Christian reconstructionism

Christian reconstructionism is a fundamentalist Calvinist theonomic movement. It developed primarily under the direction of R. J. Rushdoony, Greg Bahnsen, and Gary North and has had an important influence on the Christian right in the United States.Its central theme is that society should be reconstructed under the lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. In keeping with the biblical cultural mandate, reconstructionists advocate for theonomy and the restoration of certain biblical laws said to have continued applicability. These include the death penalty not only for murder, but also for idolatry, homosexuality, adultery, witchcraft and blasphemy.

Most Calvinists reject Christian reconstructionism and hold to classical covenant theology, which is the traditional Calvinist view of the relationship between the Old Covenant and Christianity.

Christian reconstructionism is closely linked with postmillennial eschatology and the presuppositional apologetics of Cornelius Van Til.

Religious studies scholar Julie Ingersoll traces the movement's origins to Calvinism, "Southern Presbyterianism, and mid-20th century right wing conservatism of the John Birch Society" and argues that the movement has helped shape Christian nationalism.