The Easy Chair

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CR101 Radio - Podcasts
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Round table discussions on a variety of subjects from a Christian perspective.

  1. 1d ago

    Easy Chair No. 166, March 10, 1988 - Profanity

    Rushdoony and Scott define profanity in its original sense: living, speaking, or acting “outside the temple,” that is, outside of God. Modern society reduces profanity to dirty words, but its essence is secularism living as though God does not exist. They stress that when people, including Christians, treat politics, education, art, or business as outside the realm of God, they are committing profanity. Humanism, pietism, and situation ethics all contribute to this pervasive disregard for God, leaving civilization morally and spiritually weakened. They trace the historical consequences of profanity, noting the Gold Rush and the Civil War in the U.S. as examples where loss of faith led to social chaos, moral collapse, and total war. Profanity manifests in state power, secularized law, and public policy, including attacks on churches, abortion, and the undermining of religious authority. They also highlight how the Death of God theology and modern “profane” education have eroded reverence for God across generations, producing a society focused on self and material gain, spiritually empty and morally unstable. Rushdoony and Scott contrast this with the eternal perspective: God remains sovereign, and His judgment and providence assure the ultimate triumph of His truth. They emphasize Augustine’s teaching that history is a struggle between the City of God and the city of man, and that despite the present decadence and profanation, God’s order endures. Even as worldly institutions decline, the faithful can look forward to a future shaped by God’s justice and restoration.

  2. Oct 10

    Easy Chair No. 165, March 10, 1988 - Pragmatism

    Rushdoony and Scott examine pragmatism, the American form of existentialism, which defines truth by what “works” rather than by God or eternal standards. Pragmatism dominates education, politics, business, law, and even religion, leading to consumer-oriented, self-centered thinking, situation ethics, and the erosion of merit, permanence, and moral restraint. It fosters a society focused on immediate gain, social conformity, and personal advantage, while undermining truth, craftsmanship, and enduring values in art, architecture, and culture. They note how pragmatism corrodes Christianity, shifting emphasis from God-centered faith to man-centered self-help, and produces spiritual emptiness even in materially prosperous societies. Modern art, music, and literature often reflect this impermanence and superficiality, while historic standards of excellence and beauty are abandoned. Despite the dominance of pragmatism, Rushdoony and Scott affirm that Christians, grounded in God’s truth and eternity, possess the wisdom, moral clarity, and resilience to endure and reshape culture. They stress that the world’s temporary values will pass, but what is rooted in God will endure, offering hope, purpose, and a secure future.

  3. Oct 3

    Easy Chair No. 164, February 11, 1988 - The New Paganism

    R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott examine Darwin and the cultural impact of evolution, highlighting Michael Denton’s Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, which critiques Darwinian theory from a molecular biology standpoint, concluding that evolution lacks conclusive evidence and serves as a foundational myth for 20th-century secularism. They trace Darwin’s influence as removing purpose and God from natural processes, creating a worldview in which humanity could see itself as self-directing, a concept embraced by Marx and Engels to justify materialistic and social theories. They discuss the consequences of Darwinian thought on society, science, and morality: it fostered racism, eugenics, and anti-feminism, while elevating science to a quasi-religion that devalues human life and liberty. Language, according to scholars like Robert Keefe, was reinterpreted as merely a biological tool, diminishing its role as a divine gift and as a medium of moral and intellectual expression. This has contributed to the decline of literacy, critical reasoning, and meaningful communication across generations. Rushdoony and Scott note that while Darwin catalyzed a cultural and intellectual shift, the decline of faith and the rise of secularism were already underway. Christian education and literacy movements now serve as counter-trends, seeking to restore meaning, moral grounding, and the mastery of language. They stress the importance of understanding and responding to the intellectual and moral consequences of Darwinism, arguing that the preservation of culture and truth depends on active Christian engagement.

  4. Sep 26

    Easy Chair No. 163, February 11, 1988 - Inflation in the U.S.

    R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott discuss persistent inflation in the U.S., explaining it as an increase in the money supply that benefits debtors at the expense of creditors. Citing Freeman Tilden, they note inflation succeeds when fueled by larceny in the hearts of participants. They trace inflation from Roosevelt’s era to the late 20th century, highlighting how excessive credit, foreign loans, and artificial currency distort the economy and erode trust in money. They compare historical examples, such as Spain’s gold and John Law’s paper money in France, to show how unearned wealth and currency manipulation weaken societies. Modern banking, subsidies, and international loans perpetuate debt and economic instability. Despite these challenges, Rushdoony and Scott emphasize the opportunity for Americans to restore stability through work, sound currency, and financial responsibility, noting that Christians must particularly guard against debt, which is a leading cause of personal and societal problems.

  5. Sep 19

    Easy Chair No. 162, January 15, 1988 - Cultural Impact of Evolution

    R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott examine Darwin and the cultural impact of evolution, highlighting Michael Denton’s Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, which critiques Darwinian theory from a molecular biology standpoint, concluding that evolution lacks conclusive evidence and serves as a foundational myth for 20th-century secularism. They trace Darwin’s influence as removing purpose and God from natural processes, creating a worldview in which humanity could see itself as self-directing, a concept embraced by Marx and Engels to justify materialistic and social theories. They discuss the consequences of Darwinian thought on society, science, and morality: it fostered racism, eugenics, and anti-feminism, while elevating science to a quasi-religion that devalues human life and liberty. Language, according to scholars like Robert Keefe, was reinterpreted as merely a biological tool, diminishing its role as a divine gift and as a medium of moral and intellectual expression. This has contributed to the decline of literacy, critical reasoning, and meaningful communication across generations. Rushdoony and Scott note that while Darwin catalyzed a cultural and intellectual shift, the decline of faith and the rise of secularism were already underway. Christian education and literacy movements now serve as counter-trends, seeking to restore meaning, moral grounding, and the mastery of language. They stress the importance of understanding and responding to the intellectual and moral consequences of Darwinism, arguing that the preservation of culture and truth depends on active Christian engagement.

  6. Sep 12

    Easy Chair No. 161, January 15, 1988

    R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott discuss communism, tracing its history from the 5th-century Mazdakite movement in Persia to modern Marxism in the Soviet Union, Red China, and beyond. They note communism’s appeal to intellectuals, elites, and opportunists who are drawn to power, influence, and social control rather than ideology, and its reliance on propaganda, education, and media to shape minds. Early communists, they explain, bought loyalty and infiltrated institutions to gain control, a tactic that continues in modern politics. They highlight the pervasive influence of communist ideas in the United States, including in Congress, academia, unions like the NEA, and through racial and identity politics. Marxism today functions less as a utopian theory and more as a pragmatic tool for advancement, power, and ideological control, often aligning with progressive political agendas. The erosion of Christianity and moral responsibility, coupled with secular, pragmatist education, has left many Americans rudderless, unable to think causally or long-term. Rushdoony and Scott warn that religious conservatives face systematic silencing through laws and regulations, while communist and Marxist influences grow largely unchecked. They emphasize the importance of awareness, education, and organized Christian action to resist ideological infiltration and preserve moral and societal order.

  7. Sep 5

    Easy Chair No. 160, December 9, 1987 - Money and Debt

    R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott discuss money and debt, emphasizing that the Bible views money as hard money (gold and silver) and limits long-term debt. They contrast historical practices of short-term debt and thrift with modern inflationary policies, paper money, and mounting personal and national debt. This shift, they argue, erodes financial independence, encourages reckless spending, and threatens economic stability globally. They highlight historical lessons from Germany, Babylon, and Assyria, showing how debt can weaken nations and individuals alike. Modern governments and banks, through inflation, easy credit, and foreign lending, replicate these dangers on a massive scale, tying citizens and nations into dependency. Rushdoony and Scott stress the moral solution: Christians living debt-free and valuing real money can influence society positively. Crises, while challenging, also reveal human resilience and the opportunity for renewal, including reorganizing society on biblical principles. They emphasize that spiritual, financial, and communal responsibility are intertwined in securing stability and enduring prosperity.

  8. Aug 29

    Easy Chair No. 159, December 9, 1987 - Preaching – Q&A (Evangelism and Preaching)

    This wide-ranging and provocative Q&A session brings together R.J. Rushdoony and Marshall Foster to address pressing questions about Christian responsibility in a broken world covering issues of global poverty, missions, liberation theology, political involvement, education, law and grace, civil religion, and cultural transformation. With candor and conviction, they challenge sentimental charity, passive faith, and shallow theology, arguing instead for a biblical vision of dominion rooted in God’s law, covenant faithfulness, and the lordship of Christ over every sphere of life. The discussion confronts hard realities from persecution of missionaries and manipulation of public institutions to the limits of obedience to civil authority calling Christians to informed action, moral courage, and faithful witness in both church and society.

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Round table discussions on a variety of subjects from a Christian perspective.

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