The Nature of the American System

by Rousas John Rushdoony

Originally published in 1965, these essays were a continuation of the author's previous work, This Independent Republic, and examine the interpretations and concepts which have attempted to remake and rewrite America's past and present. 'The writing of history then, because man is neither autonomous, objective nor ultimately creative, is always in terms of a framework, a philosophical and ultimately religious framework in the mind of the historian. To the orthodox Christian, the shabby incarnations of the reigning historiographies are both absurd and offensive. They are idols, and he is forbidden to bow down to them and must indeed wage war against them.'

Genres: History, Politics, American, Christian

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Rousas John Rushdoony was a Calvinist philosopher, historian, and theologian and is widely credited as the father of both Christian Reconstructionism and the modern homeschool movement. His prolific writings have exerted considerable influence on the Christian right.

Reviews

[Nash Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The establishments and settlements in the constituent states were definitely and specifically Christian. In most states, single or plural establishment prevailed. Where no church was established, Christianity as such was nonetheless firmly established. There were religious requirements for citizenship and suffrage, religious oaths, laws prohibiting blasphemy, laws requiring a trinitarian faith, or a firm belief in the infallibility of Scripture, and laws barring unbelievers as witnesses in court. Court decisions sometimes cited biblical law where civil law did not entirely fit the case. In many areas, laws against unbelief were on the statute books. A man could be imprisoned for atheism. Warren Chase complained of it as an example of "slavery" and "barbarism" that in the 1820's "an old man was imprisoned sixty days, in Boston, for publishing in his own paper the fact that he did not believe in their orthodox God."The laws were premised on the fact that the respective states were Christian, and anti-Christianity constituted treasonable activity or belief. The basis of the state being Christian, that foundation had to be protected legally.” -Rushdoony

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side of good.

[Aurora Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

In which Rushdoony attempts to defend absurd notions like: 1) America was founded to follow in the medieval feudalist system, 2) a conspiratorial interpretation of history, and 3) that Christians need to engage in propaganda to sway public opinion. In hindsight his book was more effective than he could ever have hoped.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Liberty has not yet lasted long in a democracy." Regardless of how much you buy into Rusdoony's view that the US was supposed to be a restored feudal system, you have to admit Christians today could use a lot of the common sense he employs in his writing.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give a higher rating to the first three chapters of the book, particularly the first chapter, which has the same title as the book. That chapter focuses on the importance of religion and localism to the American system and is very good. I found the later chapters less interesting.

[Patrick Porras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helped me realize that I don't know much about the principles and underpinnings of our nation. Helpful in shedding light on our cultural moment. The cultural moment that is the result of history years in the making.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read. A classic. Discussion of conspiracy view of history and localism/police are again timely.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to make of this work. Some parts were very substantial in thought, others were odd. Still worth 4 stars though in my mind.