In this episode (Sept. 1, 1986), R.J. Rushdoony sits down with Michigan listeners Gene and Robin Newman and traces God’s unmistakable providence in their journey from nominal backgrounds into a conviction-filled Christian life: Gene (Israeli-born, raised culturally Jewish) shares how his search for truth led him through Marxism, Zen macrobiotics, communal living, and restless striving—until Scripture, Christian friendships, and the reality of God’s sovereign grace broke through, giving him stability, peace, and a new standard for life; Robin (raised Catholic, Armenian/Polish, shaped by the deaf community) recounts her own surrender through a 12-step program, then the “tugging” she couldn’t resist to confess Jesus as Lord—even after converting to Judaism for marriage harmony—followed by Gene’s conversion soon after. Together they describe what came next: reorienting their marriage and mission, discovering Christian history and a Reformed framework, embracing homeschooling with structure and discipline, helping build Michigan homeschool advocacy (CURE), hosting twice-monthly study meetings on church-state issues, and stepping into public life with boldness—testifying that their pace and fruit weren’t manufactured, but opened by the Lord as they made faithful plans and walked forward in obedience.

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R.J. Rushdoony examines the foundation of Western civilization through law, religion, and culture, drawing on Harold Berman’s Law and Revolution and Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy. He emphasizes the papal revolution of Hildebrand (Pope Gregory VII), which freed the Church from feudal and monarchical control, establishing the inseparable connection between law and religion. This connection, reinforced by the biblical doctrine of the Atonement, shows law as fundamental to God’s justice and human accountability. Subsequent revolutions—the Protestant Reformation, the English, American, French, and Russian revolutions—further transformed law and society, but modern secularization has severed law from religion, leaving both rootless and morally ineffectual.

Rushdoony critiques modern education, Enlightenment rationalism, and figures like John Locke for promoting moral autonomy over divine law, undermining family, society, and Christian civilization. He contrasts this with historical examples, such as St. Charles Borromeo and medieval cathedral communities, which integrated law, faith, and civic life. Historical analysis, including works by Bainton, Dunlop, Bode, McManners, and Kaiser, illustrates the enduring societal role of Christian law, communal responsibility, and faith, including the example of Amish and Mennonite communities in caring for children with disabilities with eternal perspective.

Ultimately, Rushdoony stresses that restoring Christendom requires returning to biblical law as the foundation of religion and society, reaffirming human accountability, moral order, and the integration of faith into all aspects of life.

In this broadcast, R.J. Rushdoony, with Dan Harris and James Flanagan, explores the U.S. economy, financial markets, and speculation trends in 1986. They begin by discussing high-profile cases, such as the Hunt brothers’ legal battles with banks, highlighting what they describe as the “cannibalization” of strong companies by lenders and the broader economy. The conversation emphasizes the shift of capital from productive enterprises to government bonds, commodities, and speculative instruments, reflecting investor preferences for security or high returns over entrepreneurial risk. Harris and Flanagan stress that market prices and charts, not media reports or statistics, are the most reliable indicators of underlying economic trends, with historical cycles—such as the 50- and 60-year patterns in silver and bond markets—providing valuable predictive insights.

The discussion also delves into the evolution of trading, the psychology of investment, and the importance of discipline and strategy. They note the proliferation of options and financial instruments that allow speculation without ownership of the underlying asset, distinguishing between speculation and gambling while stressing the necessity of proper methods and long-term perspective. Flanagan and Harris explain the role of speculation in stabilizing commodity prices historically and caution that modern trading, though potentially highly profitable, carries extraordinary risk and volatility. They conclude by highlighting the profound effect of market movements on daily life and charitable giving, illustrating the interconnectedness of economic forces, market cycles, and societal well-being.