Heidelcast Heidelminicast: Stemming Another Rising Tide of Theonomy: Hebrews 7:11-14 (Part 1)
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Mar 24, 2026 A historical tour of theonomy’s rise in 1970s American evangelical and political culture. A look at key figures and reconstructionist efforts, including practical attempts in local politics. Confessional Reformed objections and the moral/ceremonial/judicial distinction are highlighted. A teaser of a biblical test case using Hebrews 7:11–14 rounds out the discussion.
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Theonomy Emerged During 1970s Religious Politics
- The theonomic movement crystallized in the 1970s around Greg Bahnsen's Theonomy and Christian Ethics and gained attention amid the born‑again and Moral Majority era.
- Scott Clark ties the movement's rise to 1970s cultural moments like Jimmy Carter's presidency, Roe v. Wade, and the visibility of born‑again Christianity in media.
Bahnsen's Book Provoked Major Evangelical Backlash
- Greg Bahnsen's book Theonomy and Christian Ethics (1977) acted like a bombshell, provoking reviews and responses across evangelical circles.
- Clark recalls Christianity Today reviews and a Westminster Seminary faculty essay volume reacting to Bahnsen's proposal to reimpose Mosaic judicial laws.
Theonomy Claims Mosaic Judicial Laws Still Bind
- The core claim of theonomy is that Mosaic judicial laws remain binding and should be reimposed, challenging longstanding Reformed distinctions between moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws.
- Clark notes this contradicts the Westminster Confession and traditional Protestant understanding that judicial laws expired with Israel's statehood.
