I think the rc files under linux are more configuration files for programs. The 'rc' does indeed stand for resource but the contents of the file are similar to a .ini file under windows (not necessarilly in format but in purpose).*.rc = Possibly a rescource script for a program. If I'm not mistaken, came from Windows and you created a text file describing a dialogue or menu which was input to a resource compiler and the output was then bound to the compiled executable. I think the .rc was the source code for the resource.
For example the .bashrc file is used by the bash shell to set up things like the default path, various environment variables and the prompt. It can also be used to define command aliases. Bash reads this file when it starts so that it is always set up the same way.
Phil
