When it came to civil government, John Calvin and virtually all of the Protestant Reformers followed their Roman Catholic forebears in preferring "the common law of nations" or, as Aquinas called it, "natural law," to Biblical law.

Rushdoony seeks to establish that civil law today really can--and ought--to be based on the civil law established by God over the nation of Israel more than 3000 years ago. Challenging!

The Institute of Biblical Law Volume I Biblical Law is a plan for dominion under God, whereas its rejection is to claim dominion on man's terms. The general principles (commandments) of the law are discussed as well as their specific applications (case law) in Scripture. Many consider this to be the author's most important work. -- Volume II, Law and Society The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the sociology of the Sabbath, the family and inheritance, and much more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. -- Volume III, The Intent of the Law God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man. The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law claim to express God's covenant grace in helping us.