rushdoony in the late 1950s. He argued that Old Testament laws should govern modern society. In 1965, he founded The Chalcedon Foundation to spread these ideas.
How does Christian Reconstructionism influence homeschooling?
Many Christian families use reconstructionist curricula in their homeschool programs. These materials teach subjects like math and history through a Biblical worldview. They stress moral training based on Old Testament laws.
What do critics say about Christian Reconstructionism?
Critics warn that enforcing one religious view could harm democracy and rights for religious minorities. They argue that legal codes from ancient times conflict with modern human rights and pluralism.
How does Christian Reconstructionism reach today’s politics?
Influential leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation and other dominionist groups adapt reconstructionist ideas for politics. They call on believers to guide education, government, and culture under biblical authority.