The Easy Chair

Easy Chair No. 145, May 6, 1987

In Easy Chair No. 145, R.J. Rushdoony and Joseph McAuliffe examine the state of Christian fundraising, highlighting widespread concern over unethical practices, misuse of funds, and the public’s declining trust in TV ministries. McAuliffe cites polls showing that both Christians and non-Christians view many fundraising methods as manipulative, commercialized, and spiritually dishonest. He contrasts this with biblical models, emphasizing that fundraising must align with God’s will, respect donors’ freedom, provide transparency in the use of funds, and uphold integrity. Using examples from the tabernacle, the temple, and the early church, he stresses that giving should support God-ordained projects, advance His covenant, and avoid debt, coercion, or vanity. Both Rushdoony and McAuliffe call for a shift from spectacle-driven “star” ministries to faithful, local church-based stewardship that glorifies God and strengthens the kingdom.

Easy Chair No. 144, April 16, 1987

In this broadcast, R.J. Rushdoony, Otto Scott, and R.E. McMaster discuss the moral and religious collapse of the Western world and its profound impact on economics, politics, and society. McMaster emphasizes that government and economics are extensions of religious ethics, noting stark contrasts between Protestant-influenced North America and Catholic/Latin cultures, particularly in terms of productivity, decentralization, and the long-term perspective. They critique the rise of short-term financial speculation, debt-driven economies, and government interference, illustrating how these undermine individual responsibility, long-term planning, and societal prosperity. The conversation also examines historical patterns, including the role of the Puritan work ethic in American capitalism, the global trade and industrial shifts involving Japan, Korea, and Latin America, and the use of debt as a tool of control. Rushdoony and the panel stress that declining faith and moral standards, coupled with monopolies in money, law, education, and health, erode societal stability. They warn that without a restoration of Christian ethics and a long-term outlook, economic and social collapse could intensify, potentially giving rise to radical movements if ordinary citizens are financially and socially imperiled. The discussion concludes by noting the Christian community’s limited engagement with economics and the political-economic sphere, emphasizing that meaningful cultural and economic reform must be rooted in faith, biblical law, and long-term stewardship of resources.

Easy Chair No. 143, April 10, 1987

R.J. Rushdoony reviews books illustrating moral, cultural, and societal trends. He highlights John Morgan’s Prince of Crime on Catholic dominance in urban politics and crime, A. Craig Copetas’ Metal Men on large-scale corporate corruption, and Major Henry Darley’s Slaves and Ivory on Africa’s moral and social challenges. He also notes cultural degeneration in 19th-century France, historical insights on Roman law, and celebrates entrepreneurial innovation in Donald Lambrou’s Land of Opportunity. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for Christian moral guidance and reconstruction in society.

Easy Chair No. 142, March 18, 1987

R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott discuss Christian Reconstruction as the biblical mandate to establish God’s justice and righteousness in every sphere of society. They emphasize that the Early Church became influential far beyond its numbers by helping one another, serving the community, resolving disputes, and creating a moral, functional order amid a corrupt world. Christianity historically transformed civilizations, building cities, draining swamps, cultivating land, and establishing law and education, producing wealth and stability. Rushdoony and Scott contrast this constructive, faith-driven action with modern society, where humanistic states, urban decay, rising immorality, and bureaucratic interference suppress Christian activity and resist moral responsibility. They argue that Christian Reconstruction begins with individual faith and responsibility, extending to education, charity, and community engagement. Modern tools like computers and global communication offer unprecedented opportunities for a new Reformation, allowing believers to restore order, influence society, and extend God’s justice practically. They conclude that while short-term challenges may be severe, the long-term outlook under God promises a more prosperous, free, and godly society. Practical application—such as supporting Christian relief efforts like CERT and aiding persecuted believers—is emphasized as the starting point for meaningful reconstruction.

Easy Chair No. 141, March 16, 1987 - The Meaning of History

R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott discuss history, its meaning, and how it is recorded, emphasizing that true history reflects God’s hand, not merely human actions. They critique modern historiography, which often interprets events naturalistically, humanistically, or through myths, ignoring divine providence and the unpredictable factors that shape outcomes, such as weather, disease, or unexpected deaths of leaders. Examples include Constantine’s conversion, the Pilgrims’ survival, the Mongol halt in Europe, and the outcomes of World Wars, illustrating that history is far more contingent and guided by God than modern accounts suggest. They note that modern education and social science have largely replaced traditional history, leaving students unaware of patterns of tyranny, the role of faith, and the moral lessons of the past. Rushdoony and Scott stress that Christian schools are uniquely positioned to teach history accurately, recognizing God’s sovereignty and the enduring reality of mystery.