Theonomy

Hypothetical form of government governed by Christian divine law, in which non-Christians are excluded from citizenship and the state applies biblical law, prohibiting homosexuality, adultery, witchcraft, blasphemy and the promotion of other religions

Summary

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  • 1 Etymology
  • 2 Theonomy
  • 3 Founders
  • 4 Teachings
  • 5 Bibliography
  • 6 Sources

Etymology

It is a term that is not part of the dictionary prepared by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE). In the etymology of this noun we find the Greek word theos, which refers to the understanding of the divine through reason; and the compositional element –nomia, a suffix that refers to a set of norms.

Theonomy

The idea of ​​theonomy, therefore, can refer to the conceptualization and analysis of the rules or precepts of God. The notion is also linked to a religious and political movement that aspires to rule by applying the teachings found in the Bible. In a broad sense, theonomy implies resorting to divine wisdom to address social problems. Continuing with this thought, this wisdom is embodied in the Holy Scriptures.

For theonomy, social and economic problems are based on problems of (moral) values. The moral guide of human beings, in this framework, is the text of the Bible. That is why following the teachings of this book is, according to theonomy, the way to solve the challenges that appear in a society. In this way, theonomy proposes that the laws are a reflection or an adaptation of the principles disclosed in the Bible. Thus, the closer the civil regulations are to divine instructions, the more just and ethical will be the rules that regulate public affairs and coexistence between people. In practice, theonomy results in a conservative political doctrine. Its defenders believe that only Christians should access the command posts of a government,

Founders

It grew out of the conservative Reformed (Calvinist) churches. Its defense leader is Rousas John Rushdoony (1916 – 2001) and who in 1973 published “Institutes of Biblical Law”, a great work where he presents the commandments. The following are advocates and supporters of Reconstructionism: Gary North, Gary DeMar, Kenneth Gentry, Larry Pratt, Greg Bahnsen. Some followers are generally Calvinists and who hold orthodox doctrines such as the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the vicarious atonement, the physical resurrection of Christ, justification by faith alone, others are of the monotheistic line who believe in the uniqueness of God.

Teachings

  • Christian Reconstructionism (also known as theonomy), is a quite controversial movement within some apostate circles of Christianity. They maintain that the Word must be rebuilt, in all areas, by the lordship of Jesus Christ: In the social, the moral, the political, the judicial, the military, in the family, art, education, music, etc. Reconstructionism supports the restoration of the spiritual and moral laws of the Old Testament in order to rebuild the current American society in a Mosaic-Christian Old Testament and New Testament type and that the three main areas of society, the family, the church and the government, they would have to be modeled biblically, the Bible being the only standard. This would include severe punishments for those who break the law.
  • Reconstructionists hold a strong belief that the Bible is true and inerrant. Generally post-millennialists, they claim that, “through the preaching and teaching of the gospel, the world will convert to Christianity and that Christ will return after a period of time after the world has been converted.”
  • They support the elimination of prisons to replace them with the practice of restoration for damages caused.
  • Christians are God’s new chosen people, replacing the nation of Israel. Other religious systems must be strongly resisted.

Christian reconstructionism began with the publication of the “Institutes of Biblical Law” by RJ Rushdoony in 1973. This work of more than 800 pages, presents the 10 commandments. After the death of Rushdoony, his son-in-law, Gary North took the reins and has become a prolific writer, continuing to push for Reconstructionism.

 

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