About An Informed Faith: The Position Papers of R.J. Rushdoony
Our faith should be an informed one because the God who created all things speaks to every sphere of life, and all facts should be studied in light of the revelation of God in Scripture. This is the foundation of Christian dominion. For R. J. Rushdoony, true government was the self-government of the Christian life in terms of God's law, so he wrote his position papers to better equip Christians to apply their faith to all of life. His objective was not to empower the state, or the organized church, but rather to call every person and institution to God's Word, which often put him at odds with both church and state. (Position Papers from 1979-2000)
Publisher
R.J. Rushdoony
Category
education · religion & spirituality · society & culture
Modern politics is built on the false belief that the state can save man. As A. J. P. Taylor noted, socialism assumes human perfectibility, an idea that collapses once sin and human limitation are acknowledged. From a biblical perspective, man cannot remake man; only God’s regenerating grace can bring true change.
This political faith is a modern form of Gnosticism, claiming that salvation comes through elite knowledge and state power. Democracy and religion are kept in outward form but redefined by ruling elites, while those who reject political salvation especially Christians are increasingly treated as enemies. The state, meant to administer justice, has become a substitute savior, steadily expanding its control.
The result is disillusionment and loss of freedom. Politics promises redemption but delivers oppression, as men look to the state for what only God can give. True renewal comes not through revolution or political power, but through submission to Christ, who alone is the source of wisdom, justice, and life.
17 Oct 2026
Elitism
Elitism often goes hand in hand with equalitarianism, as seen in Marxism and in Plato’s Republic, both of which deny the biblical view of man. Plato’s model called for rule by philosopher-kings, the abolition of property and family autonomy, and total control of education and culture, all to suppress individualism and enforce obedience.
Modern elitism continues this pattern through state control, claiming that man is infinitely malleable, denying original sin, and redefining happiness as service to social goals. The elite present themselves as reason incarnate: agreement is labeled rational, while dissent is treated as deviance. Though they profess love for the masses, elitists privately despise them and resent the independence created by free markets and social mobility.
This mindset dominates politics, academia, and even the church, where abstract “principles” and esoteric interpretations replace obedience to God’s concrete commands. Elitism is ultimately a religious system rooted in Greek abstraction rather than the authority of the triune God. Scripture calls not for submission to elites but for faithfulness to God’s law, reminding us that true wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord.”
13 Oct 2026
Aristocracy
Aristocracy means “rule by the best,” but history shows that societies have defined “the best” in very different ways. From philosopher-kings and feudal nobles to country gentlemen, saints, and intellectual elites, true aristocracy has rarely rested on power alone. At its strongest, it ruled by moral authority, honor, service, and example rather than force.
When aristocracies abandoned responsibility or developed contempt for the people whether among feudal nobles, Marxist rulers, or modern cultural elites they ceased to be “the best” and became destructive. Jefferson’s hope for a “natural aristocracy” based on talent and service in America eventually degenerated into an isolated and arrogant clerisy, illustrating how pride marks the decline of leadership.
In the modern world, celebrities and political strongmen function as a hollow aristocracy, while respect for authority has largely vanished. The paper concludes that societies receive the rulers they deserve: when people reject moral responsibility, rule by the worst follows. True “rule by the best” can only exist where men and women submit themselves to God’s authority and govern their lives accordingly.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact An Informed Faith: The Position Papers of R.J. Rushdoony
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of An Informed Faith: The Position Papers of R.J. Rushdoony?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
