Studies in Principle

Lectures & Texts

Worldview

2111 – Sproul, Lecture 1: The Foundation

Sproul develops the reason why man’s chief end (and God’s chief end!) is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Indeed, the reason why all things exist is to shout out that God is glorious.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2110.

2112 – Sproul, Lecture 2: Be Not Conformed to this World

Sproul defines “plausibility structures,” demolishes relativism, and urges us to take every thought captive.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2110

2113 – Sproul, Lecture 3: God's View vs. the World's View

Sproul shows how to find and test the epistemology of any belief system.  He exposes the Enlightenment and the Age of Empiricism.  Under all Godless belief systems, the proponents’ problem is not intellectual, it’s moral. But they are all doomed!  If you will not have God rule over you, you will have the state rule over you.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2110

Worldview Text

2114 – Tearing Down Strongholds, by R. C. Sproul Jr.

Writing for both believers and unbelievers, R. C. Sproul, Jr. does three things:  He shows how each major non-Christian worldview is self-contradictory and thus self-refuting; he answers the criticisms leveled against Christianity; and he makes a positive case for the existence of God.  2001.  Paperback, 197 pages.

Law

2121 – Titus, Lecture 1: The Biblical Principles 1

This lecture examines the nature of law—What makes law, law?  Defining law as “a rule prescribed by a superior that an inferior is bound to obey,” Titus firmly establishes the fact that God is the source of all law.  We’ve abandoned the Scripture as the source and measure of right and wrong, and in so doing we have lost both liberty and law.  The common law as revealed in nature and in the Holy Scripture is the only standard by which we can ever be a government of law, and not of men.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2120

2122 – Titus, Lecture 2: The Biblical Principles 2

This lecture deals with diversities of authority.  Titus defines God’s authority of the Spirit, the rod, the staff, and the sword, in three jurisdictions:  family, church, and civil government.  He emphasizes the fact that civil rulers’ authority must be limited, if there is to be liberty.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2120

2123 – Titus, Lecture 3: The Biblical Principles 3

This lecture deals with the principle of equality.  The Bible recognizes one race, many nations, two sexes.  “Created equal” means “equal legally”:  equally entitled to common-law rights; equally entitled to exercise dominion.  Special privileges (entitlements) are unbiblical.  But, national distinctions, and attendant privileges, are Biblical.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2120

Law Text

2124 – God, Man and Law: The Biblical Principles, by Herbert W. Titus

This book is designed to challenge the reader to develop a Biblical understanding of law, with particular focus on law in the United States of America.  Chapter 1 is an overview of law and legal education from two contrasting worldviews.  The other seven chapters address seven foundational principles that permeate all of law and are in every area of practice, including criminal, personal injury, domestic, tax, commercial, estate planning, and constitutional.  While the book contains some technical legal terms, the non-lawyer will find a glossary defining these terms. Hardback, 350  pages.

Citizenship

2131 – Chris Strevel, Lecture 1: Education—The Lordship of Jesus Christ in Education

First Steps to Cultural Transformation:  A Call for All Christians Parents to Provide a Christian Education for Christ’s Little Ones.  Strevel states the question, declares the necessity of Biblical education, and offers responses to standard objections to mandatory Christian education.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2130

2132 – Tom Rose, Lecture 2: Economics—Introduction to Economics

Rose identifies the source of the word economics, defines economics as “the science of choice,” and sets forth two economic principles:  Division of Labor and Specialization of Effort.  He then raises two questions:  “What makes something ‘valuable’?” and “What is the economic significance of the fact that man is created in the image of God?”  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2130

2133 – Eby, Lecture 3: Civics for the Christian Citizen

Eby lists the leading ideas of Christian civil government, outlines the American form of Christian civil government, and elaborates ten elements of the practice of Christian political action.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2130

Citizenship, Education Text

2134 – Excused Absence, by Douglas Wilson

God calls Christian parents to raise their kids for Him. Because they belong to God, are we called to surround them with a biblical worldview from the time they get up to the time they go down, including the hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.?  R. C. Sproul, Jr. writes on the back cover:  “With all the gentility and tact of a desert prophet, Doug Wilson explains why Christian parents must say to their educational taskmasters, ‘Let our children go.’” Paperback, 138 pages

Citizenship, Economics Texts

2135 – Free Enterprise Economics in America, by Tom Rose

Rose explains key concepts about the free-enterprise system that made America great.  Written from a biblical perspective in concise form, this book deals with the free market’s moral foundations and practical functioning. Paperback, 64 pages

2136 – God, Gold, and Civil Government, by Tom Rose

Rose explains the advantages of following free-market principles vs. government interventions, and how a return to a gold-coin standard would give citizens a strong “veto power” over the spending of politicians and bureaucrats.  He evaluates the Federal Reserve System and its monetary policies.  This is a concise, easy-to-read book with suggestions on how to restore freedom and self-responsibility in our American Republic. Paperback, 176 pages

Citizenship, Civics Text

2137 – To be developed, by Daniel Eby

Apologetics

2141 – Strevel, Lecture 1: The Trivium of Christian Apologetics

Strevel develops the goal, the standard, and the method of Christian apologetics.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2140

2142 – Strevel, Lecture 2: Absolute Certainty & Christian Apologetics

The Word of the Lord is the foundation for certainty.  There are five Biblical foundations for absolute certainty:

1. God is the only source of knowledge. 2. There are two levels of knowing: Ours is finite; His is absolute, complete. 3. The knowledge of God is inescapable. 4.  The Fourth Foundation for Certainty: Jesus Christ. 5.  Faith precedes knowledge.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2140

2143 – Strevel, Lecture 3: The Apostolic Model for Christian Apologetics

This lecture examines Paul as a model, and his method and mindset as demonstrated in Acts 17 in defending the faith..  2001.  Audio, VHS in set only, #2140

Apologetics Text

2144 – Every Thought Captive, by Richard L. Pratt.

In down-to-earth language, Pratt has given us this helpful study manual on apologetics, the task of defending the faith.  Far from a theoretical exposition, this training manual teaches how to answer non-believers and “bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”  Paperback, 142 pages.

Government

2151 – Rose, Lecture 1: Governmental Principles 1

Rose examines the first basic presupposition: there is only one God governing.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2150

2152 – Rose, Lecture 2: Governmental Principles 2

Here we examine the second basic presupposition:  God governs in two spheres of government.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2150

2153 – Rose, Lecture 3: Governmental Principles 3

Rose develops his third presupposition:  God has ordained three divine institutions—family, church, and civil government. 2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2150

Government Text

2154 – To be developed, by James B. Rose

History

2161 – Foster, Lecture 1: The Creation of Christendom

The mighty heroes of the world conquered nations for themselves and made them miserable.  The apostles conquered them for Christ and made them happy.  The “Dark Ages” were actually an Age of Faith.  2001..  Audio; VHS in set only, #2160

2162 – Foster, Lecture 2: European Reformation

This lecture highlights Martin Luther, “Reluctant Revolutionary”; John Calvin, “Mental Engine of the Reformation”; and Five Ideas that Changed the World.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2160

2163 – Foster, Lecture 3: The Miracle of America

Foster shows the roots of the Constitution in the diverse ecclesiastical forms that were represented in the Colonies.  He traces the path from Awakening to Revolution.  He then highlights the patriot pulpit, the forgotten miracles of the Continental Army, and finally America’s forgetting her destiny—which gave rise to the birth of secularism in America.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2160

History Text

2164 – The American Covenant, The Untold Story, by Marshall Foster and Mary Elaine Swanson

Recounting the covenant of our forefathers, this text documents the biblically-based personalities and principles that formed the foundation for America’s economic, governmental, legal, educational and spiritual institutions. Paperback, 186 pages.

Nations

2171 – McDowell, Lecture 1: How to Disciple Nations

From Matthew 28:19-20, Deuteronomy 4:5-8, II Corinthians 3:17, and Proverbs 29:18, McDowell draws the orders, the promises and the warnings related to our task of discipling the nations.  He points to God’s authority and jurisdictions, and the purpose and responsibility of the individual, the family, the church, and the civil government.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2170

2172 – McDowell, Lecture 2: Fulfilling the Cultural Mandate

Genesis 1:28 says, “…fill the earth and subdue it.”  McDowell encourages us to fulfill this mandate in six ways: discover truth through science; apply truth through technology; interpret truth through the humanities; implement truth through commerce and social action; transmit truth through education and the arts; preserve truth through government and law.  2001.  Audio; VHS in set only, #2170

2173 – McDowell, Lecture 3: Influence of the Bible on the Development of American Constitutionalism

Civil liberty is the product of the Bible in the hands of the people.  Christianity is the source of both civil liberty and American Constitutionalism.  McDowell traces the development of civil liberty, including religious liberty, over several centuries, climaxing in our Declaration of Independence.  This lecture is a very fitting capstone to Studies in Principle, Level Two.  2001.  Audio, VHS in set only, #2170

Nations Text

The principles of the Bible affect all of life, including families, education, churches, the media, government, economics, and business.  The authors attempt to provide principles from the Bible that apply to these areas. “Our goal is to set forth fundamentals for building Christian nations.” Paperback, 214 pages

Studies in Public Service

Lectures & Tests

Interposition

2411 – Tom Rose, Governmental Interposition

Rose defines governmental interposition and Biblical application, then gives historical examples of governmental interposition in America. Finally he cites the fateful events that have led to guaranteed growth of ever-increasing centralized power and tyranny in Washington, D.C.  2002.  Audio; VHS.

Interposition Text

2412 – Reclaiming the American Dream by Reconstructing the American Republic, by Tom Rose

This book explains a little-known, but powerful principle, "governmental interposition," by which intermediate magistrates can come to the rescue of citizens who are being tyrannized by out-of-control government rulers and bureaucrats. Rose discusses the Biblical influence on American government, the Biblical flow of power, how the principle was used in the Bible and in American history, and, finally, how the principle can be applied today. Paperback, 44 pages

Studies in Principle

Lectures & Tests

Worldview

3111 – Sproul, Lecture 1: Not One Inch

Sproul reemphasizes the point (made so effectively in his first Level Two lecture) that a right worldview begins with a right view of the beginning of the world.  He warns against letting those outside the Kingdom set our agenda.  He exposes Darwinists’ goal and extols the work of Francis Schaeffer and especially Abraham Kuyper, who proclaimed, “There is not one square inch of the universe over which Jesus Christ does not declare, ‘Mine!’”  A sound worldview begins with God’s ownership in creation and ends with Christ’s Lordship in re-creation.  2002.  Audio, VHS in set only, #3110

3112 – Sproul, Lecture 2: The Heavens Declare

How do we understand the world?  Sproul reports how the Greeks struggled with this question and outlines three options open to us. Whatever our reasoning, it all comes back to God. Creation shows us a God of both productivity and beauty.  In that light we must view our work (it should produce paychecks and beautify God’s world) and our children (workers, and works of art).  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3110

3113 – Sproul, Lecture 3: What is Man?

Nearly all worldviews acknowledge that the world is imperfect, and they all have formulas for improving out lot.  The Christian worldview moves quickly from creation to fall: mankind moves from the original high calling to the fallen state requiring redemption.  Darwinism sees man as an accident, getting better and better—and therefore seeking to rule over others. We move, ultimately, to greater-than-glory; those outside the kingdom, to worse-than-dust.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3110

3114 – Sproul, Lecture 4: Of Man and Men

God made us to be in relationships.  God made a covenant with man, and thereby established the family.  He also established the church, and the state. If we are to be faithful, we must keep these things in their proper places, affirming the Lordship of Christ over all things.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3110

3115 – Sproul, Lecture 5: Pretenders to the Throne

God’s institutions exist to fulfill God’s dominion mandate.  This must be the center of our purpose in our worldview.  As individuals, as members of families, and worshipers and rulers we exist to turn the whole of creation into God’s garden—and it is the devil’s work to prevent this from happening—to destroy.  His strategy is often to provide viable alternatives to the acknowledgment of the Lordship of Christ.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3110

3116 – Sproul, Lecture 6: His Kingdom is Forever

Not all that Christ calls His, renders allegiance to Him (though some day it will).  Our job is to get to that point, and to bring the rest of the world with us. Our goal in this Party, like Kuyper’s before us, is to affirm the Lordship of Christ from beginning to end, in peace or under tyranny.  All that we do and think, we do and think under the rule of Christ.  We go about our work in confidence, for He rules over all things.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3110

Worldview Text

This book is an abridged edition of the six 1898 Stone Lectures delivered at Princeton Theological Seminary by Abraham Kuyper, who later became Prime Minister of The Netherlands. It includes the following key points:  The Biblical system for life; four life systems; man and his purpose; the church and her purpose; politics, spheres and jurisdictions; comparing the Christian worldview with humanism; a new living root for the future; Christianity or paganism: the living God or an idol?  Study guide and review questions.  Paperback, 121 pages plus 44-page study-guide supplement.

Citizenship

3130 – Level 3, Citizenship: Two-tape set (see 3133 and 3134, below), VHS. (Lectures on Education and Civics to be completed at a later date.)

3133 – Tom Rose, Lecture 3: Economics—The Economic Sphere vs. the Political Sphere

Rose deals with (1) two spheres of human action: the voluntary vs. the coercive; (2) the principle of sphere sovereignty: the division of society into various spheres of social action; (3) the existence of sin in the world and its implications; (4) the interaction between the political (coercive) sphere and the economic (voluntary) sphere; (5) how freedoms are lost; (6) how freedom is like a three-legged stool (economic, political, and spiritual).  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3130

3134 – Tom Rose, Lecture 4: Economics—Money and the Federal Reserve

Rose explains what a central bank is, and how it works; how the Federal Reserve Bank “finances” federal deficits (trading one liability for another = “assets”).  He lists nine steps from full-bodied gold and silver coins to government fiat money.  He concludes with a maxim: People cannot control what they do not understand!  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3130

Citizenship, Economics Text

(See description under 2136, Level Two Studies in Principle, Citizenship, Economics Texts)

Apologetics

3141 – Strevel, Lecture 1:  The Defense of the Faith:  An Overview

An analysis of belief and unbelief; practical suggestions for witness.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3140

3142 – Strevel, Lecture 2:  In The World But Not Of It: A Paradigm for World Discipleship

Understanding the nature of the world, living faithfully in the world, and taking the Gospel to the world.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3140

3143 – Strevel, Lecture 3:  A City Set On A Hill: The Church as the Light of the World

The inescapability of the church’s involvement in social issues, the inevitable legislation of morality, the rejection of political polytheism, and the public defense of Christian morality.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3140

3144 – Strevel, Lecture 4:  Two Kingdoms:  The Christian’s Involvement in Politics

Political involvement: the inherent necessity of it, a biblical paradigm for it (goal, standard, motive, and method), and its religious nature.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3140

3145 – Strevel, Lecture 5:  Messiah the Prince:  The Civil Government and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ

The present reality, the cultural compromise, and the civil implications of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3140

The antithesis between light and darkness, the limitations of cooperation with other religions, and the unavoidable intolerance of Biblical Christianity.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3140

Apologetics Text

With crisp insight into the Scriptural text, DeMar realigns the perspective on 15 myths, including these:  involvement in the world is not “spiritual”; the Bible is only concerned about salvation; you cannot legislate morality; Christians should remain neutral; the Church should not be involved in social issues; religion and politics do not mix; there is a separation between church and state; God’s Kingdom is not of this world.  Paperback, 240 pages (out of print)

History

3161 – Morecraft, Lecture 1: The Roots of the Reformation

The Christian’s historical task, the importance of understanding Reformation history, and the roots of the Reformation: from the first to the sixteenth century.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3160

3162 – Morecraft, Lecture 2: The Reformation in Europe

The historical and religious context; the beginning of the Reformation: Martin Luther; the Reformation:  the rediscovery of grace; the standard-bearer of the Reformation: John Calvin; the lessons of the sixteenth century Reformers.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only. #3160

3163 – Morecraft, Lecture 3: The Reformation in England

The dawn of the Reformation in England: William Tyndale; the roles of the monarchs of England in the English Reformation; the English Puritans; the two greatest gifts of English Puritanism to the world.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3160

3164 – Morecraft, Lecture 4: The Reformation in Scotland

The difference between the English and Scottish Reformations, the Importance of understanding the Reformation in Scotland, the beginnings of Reformation in Scotland, the leader of the Scottish Reformation: John Knox, the impact of Samuel Rutherford and his book Lex Rex on America.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3160

3165 – Morecraft, Lecture 5: The Reformation in America: The Pilgrims and Puritans

3166 – Morecraft, Lecture 6: The Reformation in America: The Hugenots and Scotch-Irish

The French Hugenots in America, the Scotch-Irish in America.  2002.  Audio; VHS in set only, #3160

History Texts

3167 – The Great Christian Revolution, by Otto Scott  (Part III of the larger work by the same title)  From the Reformation forward,  Scott tracks the adherents of the major theological positions to their respective ecclesiastic and political destinies.  The result is a riveting historical tour-de-force that exposes the underlying currents feeding the maelstrom of events that concluded with the restoration of Charles II to the British throne.  Hardback, 227 pages

Kelly examines five church-state relations over a three-century period to show the impact of Calvin’s thought on civil government.  Paperback, 156 pages