Gary North: a brief in memoriam
Gary North is with the Lord.
He, more than anyone else, taught me about God’s Law and Biblical economics. His work, in many ways, formed the backbone of much of my thinking.
I was first introduced to Dr. North in 2007. A friend from church gave me a copy of Unconditional Surrender. This was apt, in many ways, because “unconditional surrender” is a very appropriate way to describe Gary and his work. He took no prisoners and he didn’t back down from his convictions. The man had a spine and he wasn’t afraid to say exactly what he believed the truth to be.
He was sometimes branded as “Scary Gary.” He, at times, wrote harshly and debate opponents never looked forward to facing him. He’s been involved in disputes that should have ended better, and he’s known by many as a controversialist.
Yet, in contrast, I also recall one evening when I had over Gary’s son-in-law and a few of his grandkids. And I remember asking my friend what Gary was like with the kids and all I heard about was sweet, gentle, caring kindness. But also in a very “Gary way”, such as his meticulous plastic embossing labeling of the tablets he gave to his grandkids. Not to even mention his graciousness to Lamb’s Reign.
Another highlight for me is Gary writing that “The ‘Delete’ key is just as large as the ‘Reply’ key. Use it.”
If that’s not good and timely advice, I’m not sure what is. Every last time I type a reply on my phone and decide not to post it, I remember Gary and his words. So, let’s just say, I remember Gary often.
He was a giant regarding God’s Law and justice. His economic commentaries are a treasure of careful, level-headed, analysis of scripture from a perspective rarely explored. Though I didn’t always agree with his positions, his work is tremendously valuable to the church. This is especially true in a day and age in which vast swaths of the Church are fundamentally “Old Testament illiterate” or believe that God’s Word is neutral on such things as monetary policy or criminal justice.
One of the things about Gary that I admire the most was his willingness to stand against the status quo. He not only had radical views by nature of him being a theonomist, he was also willing to stand against other theonomists on various topics. He didn’t just hold the standard positions of “the right” or “the left” but rather had the moral courage to stand by what God’s Law taught on subjects ranging from slavery, immigration, patriarchalism, and criminal justice. Some would say that Gary was “his own man.” I’d say he was God’s man.
Gary was a man of courageous and committed work.
Thanks to Craig Bulkeley for his excellent, thorough, and thoughtful memorial to Dr. North. I recommend everyone give it a read. It’s a much better tribute than this short and personal article. In this memorial, Craig quotes Gary:
“Finally, count the cost. If you then decide to become a Christian economics scholar as a calling, I offer this strategy. Correct my errors, extend my breakthroughs, write several monographs, produce videos, recruit and train followers, and do not become sidetracked. It is easy to become sidetracked, especially by money. Also, if someone asks you what kind of economist you are, never say ‘Northian.’ ‘Northist’ is even worse. Say that you are a covenantalist. Now, find your calling and get to work.”
As Gary does not point to himself, we should follow his example. Don’t be a ‘Northian.’ Don’t be a ‘Rushdoonyite.’ Don’t be a ‘Bahnsenian.’
Rather, be a Christian. Point to Christ.
Gary confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior and it was the Holy Spirit that sustained him and his work. Gary’s work was not for his name, his kingdom, his ministry, but only for the name of Christ the King.
May Gary rest in peace and may we all hail, alongside Gary, Jesus as Savior and King.
– John Reasnor