"God's purpose is that wealth capitalize the godly, and through them, His Kingdom. This capitalization of the Kingdom of God means conversion, knowledge, technology, and godly progress in every area of life and thought." ~ R. J. Rushdoony
R. J. Rushdoony’s quote presents a vision where wealth is not merely a personal asset but a divine tool. Let’s unpack and expand on this idea to understand its depth and implications.
Wealth as a Means to Empower the Godly
Rushdoony begins with the notion that "wealth capitalize the godly." In this context, "capitalize" suggests providing resources or power—much like capital fuels a business—to those who are faithful and aligned with God’s will. The godly, here, are individuals who live according to divine principles, and wealth in their hands becomes a means to amplify their efforts. Rather than wealth being an end in itself (e.g., for luxury or status), Rushdoony sees it as a tool entrusted to the faithful for a higher purpose.
This purpose is to advance "His Kingdom," a central concept in Christian theology often understood as the reign or influence of God on earth. Wealth, then, is not meant to stagnate or serve selfish desires but to flow through the godly to extend God’s presence and authority across society.
Capitalizing the Kingdom of God
Rushdoony further defines what this "capitalization of the Kingdom of God" entails, listing four key outcomes: conversion, knowledge, technology, and godly progress in every area of life and thought. These elements suggest a comprehensive strategy for transformation, where wealth empowers the godly to reshape the world in alignment with divine intentions. Let’s explore each in detail:
- Conversion
This refers to the spread of faith, bringing individuals and communities into a relationship with God. Wealth can facilitate this by funding missionary work, building places of worship, or supporting outreach initiatives. For example, a wealthy believer might sponsor programs that provide both material aid (like food or housing) and spiritual guidance, thereby addressing physical needs while introducing people to faith. - Knowledge
Knowledge here spans both theological insight and broader intellectual pursuits that reflect God’s truth. Wealth could support the creation of schools, seminaries, or research institutions that teach scripture alongside disciplines like science or history from a faith-based perspective. Imagine a foundation that funds biblical scholarship or scientific studies exploring creation, enhancing understanding of both God and His world. - Technology
Technology, in Rushdoony’s view, is innovation that serves godly purposes. Wealth might back projects like medical advancements to heal the sick, agricultural improvements to feed the hungry, or communication tools to spread the gospel. Consider a tech entrepreneur developing an app for scripture study or access to energy solutions that honor stewardship of the earth—both could be seen as advancing God’s Kingdom through practical means. - Godly Progress in Every Area of Life and Thought
This is the broadest and most ambitious aspect. It calls for progress that permeates personal behavior, societal systems, and cultural ideas, all rooted in biblical values. Wealth could reform education to emphasize ethics, support laws reflecting divine justice, or promote art that glorifies God. This suggests a holistic vision where no domain—politics, economics, family life, or philosophy—is untouched by godly influence.
Practical Applications
To illustrate, picture a devout business owner using profits to fund caring for people sidelined by DEI initiatives. The project not only improves health (technology and progress) but also opens doors to share faith (conversion) and teach a trade (knowledge). Or consider a philanthropist endowing an science institute that integrates theology with cutting-edge research, fostering graduates who shape culture with godly principles. These examples show how wealth, in the hands of the godly, becomes a catalyst for multifaceted Kingdom growth.
Historical and Ideological Context
Rushdoony, a founder of Christian Reconstructionism, believed society should reflect biblical law in all areas, including economics and governance. His statement aligns with this, portraying wealth as a resource for reconstructing civilization along godly lines. For him, the godly aren’t just passive recipients of wealth—they’re active agents, leveraging it to influence everything from technology to thought, creating a world where God’s will is manifest.
A Vision Beyond Accumulation
Ultimately, Rushdoony’s quote challenges believers to rethink wealth’s purpose. It’s not about personal gain but about eternal impact. Wealth capitalizes the godly not for their own sake but so they can transform the world—converting hearts, expanding minds, innovating for good, and progressing toward a society that mirrors God’s Kingdom. This perspective reframes resources as instruments of divine mission, urging the faithful to steward them with purpose and vision.
In essence, Rushdoony envisions wealth as a dynamic force, entrusted to the godly to drive a sweeping, God-honoring transformation across every facet of human existence.