Joining Church and State (02:19)

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Reconstructionist leaders believe Christianity should be a part of American politics. Hear a rendition of "Onward Christian Soldiers."

Christian Reconstructionism (00:57)

Moyers introduces a grassroots movement aiming to infuse religion into every area of American life, including civic institutions.

Christian Education Movement (03:17)

A Presbyterian church in Detroit and a megachurch in Atlanta share a Reconstructionist message. A school principal refers to teaching "Christian soldiers" and followers discuss putting religion into institutions.

Godfather of Reconstructionism (02:06)

Dr. Rushdoony believes the Bible should be used as law in the U.S. He responds to Moyers' question of interpreting the Old Testament for a modern world.

Biblical Basis for Law (01:12)

Dr. Rushdoony interprets the Bible literally, and believes that the constitution can be retained while introducing a faith-based moral law.

Biblical Government (01:38)

Dr. Rushdoony believes global social breakdown can be remedied by adopting ancient Jerusalem's theocracy model.

Reconstructionist Civic Model (01:46)

Government would be reduced in size and function; church offerings would provide taxation and elders would form moral courts. Dr. Rushdoony outlines an economy based on short-term debt.

Biblical Social Model (03:22)

Dr. Rushdoony explains "crimes" against the family such as homosexuality are punishable by death. He argues that current laws are based on a religious mandate, and explains that a Christian legal system would require popular assent.

Calvinist Lessons (02:52)

Reconstructionists cite the Holy Roman Empire and the Puritans as Christian governance models. A Detroit pastor discusses how the concept of theocracy is spreading throughout the U.S.

Democracy as a Godless System (03:44)

Reconstructionists cite "un-Christian" Supreme Court rulings on abortion, prayer in school, and taxes as evidence that the majority rule has created social ills. Dr. Rushdoony rejects U.S. humanist values.

Promoting Reconstructionism (02:53)

Moyers outlines publications, Congressional supporters, organizations, local initiatives, and other areas of Dr. Rushdoony’s public influence.

Lobbying for Religion in Politics (03:15)

Virginia politician Robert Thoburn believes the Reconstructionist movement is gaining momentum. He describes how government, economy, and education and justice systems would be modeled on the Bible.

Following a Reconstructionist Lifestyle (03:33)

A Detroit couple works on a Christian Republican campaign and leads a home school movement; their daughter wants to be a business leader.

Promoting Christian Prosperity (02:27)

A converted Jewish couple home schools their children and runs political and business groups to attract reconstructionist followers through financial success.

Kingdom Theology (04:17)

Reconstructionist ideas are appearing in both small and large congregations. Visit a Charismatic Atlanta mega church whose preacher promotes a Christian theocracy.

Popularizing Reconstructionism (02:05)

Atlanta reverend Joseph Morecraft explains how joining Calvinist and Charismatic worship traditions reaches a broader Christian audience.

Uniting Reconstructionists (00:52)

Morecraft arranged a meeting of Christian denominations and hopes to gain political momentum by creating a coalition.

Reconstructionist Criticism (03:24)

At a Christian Congress in Washington, D.C., Chuck Colson identifies flaws in the concept of imposing of Biblical law on secular society. Dr. Geisler explains that evangelicals want a moral society, rather than a Christian one.

Militant Reconstructionism (05:12)

Dr. Geisler and David Chilton criticize Gary North's extremist plans to take over government. Dr. Rushdoony believes the population should retain freedoms in a Christian theocracy.

Reconstructionist Debate (02:59)

Hear from proponents and critics of a Christian theocracy in America.

Reconstructionist Conclusion (01:26)

Moyers summarizes his investigation on the movement for a Christian theocracy.

Credits: On Earth As It Is in Heaven (01:21)

Credits: On Earth As It Is in Heaven