New Humanism or Medieval Period: Part II (A Christian Survey of World History)

In this richly detailed and engaging episode, R.J. Rushdoony explores the transformative power of Christianity in shaping what we often mislabel as the “Dark Ages.” Far from being a time of ignorance and stagnation, the early medieval period saw the rebuilding of civilization through the tireless labor of monks, the spread of literacy, and the reordering of social life on Christian foundations. Rushdoony unpacks how the Gospel turned wandering tribes into nations and monasteries into centers of wealth, charity, and culture—all rooted in a distinctly biblical vision of dominion and stewardship. With characteristic clarity, Rushdoony also examines the competing claims of church, state, and university in the high Middle Ages, the evolution of marriage and education, and the steady drift from biblical theology to corrupted traditions. Through powerful historical examples and poignant personal reflections, this episode doesn’t just recount history—it reveals the principles that build enduring societies. If you want to understand how Christendom emerged from chaos, and why it matters for Christians today, this is essential listening.