It is with much trepidation that I attempt to define Christian
Reconstructionism as I am still trying to grasp what it means myself. The
reason why I am posting this seemingly tangential subject to the group is
given toward the end. Terms often associated although not necessarily equal
are Theonomy and Dominion Theology. The best I can do is quote a book I
have "Theonomy, A Reformed Critique" (Barker and Godfrey eds. 1990):
Pg 9: "Chief among these leading characteristics are an emphasis on the Old
Testament law; stress on the continued normatively not only of the moral law
but also of the judicial law of Old Testament Isreal, including its penal
sanctions; and belief that the Old Testament judicial law applies not only
to Isreal, but also to Gentile nations, including modern America, so that it
is the duty of the civil government to enforce that law and execute its
penalties. Christian reconstruction hence has the appeal of claiming to
apply biblical principles to contemporary society in a way that will express
the dominion of Christ. usually, Christian reconstruction is characterized
by a postmillennial eschatology."
and research into the various "schools" of Christian Reconstructionism, they
stress various aims to differing degrees but all are highly political and
have been highly influential in the home school movement. The
reconstructionist takes the Old Testament literally and believes the whole
Law still applies today except many of the ceremonial laws (sacrifices
etc...) and society must be reconstructed with these laws in mind.
I have eluded in the past to my fustrations in regard to the positions of
Christian reconstructionists and the Creationism. Presuppositionalism is a
very important "plank in their platform" and they presuppose a literal
interpretation of the Scripture especially with respect to Genesis 1-11. At
the same time when I try to discuss issues they will give many of the
standard YEC arguments you hear from the ICR and others but when pressed you
find they have no respect for Scientific Creationists whatsover because in
their mind there is no need for any "scientific proof" that the world is
young because they "presuppose" that it is based on what the Scriptures say.
Added to that is the a general approach that "extrabiblical" evidence cannot
be used to interpret the Scriptures but rather I hear "ONLY the scripture
can interpret scripture."
As a result of these assumptions any evidence that the earth is old is
immediately met with one of two arguments:
1: scientists who are not "for God" are "against God" and therefore
anything they say is suspect and can't be trusted. This becomes a vicious
cycle for when related to me because I went public elementary schools and a
corrupt college (Calvin College) where I have been indoctrinated with
"evolutionary ideals" and so if I try to present any kind of data to even
demonstrate why I even have questions about Genesis I get no response
because I can't be trusted to be giving them the real facts because I am
biased.
2: you just haven't looked hard enough for the "Christian" answer in
the data.
Not only where I am now but in the last two places I have been I have been
running into this attitude more and more rather than the Scientific
Creationsists outlook that is so often discussed on this group. I feel well
equipped to engage Scientific Creationists in discussions but am continually
fustrated by this sort of response.
One of the main reasons I have been interested in this group for some time
(although a newbie contributor) is that the key for me now is not a bunch of
stats and facts but the discussion of the theological issues because it
seems for me that that is where I need to start when I am asked questions
here. I would just like to say I have been very attentive to several
threads in the past month and very much appreciate every ones candor on some
of these difficult issues (in public and personal responses).
Again, if anyone has any experiences with theonomic writings on the C/E
question I would be very interested in getting a hold of that information.
Don't take everything I have said about Christian Reconstructionists as
written in stone because again, I only have personal experiences with a few
of these churches and I don't know where the real movers and shakers in this
movement stand on these issues.
Joel
Joel Duff
Dpt. Plant Biology
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901-6509