Chalcedon Blog

"That design implies an intelligent designer is a self-evident truth. Every man believes it; and no man can practically disbelieve it. Even those naturalists who theoretically deny it, if they find in a cave so simple a thing as a flint arrowhead, are as sure that it was made by a man as they are of their own existence. And yet they want us to believe that an eagle's eye is the product of blind natural causes." ~ Charles Hodge

Here's a clip from one of my dearest friends, Johnny Orr, playing his song "The Rain." I've never seen a guy work harder at his music. Breaking into that arena is like going through a concrete wall with a plastic spoon. But, this clip is him playing back up for Kenny Chesney. He's getting there!

I was honored when he played this song for me at my 40th birthday party. I'm just returning the honor. You're the best, Johnny!

In the past two decades, nearly 50,000 women have deserted churches in the U.K. "because they feel the church is not relevant to their lives." So claims a female sociologist at the University of Derby:

"In short, women are abandoning the church. Because of its focus on female empowerment, young women are attracted by Wicca, popularised by the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Young women tend to express egalitarian values and dislike the traditionalism and hierarchies they imagine are integral to the church."

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is causing women to leave church? The report says that these young women are attracted to pagan religions because in them females have a more prominent position. This is linked to more sociological phenomenon such as neo-feminism, single-parent families, unmarried couples, and sexual freedom. In other words, Biblical restraints, or at least the way the Church of England is handling those issues.

I think this is where the Catholics have a clear advantage in their veneration of Mary. Right or wrong, the concept of motherhood is made "divine" within Romanism to where the church itself is as much as incarnation of Mary as it is of Christ. I'm speaking pragmatically to make a point about a very real impression women must face within certain circles of Protestantism. I also think this is what Catholic converts refer to as "coming home," i.e., coming home means returning to your mother.

The Church of England is considering the ordination of female bishops to help offset this dilemma, but critics believe this will only lead to an exodus of traditionalists. Yet, it is precisely this traditionalism that feminists are targeting. The chairman of Watch--a pro-women bishop campaign group--said,

"What this research reveals is that a lot of people are put off by traditional stances and attitudes. We still have a long way to go before women, particularly young women, feel as included in the church as men do."

This is an odd statement, since the Church of England retains both a strong prelacy, as well as a cavernous clergy/laity distinction. Therefore, how would a female rector make a difference, if the church still condemns fornication, homosexuality, etc.?

In short, we have a basic Bible problem here because it's the one thing not being mentioned. The role of women and men is defined Biblically, and that is where both clergy and laity should invest their time in debate.

Lastly, it's an issue of salvation. In other words, if you're easily swayed by the likes of Wicca and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you're probably already on your way to hell, so "proceed to the next exit."

"Voters know the public Barack Obama, the guy on magazine covers and nightly newscasts. His wife hoped to reassure voters that her husband is a lot like they are, despite all the attention given to his African father, his over-the-top minister and his exotic name."

Okay, Mrs. Obama, let me get this straight. The guy on magazine covers and nightly newscasts is the REAL Barack Obama, not the guy with the African estranged father, psychotic White-hating pastor, nor the man with a middle name the same as that of Saddam Hussein? Forgive me if laugh in your face for such a ridiculous suggestion. The guy on the magazine covers and newscasts is the media created image, never the real person. Who does she think she's kidding?

If you haven't heard of the Florida Outpouring, then you've missed nothing. If you have, then you'll be delighted to hear that what we all assumed has come to pass. The criminal "evangelist" Todd Bentley has fallen into sin.

Of course, this is after self-proclaimed apostles like C. Peter Wagner endorsed Bentley in near Biblical terms. But, like every other crook, he'll find love, forgiveness, and cash from the millions of Charismatic simpletons that call themselves "God's anointed."

Swaggart, Tilton, Liardon, Crouch, Lea, or Haggard. It doesn't matter how many fall, there's always another million suckers to take the bait.

Deliver us from evil.

I confessed recently to not being a bibliophile, or "lover of books." This may seem a strange confession by someone involved in an organization like Chalcedon--one built by men that read thousands of books. I did not say I did not read. I only stated that I did so for the information contained in books, but I do not enjoy the process. The idea of "curling up" in a comfortable chair to read the day away has no appeal to my sensibilities.

So why write about it? Because I'm surrounded by bibliophiles, and it's only those that use their reading to acquire something tangible that I genuinely respect. Rushdoony's extensive reading led to extensive writing which in turn created a social revolution. Gary North's reading did the same. Even Gary DeMar, who refers to himself as a "popularizer," has a library of over 20,000 volumes and debates, hosts a radio program, writes books, and teaches in conferences. So, if you think a "Christian Reconstructionist" means being someone who simply reads a lot of theology, philosophy, and history, you've missed the point entirely.

The Desire for Knowledge

The trap a lot of younger men fall into is that they equate the accumulation of knowledge with success. Therefore, if they can read enough books, somehow the future will open for them. What they find is that nothing opens for them. The accumulation of knowledge was its own reward.

Compounding their problem is when they look at someone like me who obviously doesn't have their encyclopedic knowledge. They think, "How in the world did that guy get in that position? I know far more than him." Then, to make themselves feel better, they say, "Chalcedon has taken a turn for the worst. They're really dumbing it down."

Am I making this up? I'm afraid not. Many of these types will email me to tell me so. It's all good, though. They just don't understand, but their circumstances--and soon their age--will instruct them far better than I can.

You see, I don't have a desire for knowledge. I have a desire to see His Kingdom come, and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. What does this mean? It means my approach is far different than that of the average scholar. In fact, after Rushdoony passed, the last thing Chalcedon needed was another scholar. What was needed most was someone with a grasp for communications. Most of the intellectual work was accomplished. We had more than enough material to propagate. My objective is to make use of Rushdoony's corpus for the development of the Kingdom enterprise.

Does that mean we should discontinue scholarship? God forbid. The time will come around when scholarship will become more pronounced, but until then, getting Rushdoony to the nations is a far more important objective.

This is because the real value in the "knowledge" racket is "specialized," or targeted knowledge, i.e., knowledge put to use to obtain some goal. Accumulating knowledge for its own sake has little value. It's similar to someone that prays all day. What effect are they really having other than on themselves?

To support this, I'll quote somebody that the average Reformed intellectual would likely never read: a motivational guru! Here's Napoleon Hill's insightful differentiation between general and specialized knowledge:

There are two kinds of knowledge. One is general, the other is specialized. General knowledge, no matter how great in quantity or variety it may be, is of but little use in the accumulation of money. The faculties of the great universities possess, in the aggregate, practically every form of general knowledge known to civilization. Most of the professors have but little money. They specialize on teaching knowledge, but they do not specialize on the organization, or the use of knowledge.

Knowledge will not attract money, unless it is organized, and intelligently directed, through practical plans of action, to the definite end of accumulation of money.* Lack of understanding of this fact has been the source of confusion to millions of people who falsely believe that "knowledge is power." It is nothing of the sort! Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action and directed to a definite end.

There's an adage that says, "He who reads, leads," but this is only partly true. Leaders are not leaders because they are readers. Leaders are leaders because they put their reading to specific use--they organize their knowledge into proactive plans for achieving a definite end.

So, what are you plans? Do you have a vision? Is their some larger goal you'd like to use your knowledge to achieve? Have you taken steps to organize this knowledge? If not, why not put the books down for a while and take out a pen and legal pad? Why not spend the next month writing out the different options you have for putting your knowledge to use? Forget the reading lists. Stop envying that someone's accumulated reading list is larger than yours. Why spend your time racing against someone going nowhere?

*By citing Napoleon Hill, I am not endorsing the lust for accumulating money. His point about using knowledge was the reason I cited him.

A bibliophile is a great lover and collector of books. The world is full of such--and the Reformed community likely makes up a sizable portion of that population--but I must confess that I am not one of them.

Bibliophiles are always posting their reading lists, favorite books, or books they'd like to read. I have never understood the fascination with publishing such things. Why would you want others to know that information?

Rushdoony would always publish the list and titles of the books read in a given year, but that was so that his supporters would know he wasn't slouching. He also published the yearly amount of books and articles written and speeches given. There was no boasting on his part. He was responsible to those underwriting his labor.

I read a lot, but I'm no lover of books. Bibliophiles talk of getting lost in their reading, but I often can't wait to get done with a volume. I'm actually after information, and books just happen to be where a great deal of it resides. If I don't turn the pages, I can't get the info. That doesn't mean I enjoy the process.

I certainly respect those who love to read. I just thought I might take the opportunity to confess my lack thereof. What I do love is vision, a plan, and action. If it requires reading to get something significant accomplished, then you can bet I'll be reading. But, the thought of being secluded in a corner of the library makes we want to nap, not read. It also kills my back to sit that long with a book.

I guess I would say I'm more of a lover of people. It's always been my contention that people are the world's greatest treasure, and doing things that keep me away from the community of humanity is detrimental in my opinion. I'm with Solomon on this one:

Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Eccl. 12:12

I'm also with Solomon on the concept that life and labor is to be enjoyed:

Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. Eccl. 2:24

There is no end to the writing and printing of books. And there is no end to the study of any subject. You could go your entire life believing a certain doctrine and find out in the end that you were wrong. What then do you make of all your study? This was the dilemma that Solomon understood. His conclusion? Make sure you sprinkle your life with a healthy dose of parties, cookouts, holidays, vacations, and special events. This way, when you realize your doctrines were not so precise, you can say, "Well, at least I had a good time, and I knew a lot of great people."

In one week, the average person living in Britain has 3,254 pieces of personal information stored about him or her, most of which is kept in databases for years and in some cases indefinitely.
The data include details about shopping habits, mobile phone use, emails, locations during the day, journeys and internet searches. In many cases this information is kept by companies such as banks and shops, but in certain circumstances they can be asked to hand it over to a range of legal authorities.

With the lure $1.6 billion in federal money, state and local police may get the authority to "collect intelligence about Americans, share the sensitive data with federal agencies and retain it for at least 10 years."

Please forgive this shameless promotion. :-)

Here is a trailer for a new Christian film due to release this Fall entitled "Fatal Flaw." My wife, Regina, is playing the role of the "wife" in the film. Please forward this trailer to those who might be interested. The directors intend to use this for evangelization.



You can learn more about the film here.

With the overwhelming sales of Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life (25+ million), we can assume that a good many people routinely reflect on whether their individual lives bear any specific meaning or purpose. In his subtitle, Warren reduces this general angst to a simple question that obviously resonated with the masses of humanity: "What on earth am I here for?"

That's a fair question, and it indicates people do believe that a personal satisfaction comes from knowing and understanding one's reason for existence. This is partly due to the fact that we often witness others with natural gifting or passions finding great joy in fulfilling their life desires. The problem is compounded in the life of the Christian who believes God has a specific purpose for them to fulfill. They're concerned they won't find it.

We assume--and rightly so--that fulfilling your God-intended purpose would also carry with it the motivation to carry it out. We want that personal drive that we see in the lives of those filled with a sense of purpose. One cannot doubt the sense of personal direction, motivation, and work ethic of R. J. Rushdoony. I have reviewed his daily journals dating back to 1972, and the diligence just to keep such records--let alone what the daily records showed he accomplished--is obviously due to his great motivation. Here's a sample from one of his journals (click the image to enlarge it):


Life is a Path

Does your life have a direction? Well, in general, all of our lives have an orientation. In fact, when the Bible speaks of the course of our lives, it often uses the metaphor of a path:

Thou wilt show me the path of life... Ps. 16:11
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Ps. 17:11
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. 119:105
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov. 3:6

We are not corks on an ocean drifting mindlessly with the chaotic movement of the waves, though some people may feel that way. Circumstances seem to overwhelm them, and their lack of control leaves them with a sense that they are at the mercy of other forces. The Bible says otherwise. The Bibles says that life is a path, and a path has limitations:

A path has two directions: forward and back.
A path is limited. It has boundaries that force you into either going forward or back.

Someone can say, "Okay, I also believe that life is a path, but the only path we should be concerned with is the path of salvation. It's worldly to be obsessing over one's life purpose."

If this were true, the book of Proverbs would be much shorter, for it provides us with wise actions for the various issues we face in the economy of life:

• Principles for raising children.
• Principles for a godly marriage.
• Principles for battling sins such as lust, theft, and murder.
• Principles for work and diligence.
• Principles for land and property.
• Principles for business transactions.
• Principles for giving.
• Principles for the handling of money.
• Principles for civil government.
• Principles for rest.
• Principles for entertainment.
• Principles for science.

Most of these instructions assume that if you were to follow them, you would experience increase in these areas. A man who invests in the godly rearing of his children will experience the future joy of a godly progeny. Someone that saves his or her money will experience the joy of financial security and the satisfaction from being a resource to bless others. Why would God want you to prosper in all areas of life if the only concern is personal santification?

Life is a path, and the choices are always blessing or cursing, prosperity or poverty, laziness or diligence, health or sickness, happiness or sadness, and doing all things for God and His Kingdom, or doing all things for oneself.

It stands to reason that if God desires your increase in all these secondary areas, then He certainly wants you to increase in your primary purpose whether it be motherhood or mechanic. It's not my intent to walk through the process of "finding" your purpose or calling, but only to make the point that life is a path and the direction to be going is obviously forward.

There is a difference, however, between discovering one's primary purpose(s) and "finding the perfect will of God." I'm certainly not advocating the latter. I can be aware of the resident gifts, talents, and abilities I have, and I can understand the wisest use or expression of those inherent graces, but that does not mean I know the "perfect will of God" for my life. I do not believe one can "miss" the will of God. Providence is too pervasive for you to even blink your eye out of God's timing.

Discovering the purpose for which you are created is different. In a general sense, we all have the same purpose of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever, but I'm referring to discovering the areas of your primary gifting and working to determine the wisest use of those gifts within the framework of present opportunities. In addition, embracing the "motivation" that should accompany such an awareness--a motivation that will move you to consistent action.

You Are a Vessel

Besides describing our life as a path, the Bible also refers to us a vessels:

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Acts 9:15
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Acts 9:21
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor. 4:7
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour. 1 Thess. 4:4
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Tim. 2:21
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Pet. 3:7

Vessels are supposed to be filled--that's why God uses this metaphor. He wants us to be filled, or consumed, with the spiritual qualities He's created for the benefit of His Kingdom. I say "spiritual" because it's obvious that physically, our bodies are filled with bone, tissue, and blood. There are no physical voids within us. But God sees us as vessels, and the elements He intends to consume us are first and foremost spiritual:

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Eph. 5:18
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Col 1:9
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... Col. 3:16

We are to be filled with the Spirit; filled with an understanding of God's ethical will; and filled with His Word. One cannot be so filled without a strong sense of passion. Having a strong sense of passion is a type of filling. We should be consumed, and consume means to be filled.

You may have heard someone describe "feeling empty inside." This is usually because they lack a passion for living. An empty vessel carries no motivation for fulfilling any kind of purpose. This is set over against those that we describe as "driven." They're always thinking or talking about their interests or goals. We often refer to them as being "obsessed"--and obsess means to preoccupy or fill the mind.

Which Came First: Passion or Purpose?

If you have questions about your life's purpose, your passion(s) can be a great indicator of the direction you should take. This is also true of what bothers you the most. Often, what irritates you may reveal a specific problem that God has gifted you to solve. In the end, all our individual purposes are given to solve a problem.

Because so many claim that do not yet know the full manifestation of their life's purpose, they often do nothing at all. They think there is something wrong with them, or that God has nothing for them. The truth is that God often hides this information from us in order that we may pursue Him for it. This is part of the maturing process. We fail to understand that, so we get frustrated with being left in the dark.

It's similar to the way a parent helps their young baby to learn to walk. Once the baby learns to hold itself up against a couch or table, it will then attempt to push off and take steps. Soon, it's trying to take steps towards the parent. What does the parent do? The parent starts to back up so that the baby will walk further. What does the baby do? It cries, because it cannot understand why the parent would move away--i.e., "hide"--while the baby is trying to get them. In this way, God often veils Himself and our purpose in order to strengthen our ability to walk.

We cannot fathom the path our life will take, so we have to move in the direction of the opportunities presently available. As you're faithful, and garner more experience, you'll discover new opportunities. You'll also find that your passions change along with the change in opportunities. The motivation for one season dissipates while a passion for the next one takes over.

My path into Chalcedon was nothing I intended. I began working with them as a vendor in 1995 doing graphic design and layout. At the time, Rushdoony was not keen on using artwork for book and magazine covers, but Andrew Sandlin was able to persuade him into permitting it. In fact, I wouldn't be in this position today were it not for Andrew's vision for something greater for Chalcedon and his commitment to using me to help him achieve it.

After Rush's passing, and the eventual reorganization of the ministry, challenges ensued that required rethinking Chalcedon's modus operandi. It so happens that since 1995, my passions broadened into other areas of communications that equipped me for some consulting with Chalcedon in early 2003. This led to my taking the position as Director of Communications, and the rest is history.

It was never my intention to be employed at Chalcedon. That was not my goal. I had other plans actually. But, seasons and passions change, and with that our sense of purpose. Granted, I'm always on a path of sanctification, but what I do with my life is equally important. The problem is that most volumes on systematic theology do not cover such areas. If they do, it's usually limited to the Biblical concept of ministerial calling. But, for those of us with a view to a faith for all of life, we need to apply that same theology to our personal path and purpose.

Research by a Valparaiso University geography professor and his students on the creation of Kankakee Sand Islands of Northwest Indiana is lending support to evidence that the first humans to settle the Americas came from Europe, a discovery that overturns decades of classroom lessons that nomadic tribes from Asia crossed a Bering Strait land-ice bridge. Valparaiso is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research.

City: Los Angeles, CA
August 8, 2008

Homeschooling families throughout California can breathe more easily following a major decision released today in the Rachel L. case by California's Second District Court of Appeal.

In a reversal of its previous decision, the Court today clearly upheld the right of families to homeschool under California law. In doing so, the court agreed with most of the arguments advanced by Pacific Justice Institute in the briefing and at oral argument. The court deferred to the state legislature, which has allowed homeschooling to flourish in the state with few restrictions. At the same time, the court stopped short of declaring the right to homeschool to be absolute in all circumstances, holding that in rare circumstances, the state may have a compelling interest sufficient to prevent families under the jurisdiction of a dependency court through charges of abuse or neglect from homeschooling. The appellate court remanded the Rachel L. case to the trial court for a specific determination as to the L. family at the center of this case, although the trial court recently determined it no longer needed to exercise jurisdiction over the family.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, "This is a tremendous victory for thousands of homeschooling families in California. The pall of uncertainty that has hung over so many families for the last few months is gone. Our attorneys will be thoroughly analyzing this 44-page decision and will be communicating further with California homeschooling families as to its additional implications."

After a decade in the NBA, unrestricted free agent Earl Boykins has joined the growing legion of veteran role players unable to resist the lure of European riches.